Whether you are still pregnant and planning ahead or a few weeks postpartum and figuring things out as you go, the same questions come up again and again. Here are honest, evidence-based answers to the ones new moms ask most often.
How do I know if my baby is actually getting enough milk?
The most reliable signs are straightforward. Your baby is producing enough wet and dirty diapers for their age, gaining weight steadily, and back to birth weight by around 2 weeks. A baby who feeds at least 8 times in 24 hours, swallows audibly during feeds, and seems content between nursing sessions is almost certainly getting what they need. If you are concerned, a weighted feed, where your baby is weighed before and after a nursing session to measure how much they transferred, is the most direct way to get a clear answer. Your pediatrician or a lactation consultant can perform this for you.
I am only pumping one or two ounces. Does that mean my supply is low?
Not necessarily. Pump output is one of the most misunderstood data points in breastfeeding. It is influenced by flange fit, the time of day, how recently you last fed or pumped, your stress level, and how well your body responds to a pump versus a baby. A well-latched baby removes milk far more efficiently than most pumps, so moms who nurse primarily often pump small amounts simply because the baby is doing the work. If your baby is thriving, low pump output alone is not a supply concern. If you are exclusively pumping and output is consistently low across all sessions, checking your flange size is the most practical first step. Use the Storkpump Flange Sizing Guide before assuming anything else needs to change.
My nipples are really sore. Is that normal?
Some tenderness in the first one to two weeks is genuinely common as your body adjusts to nursing. What warrants attention is pain that continues throughout the entire feed rather than easing after the initial latch, nipples that look pinched or creased after a feed, or pain that is present between sessions. Those are signals that latch or fit needs adjustment, and addressing them early makes a significant difference. Pushing through significant pain without identifying the cause tends to lead to damage that makes feeding harder over time. Visiting the Storkpump Learning Center for latch and fit resources is a good starting point, and a lactation consultant can observe a feed in person to identify the specific issue.
When should I introduce a bottle?
The timing that works best for most families is around 3 to 6 weeks, once breastfeeding is well established. Introducing too early can occasionally lead to nipple preference in babies who are still learning to latch, and waiting too long, generally past 8 to 10 weeks, can make some babies less willing to accept a bottle at all. When you do introduce a bottle, paced bottle feeding, where the bottle is held horizontally and feeding is slowed to mimic the effort of nursing, helps maintain a baby's interest in both breast and bottle. The Storkpump Learning Center has a full guide on bottle introduction.
I am going back to work in three weeks. What should I do now?
Three weeks is enough time to prepare well if you start now. Make sure your pump has arrived and that you have had a few practice sessions with it. Confirm your flange size using the Storkpump Flange Sizing Guide before your first day back rather than on it. Begin adding one pump session per day after your morning nursing session to start building a small freezer stash. Map out where and when you will pump at work, and if possible, visit that space before your return. If your workplace does not have a clear pumping policy, familiarize yourself with your federal rights under the PUMP Act so you can advocate for yourself confidently.
Does it matter which pump I choose?
Yes, more than many moms realize. A pump with strong, consistent suction that fits your anatomy and fits into your daily routine makes a meaningful difference in how sustainable pumping is over weeks and months. A hospital-grade double electric pump is the best choice for moms who are exclusively pumping or working to establish supply. A wearable pump is more practical for moms who need to pump while moving around or in an office setting. Many moms do well with one of each. Browse the full Storkpump pump collection to compare your insurance-covered options, including upgrade options if you want a higher-end model. If you have Medicaid, view covered pumps here.
How long should I breastfeed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding alongside solid foods for at least the first year and beyond as long as mutually desired. Those are evidence-based goals worth knowing about, and every week of breast milk a baby receives has real value. The most important thing is having the support you need to reach your own feeding goals. The Storkpump FAQ and about page have more information on the resources available to you throughout your feeding journey.
Sources
- Hoyt-Austin, A., Kair, L. R., Larson, I. A., et al. (2022). ABM Clinical Protocol #2: Guidelines for birth hospitalization discharge of breastfeeding dyads, revised 2022. Breastfeeding Medicine, 17(3), 197-206. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2022.29203.aeh
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2025). Breastfeeding guidelines and recommendations. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/breastfeeding/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). About breastfeeding. https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/php/about/index.html
Acreditado por ACHC