Why a silicone pump earns its place in your bag
If you leak from the breast you are not feeding from—or you feel full and want gentle relief without setting up a full pumping session—a silicone breast pump gives you a simple way to collect that milk instead of watching it soak into a breast pad. The Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump is designed to sit on the breast and use natural suction to collect milk, and its light, portable design means it can travel in your handbag or changing bag.
It holds up to 100ml (3.5fl oz), so it is practical for catching let-down during a feed or for taking the edge off fullness. The wide neck and simple suction technique are listed as suitable for all breast sizes.
How to apply the silicone pump for a secure seal
Once the pump is on, you can leave it to collect while you feed your baby from the other breast, or use it for up to 10 minutes if you are not feeding. The hands-free system fits securely and lets you carry on with what you are doing.
- Squeeze the bottom half of the pump: This prepares the pump to create suction when you place it.
- Flip the cushion in the opposite direction: Turning the cushion back makes room to position the pump over your nipple.
- Place the pump on your nipple and flip the cushion back: Return the cushion to its original position so it covers the nipple area. This creates a gentle, airtight suction that collects milk.
Make the most of let-down while you feed
The simplest way to use the silicone pump is to place it on the breast you are not nursing from while your baby feeds. The natural release of milk often means the other side leaks, and the pump catches that milk rather than wasting it. The brand suggests leaving it in place for 10 minutes or for the duration of the breastfeed.
If your flow feels slow to start, the supplied information suggests trying Lansinoh Thera°Pearl 3-in-1 Breast Therapy to encourage let-down and promote faster milk flow. You can use that alongside the silicone pump as part of your routine.
Practical let-down tips for a manual silicone pump
- Use the pump on the opposite breast during a feed: Your body’s natural release while nursing can make collection easier without extra effort.
- Keep the pump handy for comfort: If you feel full between feeds, the pump can help relieve pressure while collecting milk.
- Secure the base if you need to set it down: The suction bottom can be attached to a smooth surface to prevent spillages.
- Use the neck strap for added security: Wearing the pump around your neck means that if it is moved, knocked, or nudged by your baby, your breastmilk stays safe.
Silicone pump vs hand expressing: which to choose
Hand expressing uses your fingers to compress the breast and release milk. A silicone pump uses gentle suction to collect milk that is already flowing, often with less hand fatigue. If your goal is to catch leaking milk during a feed or to relieve fullness passively, the silicone pump is a convenient option. If you need to target a specific area or you are not leaking, hand expressing may give you more control.
The two methods can work together: you might hand express briefly to get things moving, then apply the silicone pump to collect. The supplied information does not specify whether the pump is intended to replace hand expression for every situation, so treat it as a collection tool rather than a full pumping session.
Cleaning steps for your silicone pump
The supplied product information does not include a detailed cleaning procedure, so follow the care instructions that come with your pump. As a general guide, wash the pump in warm, soapy water after each use, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air dry. The cap can be used to keep out dust or as a stand for the base. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance for sterilisation if you plan to sterilise.
Product facts: Lansinoh Silicone Breast Pump
- Silicone Breast Pump: Holds up to 100ml (3.5fl oz) of breastmilk. A practical capacity for catching let-down during a feed or relieving fullness without needing a full pump setup.
Silicone Breast Pump - Silicone Breast Pump: Suitable for all breast sizes due to its wide neck and simple suction technique. You do not need to worry about sizing before you buy.
- Silicone Breast Pump: The base can be secured to a smooth surface with its suction bottom. Helps prevent spillages if you need to set the pump down mid-session.
- Silicone Breast Pump: Includes a neck strap to wear the pump around your neck. Keeps the pump secure if it is knocked or nudged by your baby.
- Silicone Breast Pump: The cap can be used to keep out dust or as a stand for the base. Adds convenience for storage and hygiene between uses.
Storing and mixing collected milk
The brand suggests mixing breastmilk collected with the silicone pump with expressed breastmilk to ensure maximum nutritional benefits when feeding your little one. This is because the fat content of milk changes as a feed progresses, so combining collections can give a more balanced feed. Use your usual storage bags or bottles—Lansinoh offers storage bags and bottles for expressed milk.
