Breast Pumping Glossary

This breast pumping glossary provides you with definitions for common terms related to breast pumping! Consider it your ultimate guide to pumping terminology.

If you’ve ever come across pumping terms such as duckbill value, let-down reflex, power pumping, and not understood them, then I’m here to help explain what these pumping and breastfeeding terms actually mean (in an easy to understand way!).

Breast Pumping Glossary

Areola

The areola is the pigmented area surrounding the nipple on the breast.

During breastfeeding, the areola plays a role in the latch, providing a surface for the baby’s mouth and facilitating milk transfer.

During pumping, it is the part of the breast that the breast shield or flange covers during the pumping process. The breast shield creates a seal around the areola, allowing for effective suction and milk extraction from the breast into the connected tubing and collection container. Proper alignment of the breast shield over the areola is essential for efficient and comfortable pumping.

Backflow Protector

A part in closed system breast pumps that acts as a barrier to prevent milk from entering the pump’s motor or tubing. Regular replacement is recommended.

Battery Pack

A battery pack is a portable power source for electric breast pumps, allowing pumping without access to an electrical outlet.

Battery Powered Breast Pump

A battery-powered breast pump is equipped with either a built-in rechargeable battery or the option to use standard batteries (such as AA or AAA batteries). This design allows for flexibility, enabling mothers to pump without the need for a constant connection to an electrical outlet. This feature proves particularly beneficial during travel, while on the go, or in situations where access to electricity is limited.

Blocked Duct

A blocked duct happens when one of the milk ducts in the breast is obstructed, causing pain, swelling, and a firm lump. It requires prompt attention to prevent complications.

Breast Compressions

Breast compressions involve gently massaging and squeezing the breast during pumping to enhance milk flow and ensure thorough emptying of the breast. This hands-on technique can improve the effectiveness of a pumping session.

Breast Pump

A breast pump is a device that extracts milk from the breast using suction, providing a method for breastfeeding moms to express and store breast milk. There are manual and electric breast pumps.

Breast Pump Bag

A breast pump bag is a specialized bag designed to carry and organize a breast pump, its accessories, and other essentials.

Breast Pump Cushion

A Breast Pump Cushion is a soft and comfortable insert designed to enhance comfort during pumping by providing additional padding between the breast and the breast shield or flange.

Breast Shield

A breast shield, also commonly known as a flange, is a funnel-shaped component of a breast pump that fits over the nipple and areola during pumping. It creates a seal around the breast to facilitate the suction necessary for milk extraction. The breast shield is a crucial part of the pumping process, as it helps direct milk from the breast into the connected tubing and collection container.

In essence, the terms “breast shield” and “flange” are often used interchangeably when referring to this specific part of a breast pump. The choice of terminology may depend on the manufacturer or regional preferences within the breastfeeding and pumping community.

Breast Milk Cooler

A breast milk cooler is a portable and insulated container designed to store pumped breast milk at a safe temperature while on the go. It helps maintain the freshness of expressed milk until it can be refrigerated or used for feeding.

Breast Milk Donation

Breast milk donation involves the act of giving excess pumped breast milk to milk banks or directly to other mothers in need. Donated breast milk is often used to provide nutrition to infants, especially those who may face challenges in receiving sufficient milk from their biological mothers. Donors typically undergo a screening process to ensure the safety and quality of the donated milk.

Breast Milk Storage Bag

A Breast Milk Storage Bag is a specially designed, sealable bag used for collecting and storing expressed breast milk. These bags are made from sterile, food-grade materials and are typically pre-sterilized for hygiene. Breast milk storage bags are convenient for freezing and organizing pumped milk, and they often feature volume markings for accurate measurements. They are a practical choice for storing expressed milk in the freezer for later use, providing an efficient and space-saving solution.

Breast Milk Storage Container

A breast milk storage container is a container used to collect and store expressed breast milk. These containers can come in various forms, including bottles, jars, or specially designed containers. The purpose is to provide a clean and safe space for storing breast milk, whether in the refrigerator or freezer, until it’s ready for use or consumption.

Breast Pumping Schedule

A pumping schedule is a planned routine that dictates when a lactating individual will use a breast pump to express milk. This schedule may take into account factors such as the baby’s feeding times, work obligations, and personal preferences, aiming to maintain a consistent and effective pumping routine to meet the individual’s breastfeeding goals.

