Breast Pumping Made Easy

All you need to know about pumping breast milk

Why use a breast pump?

Boost milk supply

Pumping frequently helps stimulate breasts, produces more milk, and establishes a milk stash.

Share the feeding time

Getting your partner involved in the feeding time while mum gets a well-deserved rest.

Seamless return to work

Having expressed milk will make your transition back to work easier for both you and your baby.

Overcome breastfeeding challenges

Pumping helps relieve engorged breasts, mastitis, latching problems, and more.

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Meet the Award-winning Electric Breast Pump

Lola&Lykke® Smart Electric Breast Pump

159 € 127.20 € 20% OFF

Small, quiet and mobile, this wireless electric breast pump is ideal for mums on the go, allowing you to use the pump anywhere, anytime, or pump straight into milk bags. The sleek design contains only 5 parts to assemble with no dangling tubes or wires – pumping has never been easier. The powerful suction strength provides ultimate pumping performance so you can pump quietly in peace with more comfort, more control, and 20% more milk.*

*The package includes a 24mm breast shield. Check the sizing guide here.

127.20 €
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Compact design for easy cleaning & pumping on the go

Pump quietly and discreetly

Save time and pump directly into milk bags

Smart touch screen for easy tracking of pumping sessions

Hospital-grade suction level helps increase milk supply

Closed system to  prevent breastmilk from backing up

FAQs

Choose a topic to view all FAQs.

Pumping Basics

Breastfeeding & Pumping

Lola&Lykke Breast Pump

You don’t necessarily need a breast pump if you’re planning to breastfeed, however, they do come in handy for many different reasons. You may choose to express milk from the beginning or further down the line, whatever your choice, there is a breast pump designed for you.

Expressing can be a great way for your partner to be involved with feeds and take the pressure off you a little. From one mother to another, having expressed milk during cluster feeding weeks is a lifesaver! If you’re returning to work, expressed milk will make this transition easier for both you and your baby.

It is generally not recommended to use a second-hand breast pump due to hygiene and safety concerns. Breast milk can carry bacteria and viruses, and it is difficult to ensure that a used breast pump has been properly cleaned and sterilized. It is best to purchase a new breast pump or rent one from a reputable source to ensure the safety of you and your baby.

If you do decide to buy a second-hand pump, make sure that you sterilise all parts that are in contact with breast milk.

You can begin pumping as soon as your baby is born if you’d like. You may choose to pump exclusively from the beginning. Or you may choose to breastfeed often and only
pump once or a few times each day. If you’re supplementing the baby’s nursing sessions with occasional bottles, you may only need to pump a couple of times a day. It may be easiest to pump in the morning when you’re at the fullest. If you’re supplementing, try pumping after normal breastfeeding sessions.

If you’re pumping because you want milk for bottles or you want to increase your supply, you may consider pumping after regular nursing sessions a few times a day. It all depends on how much milk you want to gather.

On the other hand, if your little one is having issues latching or you desire to exclusively pump, you’ll need to pump in place of all nursing sessions. This means pumping throughout the day and night as often as your baby feeds.

If you’re waiting to pump until you go back to work or school, be sure to start at least two weeks before you need the milk. This gives you time to create a stash, but - more
importantly - lets you become more familiar with the pumping and milk storage process. Your baby will have time to get used to bottles, too.

Every baby is unique, and their milk needs may look different during periods of cluster feeding. Breastfed babies also tend to eat more frequently than formula-fed babies. Your baby’s stomach size and hunger cues are your best guide to when it’s time to feed them. You can also look out for other cues, such as wet and soiled diapers, to see whether your baby is getting enough milk. Overall, the goal is to pump enough milk to fulfill your baby’s average daily intake. As your baby grows, their stomach volume will also follow suit.

As a general rule (which may vary depending on your baby´s needs), these are the average amounts of breast milk consumed by infants:

Newborns (first 1-2 weeks)

Frequent breast stimulation is important in the first hours, days, and weeks of your baby’s life to help increase breast milk volume. Through frequent sucking, your baby (or pump) helps your breast milk advance from colostrum to mature milk. You should feed your baby 8-12 times per 24 hours in the beginning. Rather than focusing solely on your baby’s age to determine their milk needs, it’s important to use a combination of their age, body weight, and hunger cues as your guide. Using an electric breast pump is an ideal way of boosting milk production at this stage.

