Pumping Problems? Why Buying Another Pump May Not Be the Answer
Hi everyone! Let’s dive into a topic I encounter all too often: what do you do when you’ve tried a whole pile of breast pumps, and none of them seem to work?
This is a frustrating situation for many pumping moms. Picture this: a mom comes to me, exasperated, with a list of 8, 9, or even a dozen pumps she’s tried—all without success. Naturally, her first question is, “What should I buy next?” The answer, though, often surprises people: usually, the answer is nothing. At least not right away. Misery doesn’t love company- neither does a pile of poor performing pumps!
Why Your Pumps May Not Be Working
It’s important to step back and figure out why those pumps aren’t working before investing in yet another one. Here’s the hard truth: sometimes, the problem isn’t the pump. Don’t get me wrong—there are plenty of subpar pumps on the market. But if you’ve tried several and still aren’t seeing results, it’s worth asking:
Are the pumps truly the problem?
Or could there be another issue, like sizing, technique, or even milk supply challenges?
The reality is, pumps don’t lie. If you’re using a dozen different pumps and none of them are helping you meet your goals, it might be time to dig deeper into the situation.
The Real Culprits Behind “Pump Failure”
Here are some common reasons moms struggle with pumps:
Flange Fit Issues:
Did you know that most pumps come with standard flange sizes that don’t fit everyone? A poorly fitted flange can drastically affect performance and comfort. Often, a simple $10 insert can make a world of difference.Hormonal or Supply Issues:
Breast pumps work with your body’s hormonal signals to express milk. If your hormones aren’t fully supporting milk production or your baby’s latch isn’t effective, it can seem like the pump isn’t doing its job.Technique and Strategy:
Using the wrong suction pattern or timing can make even the best pump feel ineffective. Learning how to optimize your pumping strategy is often more important than the pump itself.Underlying Baby or Supply Concerns:
If your baby isn’t thriving as expected and your care team isn’t picking up on subtle signs, your milk supply could be lower than it seems. In these cases, a pump may reveal issues no one else has noticed.
Why We Don’t Jump to “Buy Another Pump”
Even the cheapest pumps cost at least $100. Reselling unused pumps is common, but you’ll still lose money. That’s why my team and I emphasize taking a closer look before throwing more money at the problem.
We sort through what’s worked—and what hasn’t—with your current pumps. For example:
If six pumps have a similar suction pattern and none worked, we can probably rule out that pattern for your needs.
If all pumps failed due to a poor flange fit, correcting that could make your existing pumps work like a dream.
The Genuine Lactation Difference
Our approach is simple: instead of focusing on selling you another pump, we focus on making the equipment you already have work for you. Through my Genuine Lactation On-Demand Program, we take a deep dive into everything you need to know about pumping—going far beyond the surface-level advice most resources provide.
We believe you deserve more than guesswork. Pumping is expensive, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting. The last thing we want is for you to feel defeated or like you’ve wasted money. That’s why we start by identifying the real issues and giving you tools to address them.
What If You’ve Been Doing Everything “Wrong”?
Here’s the good news: even if you’ve been doing everything wrong, fixing your technique is often faster, cheaper, and easier than replacing your pump collection. Believe it or not, that “pile of pumps” you’ve accumulated might actually include the perfect pump—you just need to use it differently.
Before You Buy Another Pump...
If you’re staring at a pile of pumps, feeling frustrated and defeated, stop. Let’s figure out why they’re not working. Whether it’s flange fit, technique, or a deeper issue, we’ll help you get to the bottom of it.
Remember: more pumps won’t solve the problem if we don’t know what’s causing it. But with the right support and adjustments, you can make pumping work for you—and get closer to your breastfeeding goals.
Happy pumping!
