Pumping offers several benefits for breastfeeding moms. It helps relieve or prevent engorgement. Also, it allows you to feed your baby breast milk even when you are apart. Pumping also makes it easier for your baby to latch on and nurse if your breasts are very full.
After using a pump, a mom should feel that their breasts are lighter. However, in some cases, the breasts still feel full after pumping. Why does it happen? Should you be concerned if this happens to you? Continue reading to find out.
Why Should You Empty Your Breasts?
You need to empty your breasts to manage your milk supply. Waiting to nurse or pump until the breasts are full so you will have "more milk" is a misconception. In fact, it does the opposite.
If you don't empty your breasts, they will become overfilled or engorged. That will tell your brain that you are producing too much milk. As a response, your body will begin producing less milk. In the long run, that will reduce your milk supply.
Why Do Your Breasts Still Feel Full After Pumping, But There's No Milk Letdown
It could be that you are struggling with letdown, or the pump you are using is not effective. For newer moms, it could also be because your milk hasn't come yet. Below, we'll explain the different causes with more details:
Struggles with Letdown
Letdown is what causes your milk to flow out of your body. It is also called the "milk ejection reflex." You can trigger this reflex through stimulation, which releases oxytocin and prolactin into the bloodstream. Prolactin helps produce more milk, while oxytocin widens the milk ducts, making it easier for the milk to flow.
The problem is that several factors can affect letdown. It may become difficult to trigger this response if you are anxious, stressed, sleepy, or in pain.
Solution:
Oxytocin is also called the "love hormone." One way to make your systems release this is by thinking about or holding your baby. Skin-to-skin contact can help a lot, but if you are away from your baby, you can watch a video of him or her instead.
Alternatively, you can massage your breasts to mimic the stimulation from your baby suckling on your breasts. If you are stressed, you can take a bath or a warm shower to relax. It can help release oxytocin, and so there will be milk when you pump.
Mastitis
Mastitis is inflammation of breast tissues, which causes redness and swelling. It can also cause breast pain, tenderness, a burning sensation, and a feeling of fullness. You can still pump or breastfeed if you have mastitis. However, this condition can affect the amount of milk you can express through pumping and may cause no milk to flow out.
Solution:
Do you think you have mastitis? If so, please contact your doctor. They will provide you with expert tips on how to relieve mastitis. Additionally, they may be able to recommend antibiotics that can cure it.
Ineffective Pump
Some breast pumps are less effective than the others. That could be why your breast pump is not draining your breasts. Luckily, you sometimes don't need to replace the whole breast pump. You just need to adjust some parts.
Breast pumps can also be ineffective if you hate pumping. The quality of the pump you are using could be causing this irritation. For example, it is uncomfortable to use.
Solution:
The best course of action is to change your breast pump. Select a high-quality one. It should offer customizability, comfortability, and effectiveness.
How Do I Know Whether My Breasts Are Empty or Not?
If your breasts feel lighter and less milk is coming out, it means your breasts are empty. You can lift them up with your hands if you don't want to rely on just feeling. If they are empty, you will be able to lift them easily.
Generally, you want to stop after about 15 to 20 minutes of pumping. After this, the way the milk is flowing will change since the breasts are already emptied. You may see just a few drops coming out. Please note that if this happens a lot earlier, you may need to change your breast pump settings. This may help trigger a second letdown, allowing milk to flow out again.
Tips for Pumping to Empty Your Breasts
We have identified the problems that could be causing the issue. Now, we will dive into the things you can do if your breast is hard but no milk comes out when pumping. Here are some pumping tips that will help you empty your breasts.
Adjust the Breast Pump Speed and Suction
Electric pumps are more efficient and effective than manual pumps. They usually offer different settings. That includes speed, suction, and vibration settings. You should try different settings to see what works best for you.
However, if you are experiencing problems with letdown, you should use the lowest setting that is comfortable for you. Remember, feelings of discomfort can prevent letdown.
If your current breast pump does not allow this, it is time to get a new one. Try the Momcozy M9 breast pump. It offers powerful suction without causing discomfort. Furthermore, it lets you adjust the mode and intensity.
Find a Comfortable Place to Pump
As mentioned above, discomfort, frustration, and stress can prevent letdown. Thus, there's no letdown when pumping. That said, you can promote letdown by sitting in a comfortable, quiet, and distraction-free spot. Listening to calming music can also help.
Choose the Correct Flange and Place It Properly
If the flange size is too small, your breast will feel constricted. That will make it harder to express milk. So, consider using a bigger one. However, remember that being too big isn't ideal either because that can weaken the pull. The perfect flange size gives your breast some freedom of movement but remains snug without causing discomfort.
The placement of the flange matters, too. It should cover and properly seal your entire nipple and areola. You may feel discomfort if it does not.
Other Facts About Emptying Your Breasts with Pumping
Here, we will demystify other topics that can help you express milk successfully through pumping.
Why is My Breast Milk Not Spraying?
If your milk is not spraying and is just dribbling down, it means your breasts are empty. If it still feels full, keep pumping for five minutes to try for a second letdown.
Should I Stop Pumping When the Milk Stops Flowing?
No. You should keep pumping for 1 to 2 minutes. The last droplets of milk actually contain the highest levels of fat, providing the greatest calories. As such, you'd want to catch that.
Furthermore, milk may stop flowing earlier than usual for some women due to several factors. If that happens, try to get a second letdown by adjusting the pump settings, massaging your breasts, or moving to a more comfortable spot.
Does Spraying Milk Mean Oversupply?
No, spraying milk does not necessarily mean you have an oversupply. This is called forceful or overactive letdown. It can also happen if you have a normal milk supply. If this affects your baby during lactation, try leaning back or catching the spray with a bottle first before breastfeeding.
Some mothers may pump unnecessarily due to this, thinking it will reduce the milk supply and prevent spraying. However, it will make it worse, as it will tell your body to produce more.
Should Milk Squirt When Pumping?
Yes, it should spray. It is your milk letting down. At the start, it will only dribble down but will start spraying after a little while. Then, once your breasts are almost out of milk, it will return to dribbling down.
Why Shouldn't You Pump Longer Than 30 Minutes?
No, you should not. Generally, you want to do each breast for 15 minutes. After that, you should stop, as continuing could cause problems with your milk supply. You should stop even if there is still milk coming out.
Conclusion
If your breasts are still full after pumping or if they still feel full, there is a problem. It could be that you can't trigger the letdown reflex, or you have mastitis. Consulting your doctor and relaxation techniques can help you overcome these challenges.
Furthermore, you may need to change your electric breast pump. Switch to one that offers powerful suction without causing discomfort, such as the Momcozy M9. It also allows you to adjust the mode and intensity, which can also promote letdown.