Infants between 1-2 months

After the first couple weeks, you should expect to produce more milk per session, about 60ml – 120ml, and may be able to stretch out some of the overnight feedings (maybe to 4 to 5 hours between feedings). In total, you should expect to average around 8 to 10 sessions per day. On average, babies at 4 to 5 weeks old reach their peak maximum daily milk intake of about 900 ml.

Infants between 3-6 months

Babies at this age may need up to 150ml per feeding. You might find the exact amount varies by time of day, with some babies nursing more at night. After this stage, a baby’s daily milk intake doesn’t typically change until around 6 months of age, when they may start eating solids. You can also expect to feed your baby an average of 8 times per day.

Aim to spend 15 to 20 minutes hooked up to the pump to get a good amount of breast milk (some women will need 30 minutes or more with the pump, especially in the early days). Pump until the milk starts slowing down and your breasts feel well-drained.

The best time to pump depends entirely on what works for you, and you’ll soon figure out a pumping schedule that works. But it’s best to choose a time of day when your breasts are ordinarily full. If you’re pumping because you’re away from your baby and missing feedings, try to pump at the same times you would normally feed, about once every three hours.

If you're pumping at home to stockpile milk or to increase your supply, try pumping an hour or so after your baby’s morning nursing session. Your breasts are naturally fuller earlier in the day, so the morning is a good time to get more milk.

On days when you’re with your baby, squeeze in a pumping session around an hour after you nurse and at least an hour before the next time you breastfeed - more demand means more supply.
Some mums are able to pump from one breast while the baby is nursing on the other. As long as the baby is getting her fill on one breast, it’s a time-efficient way to build a stockpile of milk while also ensuring both breasts are emptied during a feeding. You can also pump at the end of feedings to make sure every last drop of breast milk is captured.

Traditionally, you can buy a single or double breast pumps and/or electric, manual, or hospital-grade breast pumps. Breast pumps that are entering the market more recently have newer features such as a ‘wearable’ pump or enhanced portability.

“I only want to pump occasionally”

If you’re not going to be pumping every day, you may want to look into using a single electric breast pump and/or a manual breast pump. In the early days when you are establishing your milk supply, pumping on the odd occasion won’t change this drastically. It just means that you can create a small milk stash that you can use whilst you are away from your baby.

“I want to express milk often or exclusively”

For mums who are going to be expressing milk several times a day, an electric pump is more suited. Electric pumps have more functionality in terms of suction strength. Manual pumps would require a lot more work from you and you would need both your hands to pump correctly.

When you’re expressing multiple times a day, your first priority is going to be convenience. How can I spend as little time as possible pumping and doing bottle prep? Some breast pumps you can pump directly into the bottle (or a storage bag) and others you will need to pump and pour out.

“I’m returning to work and need something discreet and easy to transport”

If you plan to breastfeed throughout your return to work, you need to choose a pump that is convenient and portable, whilst not compromising its efficiency to express milk.

A wearable or wireless breast pump is a popular choice for Mums in the workplace due to its discreet nature and compact design. With a breast pump like this, you might also want to consider the noise level and which pump is best for a leak-proof pumping session.

“I have an excessive breast milk supply”

If you pump or lactate more milk than your baby drinks over a 24-hour period, then you have an oversupply. In most cases, if you have a strong letdown or an excess supply, it will settle down within the first few months of feeding. You can’t put a number on it as it will differ from one woman to another.

Especially if you are exclusively pumping, using any breast pump to gradually pump less milk will reduce the risk of mastitis and blocked milk ducts.

“I’m struggling with a low milk supply"

Hospital-grade pumps would be an ideal choice if you want to establish or increase your milk supply. They are designed to be used multiple times per day and are usually more powerful than personal use pumps. However, the downside is that most hospital-grade pumps can be bulky and very expensive, with the average monthly rental fee ranging from 75$ - 100$.

You can also try a personal use electric pump that has hospital-grade suction strength such as the Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump.

Yes, you can pump on one breast and nurse from the other to save time. However, it may take some practice to get this right.

