A-Z Breast Pumping Glossary

Welcome to the world of breast pump words, Mama! We know, it can sometimes feel like a foreign language, but our A-Z Breast Pumping Glossary is here to make sure you that when you use terms like "flange" and "mmHg", you'll sound like a pumping pro!

• "Breastfeeding-friendly" is a term to identify companies that have made a commitment to supporting breastfeeding families.
• Several organizations have created special "Breastfeeding-Friendly Business and Workplace" designations that can help you identify companies that meet these standards. An example is the North Carolina Breastfeeding Coalition, which provides an application for all North Carolina businesses.
  • The Breastfeeding-Friendly Business designation is for businesses that support breastfeeding customers.
  • The Breastfeeding-Friendly Workplace designation goes to businesses that support lactating employees.

• Also known a flange, it is a nipple-shaped sheath worn over the areola and nipple during breastfeeding. Often made of soft, thin, flexible silicone, with holes at the end of the nipple section to allow the breast milk to pass through. Breastshields come in a variety of sizes, and it is important that a breastfeeding mom has a proper fit.

• When you see the term "closed system", it indicates that there is a barrier within the breast pump that does not allow the milk to come in contact with the tubing in your pumping kit, allowing it to go straight from breast to bottle.

• Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by moms, immediately following delivery. Most moms will also produce colostrum just prior to giving birth. Yellowish in color, it contains antibodies to protect newborns against disease.

• A double electric breast pump is a pump that allows you to double pump, meaning they come with two breast shields to simultaneously express milk from both breasts at once. This is beneficial for increasing milk production and saving time.

• Also known as EPing of breast milk, it's the act of exclusively providing breast milk for your infant via breast pumping. This alternative method allows mothers to provide milk for their infant when they are unable to or would prefer not to breastfeeding.

• The expression phase is the second phase during your breastfeeding session, when your baby slows down and you hear him/her swallowing milk. Babies naturally begin to take longer and slower sips of milk during this phase until the breast empties or they fall asleep.

• Also known a breastshield, it is a nipple-shaped sheath worn over the areola and nipple during breastfeeding. Often made of soft, thin, flexible silicone, with holes at the end of the nipple section to allow the breast milk to pass through. Breastshields come in a variety of sizes, and it is important that a breastfeeding mom has a proper fit.

• Hospital Grade breast pumps are for a new mom with medical issues that hinder their ability to successfully breastfeed, or mothers of NICU babies. They are designed for multiple users, with a special closed system that makes the pump safe for moms to share. They are only available for rent when covered by insurance, and require a prescription.

• Hospital Strength is a term used by breast pump manufacturers to convey stronger breast pump suction. It can apply to single-use electric breast pumps, and there are no standards or regulations that define exactly what suction a breast pump needs to be considered "Hospital Strength".

• Or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a healthcare professional that specializes in the clinical care and management of breastfeeding. They specialize in helping parents achieve in their lactation goals, even in high-risk situations. IBCLC professionals are certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners.

• A lactation consultant is a specialized breastfeeding professional that has been trained to help teach mothers how to feed their babies and assist if breastfeeding issues such as latching difficulties, low milk production, painful nursing, and more occur.

• The let-down reflex occurs when your breasts are ready to express milk for your baby. You may notice a tingling sensation as your body releases the hormone oxytocin and milk begins to flow.

• Maternity Compression serves as an umbrella term for a variety of medical devices worn to reduce pain and promote healing during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. They provide gentle compression to provide support where your body needs it the most and are available in Compression Socks and Maternity Support Bands (during pregnancy) and Postpartum Recovery Garments (after pregnancy).

• Also known as valve membranes, these are the small flexible parts that attach to the breast pump valves. They can become worn down over time, and should be replaced every 2 to 8 weeks to help your pump maintain output and performance.

• Or millimeters of mercury is the standard unit of measurement for breast pump suction level or vacuum pressure. Breast pumps generally have a suction level of 220 to 350 mmHg. Higher levels of suction don’t necessarily mean certain pumps are better than others. Generally, hospital grade pumps have a higher ranger due to having a bigger, stronger motor to withstand the use of multiple mothers.

• An open system breastpump does not have a barrier that prevents milk from entering the tubing during a pumping session. These types of pumps need to be properly sterilized and allowed to completely dry after each use.

• Resupply is a term we use to identify breast pump parts that need to be replaced, approximately every 90 days. This can include parts such as valves, membranes, flanges, and tubing individually, or in kits. Some insurance will cover resupply parts, and you can always find them online in our Resupply section.

• A single electric breast pump comes with a motor unit and one flange to allow mothers to express milk from one breast at a time. They assist with the breast pumping phases by mimicking an infant’s natural suckling pattern.

• The stimulation phase is the first phase of breastfeeding that occurs as your baby quickly suckles to stimulate milk production. Many breast pumps naturally mimic this pattern to assist with milk expression.

• Breast pump suction refers to the speed at which the vacuum is applied to the nipple for breastfeeding. Generally the speed can be adjusted according to comfort.

• Also known as duck valves, these are the small, flexible breast pump parts that stretch and release as the pump sucks in to create the suction that is felt on the breast in order to draw milk out. They become worn over time and should be replaced regularly to keep your pump at peak performance.

Information provided in blogs should not be used as a substitute for medical care or consultation.