How to Use Mumilk Breast Pump?

When it comes to breastfeeding, having a reliable breast pump can make all the difference, especially when you’re balancing your mum duties with everything else life throws your way. Mumilk breast pumps are designed to support you in this journey, but getting the most out of it means taking the time to understand how they work. This not only helps you efficiently pump milk, but also keeps you comfortable and ensures your milk supply meets your little one’s needs.

This guide will help you learn how to use the three breast pumps models from Mumilk and make the most of them. From how they work to properly storing your breast milk, we’re here to guide you in making your pumping sessions as smooth and efficient as possible.

Unboxing Your Mumilk Breast Pump: What's Included?

Mumilk offers three different models—the original Mumilk Breast Pump, the upgraded Mumilk Pro, and our newest marvel, The Ella. With all the essentials included in each box, you’ll be ready to start pumping with ease and confidence.

The Must-Know Features of Your Mumilk Breast Pump

Each Mumilk model has advanced features and capabilities that allow you to maximise your pumping experience with comfort and efficiency. Here are the features that make each Mumilk breast pump stand out.

Now that you know what’s in the box and the features of each model, learn how to use the Mumilk breast pump with our step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Clean and Assemble the Pump

Before assembling the breast pump, thoroughly wash the parts, including the flanges, silicone diaphragm, valves, and milk collector. Do not place any parts in the dishwasher to avoid damage to the pump parts. Then, air dry on a clean drying rack or a paper towel.

To assemble the original Mumilk Breast Pump and Pro, follow these instructions:

1. Insert the diaphragm into the linker. Make sure it fits securely around the rim.
2. Attach the valve to the opposite side of the linker. 
3. Secure the linker to the milk catcher with the valve pointing downwards. The linker should securely fit between the two C-shaped notches of the milk catcher.
4. Seal the milk collector with the breast flange, ensuring a tight fit to prevent any leaks.
5. Attach the motor to the top of the milk collector. 

As The Ella contains different parts, it also follows a different yet equally simple assembly. Here’s how:

1. Insert the valve inside the milk collector with the valve pointing downwards.
2. Secure the diaphragm on the slot on top of the milk collector.
3. Seal the milk collector with the breast flange, ensuring a tight fit to prevent any leaks. 
4. Attach the motor to the top of the milk collector.

Step 2: Charge the Pump

Plug the USB charging cable into the pump’s charging port. The standard Mumilk Breast Pump typically takes 60-70 minutes to fully charge, while Ella and Mumilk Pro take 80-90 minutes and 70-80 minutes, respectively. Fully charge at least once a day if you’re frequently pumping to ensure uninterrupted sessions.

Step 3: Choose the Right Breast Flange Size

To ensure the perfect fit, it’s best to measure your nipple’s diameter accurately. Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure the diameter of your nipple (excluding the areola or the darker area around the nipple) in millimetres. Then, choose a breast flange 2-4 millimetres larger than your nipple measurement to ensure a comfortable fit. You can refer to this visual guide to help you find your precise measurement. Please note that Mumilk only has flanges up to 27mm.

It is recommended to measure both of your nipples as there may be slight variations in size between the two. Your breast flange should fit snugly in your nipple without causing pain or excessive friction during pumping. For added comfort, consider using our Pumping Lubrication Spray. This minimises friction and moisturises your nipple.

Step 4: Get Ready to Pump

Before your pumping sessions, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, make yourself comfortable. It’s important that you’re relaxed to effectively release the oxytocin hormone which stimulates your let-down reflex. And once you’re in a comfortable position, you can massage your breasts to stimulate milk flow, which helps you express milk more effectively.

Step 5: Position the Pump

You can wear a well-fitting, non-restrictive nursing bra to provide support and accommodate the breast pump comfortably. Avoid wearing padded or wired bras to prevent discomfort while pumping. 

Make sure that the breast flanges are centred on the nipples to maintain a good suction seal. Avoid pressing the pump too hard against the skin to prevent compressing your milk ducts and restricting milk flow. 

Step 6: Run the Pump

Once you’re in a comfortable position, turn the pump on and select your desired mode and suction level. Mumilk’s electric breast pumps have suction and massage modes, with The Ella and Pro having auto functions. 