There are several reasons why parents choose to combine breastfeeding and pumping. Here are some of the most common ones.

Increasing your milk supply 

Breast milk production operates on supply and demand. The more milk is drawn out, the more your breasts will in turn produce. Combining breastfeeding with pumping can help stimulate milk production and increase your overall milk supply. Choosing a portable, wireless breast pump will give you the freedom to wherever best suits you.

Addressing breastfeeding difficulties 

If your baby has challenges latching or drinking a sufficient amount from your breast alone, it can be helpful to have some extra milk on hand to follow up breastfeeding with a bottle.

Helping with discomfort 

Using a breast pump can help clear milk from your breasts, which can provide relief from clogged milk ducts and mastitis (inflammatin of breast tissue). Pumps like Lola&Lykke Electric Breast Pump offer similar suction levels to hospital-grade breast pumps and can effectively help relieve most common breastfeeding-related discomforts.

Bottle feeding

If you need to be away from your baby for any length of time, pumped breast milk allows you to continue providing them with the benefits of breast milk through bottle feeding.

Giving mum a much-deserved break

By bottle feeding your baby pumped breast milk, mums can occasionally rest for longer periods uninterrupted, run some errands, or even visit a day spa.

Useful for working mums

If you plan to work, pumping is incredibly important so you can continue breastfeeding. Many working mums make the mistake of believing that they have to formula feed to return to work, but this isn’t the case.

Involve your partner in feeding

Feeding your baby some expressed breast milk is a great way to involve your partner in your baby’s feeding routine. This will allow dad to bond with the baby, whilst allowing your baby to learn to drink from a bottle.

If you exclusively breastfeed your baby, you may not need to pump regularly.

However, there may be times when you want to build up a milk supply for when you're away from your baby, when you want to relieve engorgement, or share the feeding time with your partner. In those cases, pumping can be helpful.

Combining breastfeeding and pumping isn’t too difficult as long as you know what to do. Here are a few steps to make it a simple process:

First, breastfeed, then pump

You should feed your baby before pumping. That way, you’ll know that your baby has gotten enough milk before emptying your breasts more. Pumping will never replace the special bonding that happens when you nurse your baby, and on-demand nursing actually boosts production
during your pumping sessions.

Utilise hands-on techniques

Hands-on pumping and hand expression can help to increase the amount of milk you get out
of your breasts. Doing these things can also help increase the amount of milk your breasts produce in the future.

Consider milk storage options

To store every drop of precious breast milk, it might be a good idea to use a silicone breast pump or milk collector whilst breastfeeding, as milk tends to leak from both breasts while feeding your baby.

Ensure proper fit

Before pumping, make sure to double-check the flange of your breast pump to ensure it fits correctly. Proper fit prevents nipple damage and discomfort during pumping sessions and will also make pumping more efficient.

Warm up and relax

You´ll have better success at both breastfeeding and breast pumping if you are doing them in a calm, quiet space, where you feel relaxed. If you´re having trouble getting your body to let down with the pump, consider placing something warm on your chest first and looking at pictures or videos of your little one while you pump.

Keep essentials nearby

You may want to place a few baskets around your house near your favorite breastfeeding locations that hold a water bottle, snacks, nipple cream, burp clothes, wipes, and diapers, so you don’t have to get up to look for these items once you start feeding and pumping.

You should set a consistent schedule for breastfeeding and pumping sessions so that your body can adjust to the demand for milk and ensure your baby receives regular feedings. Newborns usually feed every 2-3 hours. It is good to start with adding one pumping session per day, and when your milk supply increases, you can add another 2-3 pumping sessions to your day.

It is usually advisable to leave one hour in between feedings, but if you want to increase your milk supply, you may want to consider pumping straight after breastfeeding, which sends your body cues that more milk is needed to keep your baby nourished.

Most mums will notice that their milk supply is the highest overnight and in the morning. 

By pumping early in the morning, you will be able to take advantage of the hours when you have a high milk supply and collect the extra milk.

