Breastfeeding and Pumping: Your Questions Answered

You’re entering into the world of breastfeeding and pumping. While everyone experiences these milestones differently, for us, both were full of indescribable joy (the latter mixed with a rather loud brrrt-brrrt-brrrt sound that may well haunt us for the rest of our lives…but don’t let that scare you!).

When it comes to pumping and storing breast milk in particular, there are lots of unknowns, especially if this is your first babe. Even if it’s your second, third, or fourth and you’ve already had a few cuddles earth-side, chances are you’ve got a lot of questions. 

Let’s break it down, mama to mama. Here’s everything you need to know about breastfeeding and pumping.

When Should You Start Pumping?

If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you don’t need to start pumping right away. Most mums wait until breastfeeding is well established, which is around 4 to 6 weeks postpartum, before introducing the pump. 

Why? Because your milk supply is still figuring itself out, and adding a pump into the mix too early can sometimes throw things off.

But there are some times when starting to pump earlier makes total sense, including:

• If your little one is premature or has trouble latching.

• If you’re heading back to work or study soon.

• If you’re trying to boost a low milk supply.

• If you have any pre-existing or newly apparent medical conditions that affect your supply.

If any of these apply to you, it’s best to chat with a lactation consultant who can help you find a plan that works for your body and your baby. 

Our tip: Not sure who to turn to, or what a lactation consultant even is? We’ve been there. Start with an appointment with your midwife or GP, then visit the Australian Breastfeeding Association for an ABA-certified breastfeeding counsellor.

Do I Have to Pump?

Let’s be real: not everyone needs or wants to pump, and that’s totally okay. The decision to pump is deeply personal and usually depends on your lifestyle, your goals, your baby’s needs, and your own body.

You might consider pumping your breastmilk if:

• You’re in hospital for longer than anticipated with a premature baby. If so, you’ve got a great team to support you, so try to ease some anxiety and know that pumping is a wonderful option for your little babe.

• You're going back to work or school and want to continue breastfeeding.

• You’re building up a freezer stash for emergencies. A lot of women we know found this perfect for upcoming travel arrangements.

• You’re dealing with engorgement or oversupply.

• Your bub is having trouble latching.

• Breastfeeding itself continues to be painful or emotionally draining—many women experience this, and it doesn't mean you're failing.

There’s no pressure either way. Just go with what works best for you and your little one. You might prefer pumping over breastfeeding, or you might do a mix of both. And remember, feeding is not one-size-fits-all. 

Whether it’s boob, bottle, formula, expressed milk, or a mix of all of the above, you’re doing great.

Related: The Breastfeeding Network articulately outlines 8 reasons you might need a breast pump during your breastfeeding journey, so check it out for some insightful tips and peace of mind. 

Essential Equipment for Pumping

We know first hand how much difference the right gear can make to your breastfeeding and pumping journey. Pumping doesn’t have to be complicated, and a few breastfeeding essentials will make your life so much easier.

Let’s start with types of breast pumps. You’ve got:

• Manual pumps: Budget-friendly, portable, great for occasional use.

• Electric pumps: More efficient, ideal if you’re pumping regularly.

• Hospital-grade pumps: Powerful and often recommended for low supply or if you're exclusively pumping. Your midwife or obstetrician will generally recommend this to you if you're presenting with breastfeeding difficulties.

• Wearable pumps: Sick of sitting? Wearable pumps mean you can keep pumping while doing chores or pottering around the house. They’re less efficient than hospital-grade or electric pumps, but perfect for the busy mum!

Other helpful accessories for both breastfeeding and pumping include:

• Nursing bra or bralette: Try the Postpartum Reversible Bralette by Bare Mum for a soft, breathable option that also holds cool packs. This one’s great for breastfeeding mamas.

• Warm and cool packs: Get some much-needed relief and soothing comfort for sore breasts. The Bare Mum Warm & Cool Breast Inserts are super cute and slip inside the Bare Mum Bralette above.

• Breast pads: For mums going back to work, school, or who just want to protect their clothes around the house, breastfeeding pads are your hero. Try the Bare Mum Ultra Absorbent Breast Pads, which contour to your bra and keep you dry for up to 8 hours. For a warmer wool option, the Bundl Australia Wool Breast Pads feel soft and cosy while still letting your skin breathe.

• Hands-free pumping bra: For pumping mamas. So you can finally scroll Insta, sip your coffee, or just take a moment.

• Milk storage bags or containers: BPA-free and clearly labelled = your new best friend.

• Cleaning supplies: Steriliser, bottle brushes and a drying rack.

• Cooler bags and ice packs: For when you’re pumping on the go.

