A pump that fits and feels good isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s critical for optimal milk output. Here’s why.

There’s a reason that you hear lactation consultants (and the Mom Coaches at Willow!) emphasize pump comfort. It’s because the way your pump fits and feels is directly connected to how well it performs — and how much milk you’re able to make in turn. 

In this article, we’ll highlight the ways in which painful pumping harms moms’ milk flow, why it can lead to conditions like plugged ducts and mastitis, how daily discomfort can impact your supply long-term, and how the Willow Go has been designed for more comfort and output. 

Plus, we’ll share tips for optimizing comfort no matter which wearable pump you choose, starting with sizing. 

Oxytocin release: why it matters (and how pain inhibits it) 

While you may not feel it, all moms experience a “letdown” within a few minutes of starting to nurse or pump. This powerful reflex is what makes it possible for milk to travel through the breasts to the ducts and out of the nipple — and it’s all thanks to a special hormone called oxytocin.

Dubbed the “feel good” hormone, oxytocin plays a very important role in output by sending a message to the brain that tells the breasts’ milk-producing cells to contract. Without these contractions, milk wouldn’t make its way to your baby — and you’d also likely feel less relaxed, since oxytocin is also known to reduce stress and induce feelings of calm. 

The problem with a pump that pinches and pulls your nipple? Pain and discomfort can inhibit the release of oxytocin, having an immediate impact on your body’s ability to produce milk. (This is also true of stress, anxiety, and exhaustion, which is why breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to prioritize rest!)

In other words: more pumping comfort is directly connected to more milk output. 

Why pinching and pulling leads to plugged ducts and more 

Inhibiting your oxytocin release isn’t the only reason you want to avoid a pump that hurts. Conditions like sore nipples, plugged ducts, and mastitis can also crop up when your nipples and breasts are pinched or pulled — and these conditions can throw a major wrench in your breastfeeding plans. It all goes back to the design of your pump: 

• If the flange is too short, your nipple runs the risk of crashing into the end of the tunnel. This is especially if you have what’s known as “elastic nipples,” or nipples that stretch when pumping. 
• If your flange is too low or high, it can also cause problems — leading to uneven weight distribution around your nipple, and causing your pump to pull unnaturally at your breast. 
• If your pump has a flat edge, it can pinch or compress your breast tissue. A curved edge protects the breast tissue from being compressed, while a hard edge resembling a funnel or “cone” can lead to pinching and pulling. 

All of this can lead to nipples that are sore, bruised, cracked, or even bleeding, and obstruct the proper flow of milk — creating the conditions for plugged ducts, engorgement, and mastitis to manifest. In the longer term, this pain and discomfort can also cause a dip in your milk supply. 

The connection between pain, discomfort, and milk output

Uncomfortable pumping can directly input output and milk supply for two main reasons: 

• Pinching, pulling, and uneven weight distribution impacts your pump’s performance, resulting in inadequate suction strength and breasts that aren’t fully emptied. This throws off the supply and demand equilibrium! 
• Conditions like sore nipples and plugged ducts make it too painful to feed, resulting in fewer or shorter pumping sessions. When you’re not pumping as often as you need to, your body slows down production.

This is why the Willow Go is engineered with a flange tunnel that’s longer than that of most other wearables, giving the nipple space to expand comfortably and fully release milk. It also allows for suction that more closely mimics a baby’s natural latch, leading moms to say that pumping with Willow feels more like nursing.    

When comparing Willow Go to other wearables, you’ll also notice a difference in the shape of the flange itself — specifically, the curved edges that wrap back around the pump. This design is more optimized for comfort than a flange with a flat, cone-shaped edge, which runs the risk of pinching and pulling skin.

How to optimize pump comfort and output

The best way to ensure that you’re pumping comfortably and making your most milk is by perfecting your flange (or flange and insert) fit. This starts with measuring your nipples, which you can find step by step instructions for here. You’ll want to do this when you start pumping and any time that you notice a change in your comfort or output over time! 

Beyond flange fit, a lactation expert can also be an incredibly valuable resource if you’re in need of support. (Unfortunately, most OBGYNs and pediatricians lack anything beyond basic pumping knowledge!) Look for a certified Lactation Consultant (also known as an IBCLC), Breastfeeding Counselor, or Lactation Educator — they have all been trained to assist with sizing and everything that comes along with it.

If you’re pumping with the Willow 360 or Willow Go, you can book a complimentary session with a Willow Mom Coach. They are Lactation Educators, moms, and experts on all things sizing, and can help you measure your nipples, experiment with different flange and insert sizes, and optimize output through proper alignment. They’ll even help you find the right bra! (If your flange fits well, but your bra is too loose, you may still deal with less than optimal output.) 

If you’re not yet pumping with Willow, there are many ways to find a lactation expert. Start by asking your pediatrician or OBGYN for a local recommendation, or explore care through a platform like SimpliFed, which offers virtual support. 

Remember: a comfortable pump makes more milk! 

Now that you understand the relationship between pump comfort and output, you’re ready to optimize your session for success. Here are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Pain and discomfort disrupt the release of oxytocin, a necessary hormone for milk production 
• Pain and discomfort can lead to sore nipples, plugged ducts, and mastitis, conditions that make it hard to feed in the short term and damage your supply in the long term
• One of the best ways to optimize your pump comfort is by finding the right flange fit
• A lactation consultant can help you pump more comfortably by helping with nipple measurements and more 

For more expert-backed tips on setting yourself up for pumping success, check out our blog. You can also shop Willow Go, the pump optimized for more comfort and milk output, and essentials for breast care and comfort in our Find Your Flow Feeding Kit.