Why Is Milk Transfer and Pumping Still Low After Trying Everything
Feeding a baby isn’t always simple, especially when milk supply feels low or pumping gets uncomfortable. Many new parents face these challenges and don’t always know where to start. There’s a lot of advice out there, but not everything works for every baby or every body.
Small changes like switching pump parts, adjusting suction, or trying new feeding routines can sometimes help. Still, it often takes a mix of changes to see progress with milk transfer and pumping.
This article follows insights shared between IBCLC Lo Nigrosh and Catherine Pelchat, a new mother working through low milk supply and feeding struggles. She tried different pump types, tested various flange sizes, and even looked into her health. She also explored how bottle-feeding routines might affect her baby’s feeding comfort and milk intake.
In this article, you’ll learn what can affect milk transfer and pumping comfort. We’ll look at flange fit, pump setup, and baby sucking patterns. We’ll also explore how stress, health factors, and bottle-feeding habits can play a role. Lastly we will offer clear steps to try, based on real experience and expert advice.
What Causes Milk Transfer and Pumping Discomfort
Nipple pain during pumping often feels like burning or tingling. This usually happens when flanges aren’t fitting properly or when the pump settings are used incorrectly. New parents who attempt to pump often get fitted for a flange by a lactation specialist or on their own and are still disappointed to discover that pumping is painful and pumped milk output is lower than hoped.
If you are experiencing soreness or not getting milk out that remains in the breast, book a flange fitting appointment with an IBCLC who specializes in flange fitting and pumping. Flange fitting is not just about measuring and using the size of your nipple. IBCLC Lo Nigrosh often tells her patients that flange sizing is “part science and part art.” Trying a variety of flange shapes and sizes and tracking which flange produces the most amount of milk in the least amount of time with the most comfort will help you to discover your perfect flange fit. An IBCLC who is well-versed in this can help you narrow down the right fit for your body and your pump, taking into consideration your unique circumstances.
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Nipple Discomfort While Pumping
Flange size plays a key role in comfort. A wrong size can cause rubbing, swelling, or skin damage.
If pumping hurts or causes redness, try other flange sizes.
Track how your nipples feel after each session. Use that feedback to adjust and find a better fit.
Low Milk Transfer Despite Feeding
Sometimes babies latch but don’t transfer very much milk. Working with an IBCLC, you can do a weighted feed to get an idea of how much your baby is transferring in a single nursing session. For example, Catherine's baby took 0.3 ounces at her last weighted feed with a different IBCLC, when 3-4 ounce transfers would be expected.
Look for signs like:
Sucking without much swallowing
Falling asleep soon after starting
No signs of fullness after feeding
Fussiness during or after nursing
These signs may point to oral motor dysfunction or low milk supply, or potentially both. Oral motor dysfunction is a way to describe a baby who is not suctioning well or using their tongue in a functionally ideal way. There is always a root cause to oral motor dysfunction, which your IBCLC can help you determine.
Challenges with Milk Transfer and Pumping
When oral motor dysfunction leads to low milk transfers during weighted feeds, it may be necessary to switch to exclusive pumping while you work with your baby to improve their latch.
Pumping more often may help boost supply. However, Catherine was getting 1-1.5 ounces per session despite pumping at least 8 times per day. One way to improve milk output instantly is to use “hands-on pumping” techniques. Doing breast compressions, especially in the quadrants of your breast where you notice the most milk (places where you get plugged ducts or where you notice you can squeeze to get milk out) will increase the volume of milk being pumped.
Many of Lo’s clients are surprised to find how getting the right flange for their breast shape and size will increase milk output dramatically. If milk output remains low, working with your IBCLC to determine the underlying causes of low milk supply can help to determine what steps can be taken to increase your milk supply.
Feeding Routine and Bottles
When nursing doesn’t work, bottle feeding becomes necessary. You still want to feed on demand, paying attention to hunger cues more than the clock or a specific schedule. Every baby is different!
If hunger and fullness cues are hard to interpret, book an appointment with an IBCLC to help you figure that out. She can also show you simple oral motor exercises that may help improve function. An IBCLC can also refer you to specialists who can work with your baby to improve oral motor skills.
Can Bottle Feeding Improve Milk Transfer and Pumping
When feeding concerns come up, both bottle-feeding habits and pumping routines may need a closer look. Some changes might help, but not all will work for every baby.