Skincare must-haves during breastfeeding and pumping

Whether you’re breastfeeding or pumping or a mix of both, your poor nipples and sensitive surrounding skin will react. It’s all normal, but that doesn’t make it comfortable. 

We used these breastfeeding skincare products during our own journeys, and we hope they’ll help you, too:

• Breast or nipple shields: Heal and protect your nipples after feeding. The Silvernips Nipple Healing Kit is our go-to—the shields are made with Silver (925), which has antimicrobial, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal benefits.

• Soothing compresses: For an extra dose of calming relief after feeds, we love the Hydronips Hydrogel Compresses.

• Nipple cream or balm: An absolute essential for instant relief and ongoing skincare. We stock the Mere Botanicals Nipple Cream (hydrating and nourishing), the Mama & Bird Mama Balm (natural and Australian certified vegan), and the Bare Mum Nipple Balm (non-stick formula with a cooling ceramic applicator).

How Do You Deal With Breast Pumping at Work?

Returning to work while breastfeeding probably sounds like the most daunting prospect since actually giving birth. But speaking of that, hey, you’ve already brought a child into the world; how difficult can a bit of at-work breastfeeding and pumping be? You’ve got this.

Here’s what helped us in our transitions from pumping on the couch to pumping in the breakroom:

Plan ahead

Talk to your boss or team lead before you return. It’s your legal right to pump at work, and most workplaces will be supportive if they understand your needs.

Schedule it in

Try to pump at the same time each day to keep your supply consistent. Align it with your bub’s usual feeding times. Ask if you can have an extra break during work to do this, as you also need a standard lunch break just for you (and, you know, to actually eat and have a break).

Find your space

A private, quiet room is ideal, somewhere with lower foot traffic and where co-workers won’t accidentally walk in on you. Ask your manager about using a spare meeting room or unused office space. Keep some calming music or baby photos on hand if you need help with letdown.

Did you know? It's your legal right to breastfeed or express milk at work, no matter what. Under the Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984, all states in Australia protect your right to combine breastfeeding and paid work, and any form of discrimination against breastfeeding mothers is against the law.

Want to know more? Read this helpful guide from the ABA.

Bring the essentials

Pump, storage bags, cooler, and maybe even a change of top (just in case—because leaks happen!).

What Do the Colours of Breastmilk Mean?

Breastmilk isn’t always white, and that’s totally okay! Its colour can vary depending on your baby’s needs, the time of day, or even what you’ve eaten.

• Blue-tinged milk: Usually foremilk which comes through at the beginning of a session. Foremilk is thinner, lower in fat and higher in water. It hydrates bub at the start of a feed.

• Creamy white/yellow milk: Hindmilk comes later in the feed and contains more fat, which is great for growth and satisfaction. Spoiler: this is your little babe's favourite.

• Green milk: You might notice (with understandable concern) that your milk has a greenish hue at times. Don't panic! This can simply happen if you or bub are fighting off a virus. It's not harmful, just your body doing its thing.

• Pink/red milk: This may indicate a little bleeding, usually from cracked nipples or minor trauma. If it’s a one-off and you're not in pain, it’s usually fine. But if bleeding continues or you see clots, check in with your GP or lactation consultant.

Seeing something unusual? The ABA has a great guide to all the strange colours (and smells) of breastmilk to put you at ease and indicate when you might need to speak to a doctor.

Breastmilk Composition: Morning vs Night Feeds

Your breastmilk changes constantly to match your baby’s needs, even hour to hour. There are subtle (and some more apparent) composition changes to be aware of.

Morning milk:

• Lighter, more watery

• Helps hydrate and energise bub for the day

Evening/night milk:

• Higher in fat (keeping baby fuller for longer)

• Contains melatonin and tryptophan (helps promote better sleep)

If you’re offering expressed milk, it’s recommended to give morning milk during the day and nighttime milk before bed when possible. That said, it’s perfectly fine to feed any expressed milk at any time—it’s all beneficial!

Storing Breastmilk (ABA Guidelines)

Let’s talk logistics. Once you’ve pumped that liquid gold, you’ll want to store it safely. But what’s the best and safest way to do so? How long can breastmilk be stored? Can you use containers? Is freezing best? 

We assume these questions and more are likely whirling around in your tired new-mum brain, so let us break it all down for you. 

According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA), breastmilk is best stored:

• At room temp (26°C or lower): Safe for up to 6–8 hours.

• In the fridge (at 5°C or lower): Up to 72 hours (3 days).

• In the freezer (-18°C or lower): Best used within 3 months, but safe for up to 6–12 months.

Some extra storage tips include:

• Containers used to store breastmilk should be food-grade and BPA-free. Think plastic bags, baby-feeding bottles, plastic cups with tight-fitting lids or even small glass jars. 

