Make yourself comfortable before pumping. Sit with your shoulders relaxed and back supported. Have everything you need, including something to drink, within reach. Many women find that their milk lets down when they think about their baby or look at a picture of their baby while pumping. Try breast massage or warm compresses on the breasts before pumping.
Some women gently stimulate the nipple before using the pump.
This option can cut pumping time in half and some believe that milk production in stimulated more effectively. If double pumping, expect to pump for around 8-10 minutes. Human milk can vary in color, consistency and smell depending upon the time of day the milk was expressed and the age of the baby at the time of pumping. Good times to express milk are upon awakening in the morning or when the baby has not completely emptied the breast. Effectiveness improves with practice.