Breast Pumping

Breast pumping is the process of using a breast pump to extract and collect breast milk.

Closed System Pump

A Closed System Pump is a type of breast pump designed with a barrier between the pumping mechanism and the milk collection components. This barrier prevents any milk from entering the pump’s motor or tubing, creating a hygienic and contamination-resistant system. Closed system pumps are recommended for their reduced risk of mold or bacteria growth, making them a preferred choice for maintaining cleanliness in the pumping process.

Connector

A connector links the pump’s tubing, breast shield, valve, and membrane to the milk storage bottles. They may come attached to the breast shield or separately depending on the pump brand.

Decibels (dB)

The measurement for noise is typically expressed in decibels (dB). In the context of breast pumps, the noise level is an indicator of how loud or quiet the pump operates. Lower decibel values indicate quieter operation, which can be particularly important for discretion, especially if you’re pumping in shared spaces or trying to minimize disturbance.

Double Electric Pump

A double electric pump is designed to simultaneously express milk from both breasts. It includes two sets of components, such as breast shields, tubing, and milk collection bottles, streamlining the pumping process for increased efficiency and time savings.

Double Pumping

Double pumping involves using a breast pump to express milk from both breasts simultaneously, typically using a double electric pump with two sets of equipment. This method is efficient for saving time during pumping sessions and is commonly employed by individuals who pump regularly.

Duckbill Valve

A duckbill valve is a type of one-way valve used in breast pumps. Shaped like a duck’s bill, it is a small, flexible component that attaches to a pump’s breast shield or connector. The design allows the valve to stretch and release with each suction cycle, creating a one-way flow that aids in the efficient extraction of milk during pumping sessions. Duckbill valves play a crucial role in maintaining the suction power and overall functionality of the breast pump.

Electric Breast Pump

An electric breast pump is a device powered by electricity that uses a motor to create suction for expressing breast milk. It is designed to mimic the sucking action of a baby at the breast.

Electric pumps are available in various models, including single and double pumps. Single electric pumps express milk from one breast at a time, while double electric pumps can simultaneously express milk from both breasts.

These pumps often come with adjustable settings for suction strength and cycle speed, providing flexibility for the user to customize their pumping experience. Electric pumps are suitable for individuals who pump regularly and may offer more convenience and efficiency compared to manual pumps.

Engorgement

Engorgement refers to the condition where the breasts become overly full and swollen with milk. This can occur when there is an abundance of milk in the breasts and it is not effectively removed through breastfeeding or pumping. Engorgement may lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty in latching during breastfeeding. It commonly happens in the early postpartum period as the milk supply is regulating, or if there are extended intervals between nursing or pumping sessions. Regular and effective breastfeeding or pumping can help alleviate engorgement.

Expression

In the context of breastfeeding and pumping, expression refers to the process of removing milk from the breasts. This can be achieved through breastfeeding directly, using a breast pump, or hand expression. Expression is essential for maintaining milk supply, relieving engorgement, and providing breast milk for feeding when direct breastfeeding is not possible.

Expression Phase/Mode

During breastfeeding, there are two stages: the stimulation phase, where the baby rapidly sucks to encourage milk production, and the expression phase, where milk flows, and the baby’s sucking slows as they consume more milk. Many breast pumps replicate these stages with varying suction strength and speed. The expression phase of a pump involves prolonged, slower, and stronger suction patterns, emulating a baby’s nursing behavior to efficiently draw out more milk from the breasts.

Exclusive Pumping

Exclusive pumping (often abbreviated as EP) is a feeding method in which a lactating individual exclusively uses a breast pump to express breast milk for their baby, rather than directly breastfeeding.

Flange

A flange, also commonly referred to as a breast shield, is a funnel-shaped part of a breast pump that fits over the nipple and areola, creating a seal around the breast for effective milk extraction during pumping. Flanges come in a range of different nipple sizes, but most commonly a 24mm.

Flange Insert

A flange insert is an additional piece that can be added to a breast pump flange to adjust its size. It is often used to provide a better fit for different breast shapes and sizes, enhancing comfort and optimizing the efficiency of the pumping process.

Galactagogues

Substances, including food, medication, or supplements, believed to induce or increase breast milk production.

Hand Expression

Hand expression is the manual method of extracting breast milk using gentle massage and compression with your hands. This technique allows individuals to control the pressure and rhythm of milk expression, providing a convenient and comfortable alternative to using breast pumps in certain situations. It is a valuable skill for relieving engorgement, handling emergencies, or when a breast pump is not readily available.

