Breast pumping is an essential part of many mothers’ breastfeeding journeys, but a common misconception often arises: the belief that stronger suction equates to more effective milk expression. The reality, however, is that true effectiveness depends on a delicate balance of factors, not just suction strength.
Breast pump suction, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), reflects the vacuum strength a pump can achieve. While high suction might seem like a shortcut to more milk, it can compress breast tissue and milk ducts, which may actually inhibit milk flow. Furthermore, excessive suction can lead to discomfort or pain, making it harder for mothers to sustain pumping sessions and relax—both of which are critical for effective milk expression (Prime et al., 2012). Pain should not be associated with breast pumping!
What Does "Effective Pumping" Look Like?
Effective pumping is about achieving optimal milk flow with minimal discomfort. Research suggests that mothers should use the Maximum Comfort Vacuum (MCV)—the highest level of suction that remains comfortable. Pumps that mimic a baby’s natural nursing rhythm, alternating between stimulation and expression phases, tend to enhance milk output more effectively than pumps relying solely on strong suction (Medela, 2025).
The Role of Comfort and Technique
Comfort plays a pivotal role in determining how much milk a mother can express during a session. A poorly fitted flange, for instance, can reduce milk flow and cause unnecessary discomfort. Similarly, stress or anxiety can disrupt the let-down reflex, negatively impacting milk output (Kent et al., 2008). Adjusting pump settings to replicate a baby’s natural sucking pattern, combined with a properly fitted flange, can significantly improve results.
Medela Symphony: A Case Study in Effective Pumping
The Medela Symphony breast pump exemplifies how effective pumping goes beyond just suction strength. With its Initiation Phase and Maintain Phase, it supports mothers at every stage of their breastfeeding journey.
-
Initiation Phase: This phase is specifically designed for the early days of breastfeeding, particularly for mothers establishing their milk supply. The Symphony uses a unique suction rhythm tailored to stimulate milk production by mimicking a newborn’s frequent and shallow suckling. This helps initiate milk flow gently, even for mothers dealing with delayed lactation or challenges like premature births (Meier et al., 2016).
-
Maintain Phase: Once milk supply is established, the Maintain Phase takes over with a focus on sustaining milk production. This phase employs suction patterns that replicate a baby’s natural feeding rhythm during mature breastfeeding—slower and deeper expressions that maximize milk output while ensuring comfort (Medela Research Team, 2025).
These dual phases allow the Medela Symphony to adapt to a mother’s changing needs, providing both efficiency and effectiveness without compromising on comfort.
Conclusion
Stronger suction doesn’t guarantee better results. Effective pumping combines comfort, proper technique, and the right tools, like the Medela Symphony, to ensure that mothers can express milk efficiently without compromising their well-being. The Symphony’s scientifically designed Initiation and Maintain Phases showcase how thoughtful innovation can support mothers through every stage of breastfeeding, emphasizing that pumping efficiently is not the same as pumping effectively.
Start Your Rental By Clicking HERE
References:
-
Kent, J. C., Ramsay, D. T., Doherty, D., Larsson, M., & Hartmann, P. E. (2008). Response of breasts to different patterns of stimulation: A clinical study of lactation. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 8, 11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4358-3-11
-
Meier, P. P., Engstrom, J. L., Patel, A. L., Jegier, B. J., & Bruns, N. E. (2016). Improving human milk provision in the NICU: From research to practice. Journal of Human Lactation, 32(1), 18–25. https://doi.org/10.1177/0890334416656547
-
Medela Research Team. (2025). How Medela Symphony supports breastfeeding mothers. Retrieved from Medela website