For people who exclusively pump, the comfort measures used to treat breast engorgement are the same (e.g., pain medications, cold compress), but there are key differences in assessing the effective removal of milk from the breasts. Rather than assessing infant latch and feeding positions, pumping parents should assess the appropriateness of their pumping schedule (including frequency and duration of sessions per day) based on their infant’s age and needs and the condition and function of their pump and pump parts.[1] The pump should be providing adequate suction, the flanges should be the proper size, and all the pump parts should be replaced in accordance with the pump manufacturer’s guidelines or as needed. People who pump more frequently need to replace parts more often to maintain optimal suction.
Certain pumps also have different suction settings that can be adjusted throughout or between sessions to remove milk more effectively.[2] Some people experiment with these settings until they find a strategy that works best for them. Alternatively, a lactation consultant is an excellent resource for creating an individualized pumping plan.