Hands-Free Pumping Bra

A hands-free pumping bra is a specialized bra designed to hold breast pump flanges in place, allowing breastfeeding moms to pump milk without using their hands. This type of bra enables multitasking during pumping sessions, providing convenience and flexibility for individuals who need to engage in other activities while expressing milk.

Hospital Grade Breast Pump

A hospital-grade breast pump is a robust and high-powered device designed for use by multiple individuals in hospital settings. It is particularly suitable for various situations, including neonatal intensive care units (NICU), instances of feeding difficulties, or when recommended by lactation consultants. Due to its heavy-duty construction and advanced features, a hospital-grade pump is often chosen to address specific breastfeeding challenges, such as preterm births, multiple births like twins or triplets, or situations where maximizing milk supply is crucial for infant health. These pumps are closed system devices, providing efficient and hygienic milk expression to support both the mother and the baby’s unique needs in a medical environment.

IBCLC

International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. A highly credentialed professional specializing in lactation support.

Lactation Consultant

A lactation consultant is a healthcare professional trained to provide support, guidance, and education to breastfeeding individuals, including those who pump.

Latch

Latch refers to how a baby attaches to the breast during breastfeeding. It involves the baby taking a good portion of the areola and nipple into their mouth, forming a secure and effective seal. A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding, as it ensures efficient milk transfer, helps prevent nipple pain or damage, and allows the baby to effectively extract milk from the breast. A good latch involves the baby’s mouth covering a significant portion of the areola, not just the nipple, and creating a seal with a wide latch to initiate proper milk flow.

Letdown Reflex

The reflex that causes the milk to be released from the breast. It can be stimulated by the baby’s suckling or by using a breast pump.

Manual Breast Pump

A manual breast pump is a handheld device operated by hand to manually express breast milk. It typically consists of a suction mechanism and a handle or lever. Users manually squeeze and release the handle, creating suction that mimics the sucking action of a nursing baby, allowing them to express milk from the breast. Manual breast pumps are compact, portable, and do not require a power source, making them convenient for occasional use or situations where electricity is unavailable.

Mastitis

Inflammation of the breast tissue, often accompanied by infection.

Membrane

A small, flexible part that attaches to a pump’s valve, serving as a barrier between the pump’s tubing and breast milk.

Milk Collection Container

A milk collection container is a container used to gather and store expressed breast milk during pumping sessions. It can come in the form of bottles, cups, containers, or bags designed to securely hold breast milk. These containers are typically attached to the breast pump through tubing and connectors, allowing the milk to be collected directly from the breast shields or flanges. After pumping, the collected breast milk can be stored in the containers for later use, whether for feeding the baby or building a supply of stored milk.

Milk Ducts

Milk ducts are small tubes in the breast that carry milk from glands to the nipple, playing a vital role in breastfeeding and milk expression.

mmHg

mmHg stands for millimeters of mercury, which is a unit of measurement for pressure. In the context of breast pumps, mmHg is often used to indicate the suction strength or vacuum level.

Multiple User Breast Pump

A multiple-user breast pump is a breast pump designed to be used by more than one person. Typically found in hospital settings or rental programs, these pumps are built to withstand frequent use and are often more durable and powerful than personal-use pumps. They are suitable for situations where multiple individuals need access to a reliable and efficient breast pump, such as in hospitals, clinics, or shared environments.

Nipple Confusion

Nipple confusion occurs when a baby has difficulty transitioning between breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, potentially leading to a preference for one method over the other.

Nipple Cream

Nipple cream is a soothing and moisturizing product designed to alleviate nipple discomfort and dryness. It is applied to the nipples to soothe and moisturize them, especially if pumping causes discomfort.

Nursing Pads

Nursing pads are absorbent pads worn inside a bra to address breast milk leakage. They help prevent wetness and discomfort by absorbing excess milk, keeping clothing dry, and reducing the risk of irritation.

Open System Pump

An open system pump is a breast pump that doesn’t have a protective barrier between the pumping parts and the milk containers. Unlike closed system pumps, open systems let milk get to the inside parts of the pump. Although they can work well, there’s a chance that milk might go into the pump’s motor or tubing. This means you need to clean them very carefully to avoid any contamination. It’s usually recommended not to buy or use open system pumps that have been used by someone else due to hygiene reasons.

