How to pump comfortably with a wearable breast pump 

• When expressing using a wearable breast pump, make sure you choose the right horn size so your nipple fits comfortably, and milk can flow with ease.  

• Always check that the pump is positioned correctly, with your nipple centred in the tunnel before you start.  

• Wear a supportive nursing bra that holds the pump securely without pressing too tightly.   

• Begin pumping on a low suction setting and increase gradually if you need to.  

Pumping with a wearable breast pump should feel like a natural extension of your day-to-day routine. But between new schedules, changing breasts, and getting to know a new bit of kit, comfort can take a little fine-tuning.  

The good news is that small adjustments make a big difference. When your pump fits well, sits where it should, and works with your body’s rhythms, expressing becomes calmer, quicker, and far more comfortable. 

This guide walks you through the simple tweaks that help your wearable pump feel better from the very first session. From finding the right horn size, to choosing the mode that mimics your baby and matches your body’s pace, to making sure your bra supports rather than squeezes. Consider this your shortcut to smoother, more confident and comfortable pumping.  

Because you deserve a setup that works with you, not against you, and helps keep milk flowing with ease. 

If you're just getting started with your wearable pump and have run into some issues, or are yet to get started and feeling a little unsure, it's a good idea to personalise your pump by:  

• Measuring your nipples to make sure you're using the correct horn size: Breasts change post-baby, so check your nipple size regularly using a ruler or the size guide that came with your pump, and make sure your nursing bra fits well, supports you comfortably, and can hold your pump. 

• Experimenting with your pump's settings to choose the right ones for you: We recommend starting low and working your way up a level each time, until you find the setting that feels natural for you. 

Check your bra size 

After having a baby, your breasts may change a little (both in shape and size) and it's a good idea to get your bra size re-measured so you can get a few new comfortable nursing bras that fit well and offer you the best support possible.  

Our anatomic wearable pump is designed to fit easily and securely inside your nursing bra. The key is to make sure the bra you're wearing holds the pump upright and level against your breast, even when you're on the move.  

If you're finding your pump is squeezing your breast too much, you can try adding a bra adjuster clip (included with your pump) to the strap of your nursing bra to give your breasts and the pump a little more room.  

Measure your nipples 

Making sure that you're using the right horn size means that every pumping session is as comfortable, efficient, and effective as possible.    

Tommee Tippee breast pumps have a 24mm horn, and also come with 13mm, 15mm, 17mm, 19mm and 21mm horn inserts so you can find your perfect fit.   

• If your horn is too loose you can lose the suction you need to stimulate your nipple and breast effectively. This could mean you struggle to remove milk from a breast pump which may harm your milk supply or make pumping unnecessarily painful.  
• If the horn you're using is too tight, your breasts can be constricted in ways that may lead to clogged milk ducts. You don't want your nipples to pinch, rub or cause you any discomfort while you pump.  

Read our guide on finding your fit to learn more.  

Choosing the right settings on the wearable breast pump  

The key here is to remember that everyone’s breast milk supply is different, every day is different, and every pumping session can be different.  

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings or different times of day, surprising your breasts can lead to effective pumping too!  

Using a breast pump feels different for everyone due to breast size and the settings that work well for you one day could feel less comfortable the next, but it's important to remember that pumping should never be painful. 

How to choose your mode  

Our wearable pump uses two-stage suction that closely mimics a baby’s natural feeding rhythms. It has 4 adjustable modes which change the pattern of the suction to help stimulate your mammary glands, trigger your let-down reflex, build your milk supply, and express efficiently. 

It has 2 massage modes (with 6 levels) that stimulate breast milk production and encourage let-down. 

~ Soft-stimulation Mode 

• Suction levels 1–6 
• A short sucking pattern to stimulate the your mammary glands and breast milk supply. 
• Best used at the start of a session to encourage your let-down.  
• Mimics the gentle, rapid sucking a baby uses to bring breast milk in at the start of a feed. 

≈ Stimulation Mode 

• Suction levels 1–6 
• A pattern of 10 short pulls for every long pull to efficiently express breast milk and empty hindmilk.  
• Ideal for boosting output.  
• Reflects the mixed rhythm (short, quick sucks with longer pulls) that babies often use to keep milk flowing and reach the fattier hindmilk. 

And 2 express modes (with 9 levels) that closely mimic your baby’s natural sucking rhythm to gently and efficiently express. 

🌢🌢 Double Drop Mode 

• Suction levels 1–9 
• Faster suction pattern with more pulls per minute.  
• Imitates the steady, rhythmic sucking of a content feeding baby, keeping expression comfortable. 

🌢 Expression Mode 

• Suction levels 1–9 
• A longer, deeper suction pattern designed for fast, efficient breast milk expression.  
• Gentle but effective, it helps stimulate foremilk flow and supports full expression.  
• Mirrors the longer, stronger sucks that efficiently drain the breast once your let down reflex starts.  

What are suction levels? 

Suction levels control and adjust the intensity gradually from one level to the next.  

• Lower levels = A gentler pull, ideal when you’re just starting a session or if your breasts feel more sensitive.  
• Higher levels = Stronger suction to help express more milk once your flow is established.  

Think of it as turning up the “strength” of each pull, so you can choose what’s most comfortable and effective. 

Start low, go slow 

Start on the lowest setting and increase gradually until expressing feels comfortable and effective. If the pace or pull of the suction is too intense, dial it back. 

By switching between modes and adjusting suction levels, you can create a pattern that works best for your body.  

What feels right for you can change from one session to the next, so it’s normal to swap between settings as your comfort levels and breast milk supply shift. Switching modes and levels will help keep you comfortable, stimulating let-down, and expressing breast milk more efficiently.  

What comfortable pumping should feel like 

Pumping should feel steady, gentle, and predictable. You might notice a light tugging as the pump draws your nipple into the horn, but it shouldn’t pinch, sting, or take your breath away. As your milk starts to flow, the sensation often settles into a smooth rhythm, more like a firm massage than a pull. 

Your breasts should feel supported, not squeezed. You shouldn’t need to brace yourself for each cycle, and you shouldn’t be counting down the minutes until you can stop. Many parents describe comfortable wearable pumping as something they can do while they read, rest, or get on with a day-to-day task one-handed. 

You may feel a warm, tingling sensation when your let-down first happens, which is normal. What’s not normal is sharp pain, ongoing tenderness, or any rubbing that leaves your skin sore afterwards.  

If something doesn’t feel right, it’s a sign to pause, adjust your bra or horn size, or switch to a gentler setting. Your body should feel supported throughout the session, never challenged by it. 

Still not comfortable? 

Reach out to our Parent-care team, or talk to your GP or a lactation consultant for support, you deserve to pump without pain.