The Mount Rushmore of Pumping: The 4 Things That Actually Move the Needle
If you carved a Mount Rushmore for pumping, four faces would make it. Not the gadgets, not the hacks, not trying harder. These are the four things that actually change how pumping feels.
When I was pumping, I spent a lot of money on things that promised to make it easier and didn't. What actually moved the needle came down to a short list. Master these four and most of the daily misery of pumping quietly goes away.
You don't need to try harder. You need a setup that works with you.
So here's the Mount Rushmore. Four faces, carved in the order I'd tackle them.
1. Flange fit
This is the first face on the mountain, because nothing else matters if your flange doesn't fit. Size, shape, and material matter far more than most people realize. The wrong fit means discomfort, longer sessions, and lower output. The right fit means everything else gets easier. Most moms are sized into the 24mm or 28mm flange that came in the box, when the truth is most need something in the 15–19mm range. And hard plastic is its own problem if you have sensitive tissue or elastic nipples. This is exactly why I designed Cushy, a soft silicone flange in 2mm increments from 13–30mm, so fit isn't a guess.
2. The right pump and the right settings
Not all pumps are created equal, and even the best pump won't work well if the settings are off. Cycle speed, suction level, stimulation versus expression mode: most moms are never actually shown how to use their pump effectively, so they crank the suction to the highest setting and assume more pull means more milk. It usually means more pain and less output. When you dial in your letdown cycle and find the suction that's strong but still comfortable, everything changes.
3. A consistent organization system
This is the most underrated face on the mountain. Pack your pump, parts, bottles, and cooler the same way every single time. No thinking, no forgetting, no scrambling before work or before a session. It sounds small and it isn't, because the mental load of pumping is mostly the remembering, not the pumping itself. When your bag is packed the same way every time, you stop spending energy on logistics. This is especially critical when you're pumping on a schedule and can't afford to leave a valve at home.
4. A washing system that saves your sanity
Because pumping isn't just pumping. It's washing parts, constantly. Anything that reduces that load makes the whole thing more sustainable: a dedicated dishwasher basket, a second (or third) set of parts so you're not washing between every session, a bottle washer if you have the counter space. The goal isn't a spotless kitchen. It's getting the washing off your plate enough that pumping doesn't eat your evening too.
Start with face #1
If you only fix one thing this week, fix your fit. It's the face everything else is carved around, and it's the cheapest, fastest change you can make.
Cushy Silicone Flanges
Soft silicone instead of hard plastic, in 2mm sizes from 13–30mm so you can dial in your real fit. Designed with an IBCLC for comfort and output. Not sure of your size? Grab the Sample Kit first.
Shop CushyThe short version
Flange fit. The right pump and settings. A consistent way to pack. A washing system you can live with. Those are the four faces. Get them right and pumping stops feeling like a second job. If you're stuck on which face to start with, hit reply on any email from me, it comes straight to my inbox and I'll point you to the next step.
With love,
Ece Filiz
Founder, Idaho Jones