• Label each bag with the date (and time if you’re extra organised).

• Use the oldest milk first.

• Store in small portions (like 60–120ml) to avoid waste.

And when it comes to warming and preparing stored milk, these are our tried-and-true practices:

• Thaw milk in the fridge overnight or place in a warm water bath.

• Never microwave (hot spots = ouch on bubba's tiny tongue).

• Swirl gently to mix—don’t shake.

• Don’t re-freeze any thawed milk.

• Don’t re-heat breastmilk more than once.

• Don’t add new breastmilk to old, previously pumped and stored milk unless they’re at the same temperature.

How to Be Successful at Breastmilk Pumping

Want to get the most out of your pumping sessions? We know you do, and for that reason alone, we know you'll do amazing—even if it takes a few tries! 

Here are some of our mum-tested tricks for successful breast pumping, especially as you get used to it:

Create a calm space

Dim the lights, take a few deep breaths, and relax your shoulders. You could even look at photos or videos of your baby—hello, oxytocin!

Maximise your output

Massage your breasts before and during pumping. Use a warm compress to stimulate letdown. Stay hydrated and eat nourishing foods, and pump at regular times to train your body.

Speak to a lactation consultant

We’ve mentioned this before, but we want to say it again: lactation consultants can work wonders for both your milk supply and your psyche. 

It’s so easy to feel like you’re ‘failing’ at breastfeeding and pumping, or like you’re not giving your baby enough nutrients due to trouble latching. 

A lactation consultant works with you one-on-one in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you.

Give yourself grace

Some days you’ll pump heaps, and other days...not so much. It’s a bit like exercising at the gym, or doing that reformer pilates class: sometimes you nail it, other days you feel like a loaf of bread. That’s normal!

Troubleshooting Common Breastfeeding and Pumping Issues

Low milk supply? Try power pumping (short, frequent sessions). Check your flange size and pump settings. Drink water, eat enough, and rest when you can.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, make sure your breast shield fits well and try adjusting suction settings. More power isn’t always better!

Other common breastfeeding and pumping problems include:

Clogged ducts or mastitis

Clogged milk ducts can feel like a hard, tender lump in your breast. They’re often uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful. If left untreated, they can lead to mastitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the breast tissue. It sounds intense (and it can be), but the good news is, it’s treatable—and often preventable—with the right care.

Here’s what to do if you suspect a blockage:

• Apply a warm compress: A heat pack or warm face washer placed on the affected area before feeding or pumping can help loosen the blockage.

• Massage gently while feeding or pumping: Use your fingertips to stroke from the lump toward the nipple in circular motions. This can encourage the duct to clear.

• Keep feeding or pumping: As uncomfortable as it may be, it’s good to keep milk flowing. Skipping feeds or expressing less can actually make the blockage worse.

• Try different breastfeeding positions: Sometimes, switching up your baby’s latch angle can help drain different parts of the breast more effectively.

• Rest and stay hydrated: Your body is fighting inflammation, so give it the support it needs. Drink plenty of water, boost hydration with a Mini + Me Hydramama support drink, and rest whenever you can.

If you start to feel feverish, achey, chilled, or if the pain persists, don’t push through it alone. These could be signs of mastitis, which means it’s time to call your GP or midwife. You might need antibiotics or medical support to help clear the infection.

Can I pump colostrum?

Yes, you can! Some mums express colostrum during late pregnancy, especially if they’re planning a C-section or have gestational diabetes.

Colostrum is thick, golden, and packed with nutrients. If you’re thinking of hand-expressing colostrum, speak to your midwife or OB first. And yes, it’s often easier (and gentler) to hand express colostrum than to use a pump. 

You might even notice some colostrum ‘leaking’ out while in the shower—don’t panic, it’s totally normal.

What about pumping at 37 weeks pregnant?

You can start expressing from around 36–37 weeks, but only if it’s safe to do so. Stimulating your nipples can trigger contractions, so check with your care provider before giving it a go. 

If you get the green light, you can express and freeze colostrum to bring to hospital. This is especially helpful if your bub needs extra feeding support after birth.

How much breastmilk can I pump?

Every body is different. Some mums pump a few drops, others fill a bottle. It’s all normal.

Here’s a general idea:

• Newborn stage: 30–60ml per session is common.

• Older babies: You may get 90–120ml or more per session.

It’s not about how much; it’s about consistency, comfort, and supporting your feeding goals.

Breastfeeding and Pumping Resources

• The Australian Breastfeeding Association: Using a breast pump

• KidsHealth: Breastfeeding FAQS: Pumping

• The Royal Women’s Hospital Victoria: Using a breast pump

• Raising Children Network: Expressing & storing breast milk

• Healthline: Combining Breastfeeding and Pumping