Oxytocin

Known as the “love hormone,” it triggers milk release during breastfeeding.

Portable Breast Pump

A portable breast pump is a compact and lightweight device designed for convenient on-the-go use. It provides mothers with the flexibility to express milk outside of their homes, enabling them to maintain their breastfeeding routine even when away from their usual pumping space. Portable pumps often feature a discreet design, rechargeable batteries, and user-friendly controls, making them suitable for various settings and lifestyles.

Power Pumping

Power pumping is a lactation technique involving alternating short, frequent pumping sessions with rest periods to stimulate milk production. During a typical power pumping session, an individual might pump for around 10-20 minutes, take a break, and repeat this cycle for an hour or more. This method mirrors the natural cluster feeding behavior of a nursing baby, signaling the body to increase milk supply. Power pumping is often utilized by individuals looking to enhance their milk production or overcome periods of low supply, and it is crucial to maintain proper hydration and a nutritious diet for optimal results.

Prolactin

The hormone responsible for lactation and breast tissue development.

Pump Motor

A pump motor is the main component of an electric breast pump responsible for creating suction. It is the engine or power source that drives the mechanical system, generating the vacuum necessary to express milk from the breast. In electric breast pumps, the pump motor provides the force needed to create the suction cycles, facilitating the movement of milk from the breast to the collection container.

Single Electric Pump

A Single Electric Pump is a breast pump designed to extract milk from one breast at a time, using electrical power. It’s a convenient and efficient tool for mothers who prefer or need to pump one breast while nursing on the other or for those who have specific breastfeeding or pumping preferences.

Single Pumping

Single pumping refers to the process of using a breast pump to express milk from one breast at a time. This is typically done using a single electric breast pump or a manual breast pump. While single pumping is less time-efficient than double pumping, where both breasts are expressed simultaneously, it can be useful in certain situations. Some individuals may prefer single pumping if they are only pumping occasionally, addressing engorgement on one side, or addressing specific breastfeeding challenges on one breast. The choice between single and double pumping often depends on individual preferences, needs, and circumstances.

Single User Electric Breast Pump

Single user electric breast pumps are pumps that are designed for a single user. They are typically smaller and more portable than hospital-grade pumps. They offer efficient milk expression and are suitable for mothers who need to pump regularly but do not require the power of a hospital-grade pump.

Stimulation Phase/Mode

A pump’s phase mimicking a baby’s quick bursts of suction during the initial stage to stimulate milk production. It’s the pump’s way of kickstarting the milk production process before settling into a more steady rhythm.

Suction Modes

Suction modes refer to the patterns or rhythms of suction that the breast pump uses during a pumping session. Most breast pumps offer at least two suction modes: stimulation mode and expression mode.

More advanced breast pumps will offer additional modes such as mixed or vibration.

Suction/Suction Strength

In the context of breast pumps, “suction” and “suction strength” are often used interchangeably, referring to the force created by the pump to extract milk from the breast. Suction strength is a measure of how powerful or intense the vacuum created by the breast pump is. It determines the ability of the pump to draw out milk effectively.

Breast pumps typically offer adjustable suction levels, allowing users to customize the strength according to their comfort and needs. Higher suction strength may be used for efficient milk expression, but it’s essential to find a level that is comfortable and doesn’t cause discomfort or pain.

The suction strength of breast pumps is typically measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Common suction strength levels for breast pumps can range from 220 mmHg to 350 mmHg for a hospital grade pump.

Suction Levels

Suction levels in the context of breast pumps refer to the adjustable settings that control the strength or intensity of the vacuum created by the pump during the expression of milk. Breast pumps often come with various suction levels, allowing users to customize the pumping experience based on their comfort and milk expression needs. Users can typically increase or decrease suction levels to find the setting that works best for them, providing an optimal balance between efficiency and comfort during the pumping session.

Tubing

Tubing refers to the transparent and flexible tubes that establish a connection between the breast shield and the primary body of the breast pump. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of expressed milk.

Valve

A valve, also referred to as a duckbill valve, is a small and pliable component integral to the functioning of a breast pump. It serves the purpose of stretching and releasing with each suction cycle of the pump, assisting in the extraction of milk from the breast.

Wearable Breast Pump

A wearable breast pump is a compact, hands-free device that allows mothers to discreetly and conveniently express milk while on the move, providing flexibility and convenience.