Here's a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule:

  • 6AM - Breastfeed
  • 7AM - Pump
  • 9AM - Breastfeed
  • 12PM - Breastfeed
  • 1PM - Pump
  • 3PM - Breastfeed
  • 6PM - 8:30PM - Breastfeed/Put baby to sleep
  • 10PM - Pump

There are two types of breast pumps: manual and electric. Manual pumps are best for mums who won’t need to pump all that often. Manual pumps are often cheaper but do not offer the same range of functionalities as electric pumps and require you to use both hands whilst pumping.

Electric pumps are a better choice for mums who will pump regularly or exclusively so you don’t have the strenuous task of pumping manually all the time. Ultimately, you need to choose a breast pump that fits your needs and lifestyle.

With our rechargeable electric breast pump, you will benefit from a closed system which prevents your breast milk from backing up into the motor and contaminating your milk, unlike open system breast pumps.

The Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump has been voted for by parents as the best breast pump because of its performance, style and adaptability for mums who need to pump anytime, anywhere. Available accessories such as the Lola&Lykke breast milk storage bags, make storing and feeding even simpler – you can pump straight into the bag and feed your baby from it too with our handy adaptors.

Good news, yes it is! The Lola&Lykke single electric breast pump gives you complete flexibility so you can pump efficiently and achieve your breastfeeding goals.

Whether you want to increase your milk supply, pump exclusively, or lessen your milk supply, the 6 stimulation settings and 9 expression modes will help you to accomplish this. Most people assume that pumping at a higher suction level will produce more milk, but this isn’t the case. Find a setting that is comfortable for you, with the correct breast shield size to optimise your milk production.

The memory function on the smart touch screen makes tracking and recording pumping sessions a breeze, helping you to establish a routine. If you’re pumping exclusively, you will need to pump at least 8-times a day (including at night).

It takes around 3-5 days before you can see an increase in your milk supply, especially soon after birth as your milk comes in. Stay patient and the milk will flow!

Having the correct breast shield size is more important than you think! When it is measured and fitted correctly, you will pump more efficiently and comfortably. A poor-fitting breast shield can affect your milk supply and potentially damage the nipple and areola (the area around the nipple).

Throughout your breastfeeding journey, it is recommended that you check the size you’re using is still the best fit. Sometimes, you may need a different size breast shield for each breast.

The starting point for choosing the correct breast shield is to determine your optimal size based on your nipple diameter.

  • If your nipple measures < 17 mm in diameter, your recommended breast shield size is 21 mm.
  • If your nipple measures < 20 mm in diameter, your recommended breast shield size is 24 mm.
  • If your nipple measures < 25 mm in diameter, your recommended breast shield size is 27 mm.

Use our diagram and step-by-step instructions here to choose the right fit for you.

Our handheld breast pump weighs approximately 300g. You can support the pump and be hands-free by wearing a feeding bra that will support this weight. You will need to also compensate for the weight of the milk too, so allow for 500g.

The Lola&Lykke Smart Electric Breast Pump complement all breast sizes. The size of your breasts will not determine how much milk you can produce, it is simply the fatty tissue that varies among women and has nothing to do with milk production.

You have two options: store or feed. Store your breast milk for future use or attach a bottle teat to the bag and feed your baby instantly. A game-changer, right?

To pump straight into the bag, attach the adapter to the milk bag and then attach this to the breast pump. When you’re pumping, make sure you don’t overfill the bag as you will need to allow space for expansion when you freeze the breast milk. For fast freezing and thawing, lay the bag flat. Remember to label and date the bag for future reference!

To preserve the components of the breast milk, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or by holding the bag under running warm water (max. 37 °). Gently shake the bag to blend any fat that has separated. Thawed breast milk is safe in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Do not thaw frozen breast milk in a microwave oven or a pan of boiling water. Do not refreeze thawed breast milk.

To feed your baby directly from the milk bag, simply attach the bottle teat to it with the adapter. Never leave your baby unattended with a feeding bag.

The pre-sterilised breast milk bags are for use with breast milk only. This is a single-use product and shall be disposed of after first use.

How Lola&Lykke pump compares to others

Lola&Lykke Pump Traditional Pumps Wearable Pumps
100% leak-proof
Pump straight into milk bags
Hospital-grade suction Some Some
Fully wireless
Touch screen display
Access to expert advice 24/7 lactation support
Mobile app control Coming soon Some

The *breast* thing to happen to your nursing journey

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