Image Credits: Photo by Sarah Chai on Pexels
Bottle-Feeding – Getting the Right Help
You may be surprised to learn that many IBCLCs are often well-versed in bottle feeding that supports breastfeeding and milk supply. Working with an IBCLC while beginning bottle feeding will help you to determine the right nipple shape and flow rate for your situation. Babies who are accustomed to low supply and need to work harder to get milk out of the breast, may need a slower flow with a bottle. Babies who are accustomed to a fast flow switch a forceful letdown may need a faster flow. But depending on the bottle feeding goals and milk supply situation, this could vary.
Consulting your IBCLC for bottle feeding advice will help you to find the right flow size and quantity for your situation. For example, smaller quantities fed more frequently often work better for reflux. Always match bottle flow to the baby’s needs and reactions.
Watch for these signs:
Faster flow leads to a mismatch between body feeding and bottle feeding, but that isn’t always the case
Larger volume increases intake but may not ease fussiness
Smaller volume with slower flow often reduces discomfort
Feeding pace directly affects digestion and comfort
Can Pumping Setup and Stress Levels Affect Milk Supply?
Pumping output can change a lot depending on the setup and how relaxed you feel. Even small things like flange shape, suction strength, or pump style can make a big difference. What works well for one person might not work at all for another.
Image Credits: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels
Flange Fit in Milk Transfer and Pumping Output
When milk output feels low or changes often, it helps to check both pumping comfort and possible health issues. Small details like flange fit, suction strength, or stress can all affect how much milk comes out.
Image Credits: Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Finding the Right Flange Size
A poor fit blocks milk flow: If the areola gets pulled into the tunnel, it may slow or block milk flow. It can also cause pain.
Only the nipple should move in the tunnel: A good fit means just the nipple moves during pumping, without the areola rubbing or stretching.
Smaller isn't always better: Sizing down too much can press on the milk ducts. Go slow to let swelling ease first.
Lubricant helps reduce friction: A drop of lubricant can help the nipple slide better, making pumping smoother and less painful.
The right size gives more milk with less time: The best flange is the one that feels good and empties well. This often means trying a few sizes.
Wearables, Comfort, and Output
Wearable pumps may feel easier to use, especially when doing things around the house. That comfort matters. Feeling calm can help the body release milk more easily. If a wearable pump feels better, it may give better results. However, if it doesn’t empty the breast well, milk supply might go down over time.
Trying different insert sizes inside the wearable, like switching from 17mm to 13mm, could help. Less suction or softer parts may also reduce discomfort. What matters most is staying relaxed, since stress can block milk flow. Track results and adjust slowly based on what feels best.
Health Factors in Milk Transfer and Pumping
Low milk supply may also be linked to health issues. It’s smart to work with an IBCLC if you are wondering if there may be any underlying root causes that could impact supply. Your IBCLC can suggest labs that you will request or PCP to conduct. These labs will help you rule out any health factors that could be contributing to low milk supply. Your IBCLC can help you make changes to your diet or nutrient profile that could improve milk supply. She may also be able to recommend supplements or galactagogues that will improve milk supply based on your health needs.
Conclusion
Milk transfer and pumping can feel confusing when results don’t match the effort. One small change rarely fixes everything. Often, it takes adjusting a few things at once. Try different flange sizes, switch between pumps, or space out sessions differently. What feels better to your body usually works better too.
Comfort plays a big role. If you feel calm, your body can release milk more easily. Stress can block that flow, even when your setup looks right. So it helps to find a routine that lets you stay relaxed. Try to track how your body responds, not just how much milk comes out.
Moreover, check for any health issues if changes don’t help. Low iron or thyroid issues can affect milk supply. In this case, blood work looked fine, but it was still worth checking. In the end, good results come from small steps, not a perfect setup. Keep trying what works best for you and your baby.
FAQs
Can dehydration affect milk transfer and pumping?
Yes. Not drinking enough water can lower milk supply. Try to sip water regularly throughout the day.Does sleep impact milk transfer and pumping results?
Yes. Poor sleep can affect milk hormones and reduce output. Rest when you can, even in short naps.Can food choices help improve milk transfer and pumping?
Eating enough calories and balanced meals supports milk production. Skipping meals may reduce output.Can certain medications reduce milk transfer and pumping success?
Some medicines can lower milk supply. Always check with a doctor or lactation consultant before taking any.Does exercise impact milk transfer and pumping?
Light exercise is fine. Just stay hydrated. Intense workouts may slightly reduce supply in some people.