Why Am I Still Full After Pumping?

Why Am I Still Full After Pumping?

Why Am I Still Full After Pumping? 5 Reasons & Fixes for Better Milk Removal

Struggling to fully empty your breasts after pumping?

You’re not alone! Many moms experience this frustrating issue, but the good news is—there’s a fix.

In this guide, we’ll explore why your breasts may still feel full after pumping, common mistakes, and professionally backed solutions to help you remove more milk effectively.

1. Poor Flange Fit – Are You Using the Right Size?

Your breast pump flange (the part that attaches to your breast) plays a huge role in milk extraction. If the flange is too small or too large, milk removal won’t be effective.

🔍 Signs of an Incorrect Flange Size:
Too Small: Pain, nipple rubbing against the sides, or white ring around the nipple
Too Large: Excess areola being pulled in, reduced suction, or leaking

Fix It:

• Measure your nipple diameter before and after pumping
• Use the correct flange size
• Try insertable silicone flanges for a more comfortable fit

Pro Tip: Many moms see an instant increase in milk output just by switching to the correct flange size!

2. Low Suction or Incorrect Pump Settings

Your pump settings should mimic a baby’s natural feeding rhythm—too much or too little suction can lead to ineffective milk removal.

Common Pump Setting Mistakes:
Using maximum suction (can cause pain, restrict milk flow)
Not using stimulation mode first (important for triggering letdown)
Suction too low (may not effectively extract milk)

Fix It:

• Start with letdown mode (fast suction) for 1-2 minutes
• Switch to expression mode (slow suction) once milk flows
• Experiment with suction levels—comfortable, but strong enough to remove milk

Pro Tip: Some moms respond better to a combination of gentle hand massage + pumping! Try gently stroking your breasts while pumping to encourage flow.

3. Engorgement or Clogged Milk Ducts

Engorged breasts or clogged ducts can compress milk flow, making it harder for the pump to drain your breasts.

Signs of Clogged Ducts or Engorgement:
Hard, lumpy areas in the breast
Pain, redness, or discomfort
Feeling full even after pumping

Fix It:

• Apply a warm compress before pumping
• Gently massage breasts toward the nipple to break up blockages
• Pump more frequently (don’t wait until you’re overly full)

Pro Tip: speak to your doctor before trying sunflower lecithin supplements which may help prevent recurrent clogged ducts!

4. Letdown Reflex Issues (Stress, Dehydration, or Hormones)

Your letdown reflex signals milk to flow—but stress, dehydration, or hormonal changes can delay or weaken this process.

Signs of Letdown Issues:
Pumping but only getting drops of milk
Letdown taking longer than 2-3 minutes
Milk suddenly decreasing due to stress or cycle changes

Fix It:

• Relax! Look at photos/videos of your baby while pumping
• Drink warm water before a session
• Use deep breathing techniques or relaxation music
• Try power pumping (pump on/off in short bursts to trigger more letdowns)

Pro Tip: Oxytocin is key for milk flow—try sniffing baby’s clothing or using gentle nipple stimulation before pumping!

5. Not Pumping Long Enough or Frequently Enough

Your body produces milk on demand—if you’re not fully emptying your breasts, your supply may start to decrease over time.

Common Mistakes:
Stopping pumping after only one letdown
Not pumping often enough (especially if replacing feeds)
Skipping night pumps (can impact supply)

Fix It:

• Pump until your breasts feel soft, not just until milk stops flowing
• Wait 5 minutes after milk stops, then do a second letdown phase
• Use hands-on pumping (massaging + compressing breasts)
• If exclusively pumping, aim for 8-10 pumping sessions per day

Quick Troubleshooting Guide: Why Am I Still Full After Pumping?

Flange too small/large   ➡️   Measure nipple size, adjust flange

Low suction settings   ➡️   Increase suction gradually

Clogged ducts   ➡️   Gentle strokes, warm compress

Delayed letdown   ➡️   Relaxation techniques, hydration, nipple stimulation

Not pumping long enough   ➡️   Pump past first letdown for a total of 15-20 minute sessions

When to See a Lactation Consultant 👩‍⚕️

If you continue struggling with milk removal despite trying these solutions, a lactation consultation can help!

✔ Flange fitting & pump optimization
✔ Checking for tongue/lip tie in baby
✔ Clogged duct prevention & treatment
✔ Increasing milk supply

👉 Book a virtual or in-home lactation consultation today! Click here to schedule.

Final Thoughts: Get More Milk & Pump More Comfortably

Pumping should be effective and comfortable—if your breasts still feel full after 20+ minutes, there’s a reason! By making small adjustments like flange sizing, suction settings, and letdown stimulation, you can pump more efficiently and feel more relief.

But wait, there’s more!

Follow

Follow @mommysownmilk on Instagram for honest tips on breastfeeding, pumping, and finding joy in your feeding journey.

Pro Tip:

See the links on our website to check if your lactation visits are 100% covered by your insurance.

100% Covered Lactation Consultations

In-Home Visits (South Florida): Broward County, Palm Beach County, Boca Raton, Parkland, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach, Margate, Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Sunrise, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Weston, Plantation, and more…

Virtual Visits: Across the United States.

Reasons to see a lactation consultant:

• Prenatal lactation consult to prepare you because that first week postpartum is the most critical.
• Pumping (flange sizing, choosing a pump, storing milk etc.)
• Nursing (first week, latching, milk supply, returning to work, etc.)
• Complications (newborn jaundice, tongue-tie, mastitis, engorgement, plugged ducts, nipple damage, baby with difficulty gaining weight, etc.)
• Education (learn the basics, how to pump, pros and cons of breast pumps, etc.)

Join Our Community

Navigating your breastfeeding journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone! As a lactation consultant and registered nurse, I’m here to share breastfeeding tips and pumping tips to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.) to stay informed!

Useful resources:

• The World Health Organization: https://www.who.int
• The American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.aap.org
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: https://www.acog.org
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov

Disclaimer: Mommy’s Own Milk does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, services, and products on the www.mommysownmilk.com Website were created for informational purposes only.