In the massage mode, the breast pump triggers the let-down reflex by mimicking a baby’s sucking pattern. The suction mode, on the other hand, provides a consistent and steady suction to ensure effective milk expression.

You may start with the massage mode to stimulate milk flow then switch to suction for optimal milk extraction. Adjust the suction level gradually to find a comfortable setting that maximises milk output without causing discomfort. 

Here’s a basic guide on how to use different Mumilk breast pump models:

The Ella & Mumilk Pro

1. Long press the power button to turn on and off
2. Click the power button to change modes (suction, massage, auto)
3. Press the + and - buttons to adjust the intensity (12 levels)

Mumilk Breast Pump

1. Click the power button to turn on and off
2. Press the M button to change modes. Flashing lights indicate massage; still lights indicate suction.
3. Click the + and - buttons to adjust the intensity (5 levels)

Keeping Your Mumilk Pump Clean and Fresh

If you pump frequently, it’s ideal to clean your breast pump at least once a day. However, if you’re expressing milk only once a day or less, you may clean your equipment after each use. To clean your Mumilk breast pump, follow these instructions: [1]

1. Carefully disassemble all pump parts.
2. Rinse the parts (except the motor) in cold water to remove milk residue. 
3. Wash all parts with dishwashing liquid and hot water. Make sure to remove all traces of grease and milk to prevent bacteria build-up.
4. Rinse at least twice in hot water. 
5. Drain containers upside-down on a clean paper towel.
6. Make sure the pump parts are completely dry before storing them in a clean, covered container.

Note: Do not place any parts of the breast pump in the dishwasher to avoid damage. Do not wash or sterilise the pumping motor, USB charging cord, and bra adjustment buckle.

Storing Breast Milk

Properly storing expressed breast milk is crucial for preserving its quality and safety. After pumping, pour it into clean, sterilised containers or storage bags designed for breast milk, ensuring they are properly sealed and labelled with the date. The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) outlines the following guidelines for properly and safely storing breast milk: [2]

Generally, it is recommended that babies with illnesses are fed fresh breast milk daily. The Australian Breastfeeding Association also encourages consulting a medical professional about specific breastmilk storage guidelines for feeding premature or sick babies. [3]

How long does it take to express milk with the Mumilk breast pump?

It varies depending on several factors, including your milk supply and individual let-down reflex. However, it is generally recommended that you pump each breast for around 15 minutes. Mumilk’s electric breast pumps automatically shut off after 20 minutes, preventing overuse and ensuring you don’t pump for too long in one session. 

What can you do to express more milk when using the Mumilk breast pump?

• Use two pumps. To get the most milk during your sessions, you can express milk from both breasts at once with Mumilk’s Portable Double Electric Breast Pump.
• Pump more often. Emptying your breasts more frequently signals your body to produce more milk. Try to add an extra pumping session during the day to increase your milk supply.
• Pump in the morning. Milk supply is regulated by your circadian rhythm, so many mums get the most milk in the morning. 
• Eat foods that can stimulate lactation. Try incorporating foods and drinks that can increase your breast milk supply, such as fenugreek, salmon and sardines, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and herbal teas.
• Drink lots of water. Breastfeeding mums may require 13 cups of water a day to maintain a healthy milk supply. [5]
• Maintain a healthy diet. Consume foods rich in protein, iron, and calcium to support your body’s nutritional needs. You may also add about 450 to 500 calories a day to your diet on top of your recommended caloric intake to ensure you can meet the increased demands of breastfeeding

Does a higher speed help you pump more?

While there’s no study that backs up this idea, using higher speeds can sometimes help stimulate milk flow more quickly. However, remember that comfort is key when pumping. Listen to your body and adjust to a more comfortable suction level so you can express more milk and prevent damage to your breast tissue.

How often should you pump?

Pumping, just like breastfeeding, is all about supply and demand. If your little one feeds 8 times a day, then you may need to pump at least 8 times to keep up with your baby’s demand. You may also try following a pumping schedule of every 2 to 3 hours a day to maintain a consistent milk supply.