Blogs & Tutorials

Hands on Pumping

Nikki Mather IBCLC · 15 May 2025 · 2 min read

Introduction

Nikki Mather IBCLC talks about hands-on pumping and how it can support you to increase your supply and optimise your time expressing.

Are you looking for effective ways to increase your breastmilk supply and make the most of your pumping sessions? Many parents find themselves concerned about low milk supply, but the good news is that specific techniques can significantly help boost milk production. This hands-on pumping tutorial will guide you through a proven method that can help you pump more milk and build a stronger supply.

In this guide

01 Hands On Pumping To Increase Milk Supply

02 Hands On Pumping Tutorial

Hands On Pumping To Increase Milk Supply

Hands-on pumping can benefit any new parent who needs to express milk to build supply. Using a hands-on approach to pumping can help increase supply more than if using a pump alone.

Here’s a guide on how to do it to support an increase in your milk supply.

Hands On Pumping Tutorial

Ensure the flange fits Using the correct breast pump flange size is crucial because it ensures comfortable and effective milk removal, preventing nipple pain or damage and maximising your milk output.

Warm up:
Gently massage both breasts for a few minutes. You can also use a warm compress to stimulate milk flow. The warm compress is an optional step and if you haven’t got anything to hand, start massaging without the warm compress.

Double Pump & Compress:
Start pumping with both breasts at once (double pumping). While pumping, use your hands to compress your breasts firmly, focusing on areas that feel full. Consider making yourself a hands-free pumping bra to help secure the pumps to breast. Continue for a few minutes until your milk flow slows to a trickle.

Massage Again:
Gently give your breasts another massage, focusing on any lumpy areas.

Change things up
Switch up the settings on the pump every 3-5 minutes so you use the “let-down” stage and the “expression” stage at regular intervals.

Time
Get yourself comfy and aim to complete the above cycle for 15-20 minutes until you feel fully drained.

More milk please
Using hand expression for 5 minutes after the pump is an effective way of expressing any more milk which may be available. Alternatively, you could single pump on each side again using compressions for 5 minutes.

You may be expressing milk for a variety of reasons; to build your supply after a tricky start, or to build a breastmilk stash for returning to work or to have a little breastmilk in the freezer just in case you aren’t around for a feed or two.

Breast pumps on the market are variable in terms of effectiveness from one mother to the next. One person may respond very well to a wearable breast pump, and the next mum will not get a drop.