Learning to use your breast pump can feel a little overwhelming at first. Between flange sizing, suction levels and different pump modes, it's completely normal to wonder whether you're doing it "right".
If you've just unpacked your Bubka Glow, you might be asking yourself which mode you should use first, whether stronger suction means more milk, or if you're supposed to stay on one mode for your entire pumping session.
The good news is that there isn't one perfect setting. The best pump mode is the one that feels comfortable for your body while helping you express milk efficiently.
Quick answer
Most mums find it helpful to start in Massage Mode to encourage a letdown, move to Mixed Stimulation Mode to help stimulate milk flow, then switch to Expression Mode for the majority of their pumping session. If you're still learning what works best, Automatic Mode gradually increases the suction for you until you find a comfortable setting.
What does each Bubka Glow pump mode do?
Each mode has a different suction pattern designed to support a different stage of your pumping session.
Massage Mode
Massage Mode uses short, gentle suction to signal to your body that it's time to start pumping. Many mums like to use this mode for the first few minutes while waiting for their milk to begin flowing.
Mixed Stimulation Mode
Mixed Stimulation Mode follows a pattern of nine short sucks followed by one longer suck. This rhythm is designed to encourage milk production and help stimulate a letdown.
Some mums also switch back to this mode later in their session if they'd like to encourage another letdown before finishing.
Expression Mode
Once your milk is flowing, Expression Mode is designed to efficiently remove milk with longer, more consistent suction.
As you increase the suction strength, the pulls become longer and stronger. However, higher suction doesn't automatically mean more milk. The most effective setting is the highest level that still feels comfortable.
Automatic Mode
If you're unsure where to start, Automatic Mode does the work for you.
It begins on the lowest suction strength and gradually increases every 15 seconds (30 sucks). Once it reaches suction strength 12, it automatically changes into Expression Mode.
If you find a comfortable level before then, simply press the minus (-) button to stop the suction increasing.
What's the best pumping routine for most mums?
While every body responds differently, many mums find this routine works well:
For the Glow:
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Mixed stimulation Mode 〰️ - 9 short sucks followed by 1 longer suck, this mode can help to stimulate milk production to prepare your breasts for a full pumping cycle.
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Expression Mode 💧- A slightly stronger option, this mode gets straight to the point with consistent medium- long sucks to help your milk flow. The stronger you go on expression mode the longer the sucks.
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Massage Mode ◖💧◗ - Shorter sucks, this mode is a great way to begin your pump session to communicate to your body that it’s time to pump and stimulate your letdown.
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Automatic Mode 💧💧- This is a great way to begin if you are new to pumping trying to find the most suitable strength for your body. This mode starts on the lowest strength (Mixed stimulation Mode) and moves up one level every 30 sucks or 15 seconds until suction strength 12 where it will transition to Expression Mode. You can stop it from increasing suction by clicking the “-”. If you go straight to a higher suction strength during this cycle you will experience long slow sucks on Expression mode. When toggling to this mode it will always restart on suction strength one.
Remember that your preferred settings may change throughout your breastfeeding journey. What feels right in the early weeks may be different a few months later.
Most importantly, pumping should never be painful. If a setting feels uncomfortable, reduce the suction or check your flange size before increasing the strength again.
For the Move:
There are up to 12 suction strengths to choose from which you can increase and decrease by short pressing the + and - depending on your preference.
HERE is a quick and easy tutorial.
Press Ⓜ on your breast pump to toggle between 4 modes:
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Massage ♥ - Press once
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Expression💧- Press twice
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Lactation 𝔖 - Press three times
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Auto 🅐 - Press four times
1. Massage: This mode is a great way to begin your pump session to help make the process more comfortable and stimulate your letdown.
2. Expression: This mode gets straight to the point with long suctions. It is designed to extract breast milk efficiently and effectively.
3. Lactation: Increases gradually and mimics bubs sucking frequency. The frequency follows 3 short suctions + 1 long suction. iN addition to expressing breast milk efficiently, this mode also stimulates milk production.
4. Auto: This automatically transitions from Massage mode (5 pumps) to Expression mode (10 pumps).
Where Bubka products can help
Choosing the right pump mode is only one part of comfortable pumping.
A correctly fitted flange can make just as much difference to comfort and milk removal. If you're unsure about your fit, our Breast Pump Flange Size Guide can help you find the right size before increasing suction.
Many mums also find it helpful to pair their routine with:
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Bubka Glow Double Breast Pump Kit for fully wearable, hands-free pumping.
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Replacement Flanges and Inserts to achieve a more comfortable fit.
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Bubka Breast Pump Cleaning Wipes for quick cleaning between pumping sessions when you're away from home.
You may also find these guides helpful:
When to get extra support from an IBCLC or health professional
Some trial and error is completely normal when you're learning to pump.
However, it's worth seeking support from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), your GP or maternal child health nurse if:
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Pumping is consistently painful.
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You're experiencing nipple damage or ongoing discomfort.
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You're concerned about your milk supply.
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Your baby isn't feeding or gaining weight as expected.
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You're unsure whether your flange size or pump settings are right for you.
You can also find evidence-based breastfeeding and expressing information through the Australian Breastfeeding Association, which offers practical resources and support for families at every stage of their breastfeeding journey.
A lactation professional can assess your pumping technique, flange fit and breastfeeding journey to provide personalised advice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I always start in Massage Mode?
Most mums find it helpful, but there isn't a rule that says you must. As you become more familiar with your body, you may find another routine works better for you.
Does stronger suction mean I'll pump more milk?
Not necessarily. The strongest setting isn't always the most effective. Comfortable suction often leads to better milk removal than suction that's too strong.
How long should I stay in each mode?
Many mums spend up to five minutes in Massage Mode before moving into Mixed Stimulation and then Expression Mode. Your routine may vary depending on how quickly your letdown occurs.
Should I use Automatic Mode every session?
Automatic Mode is particularly useful when you're new to pumping or still working out which suction level suits you. Once you know your preferred settings, many mums choose to adjust the modes manually.
Why does my preferred setting change?
Your breasts can respond differently throughout your breastfeeding journey. Hormonal changes, returning to work, changes in milk supply and even the time of day can all influence which settings feel most comfortable.
Your next step
Every mum's pumping journey looks a little different, and that's okay.
Start with the lowest comfortable suction, experiment with each mode, and give yourself time to find the routine that works for your body.
If you're still perfecting your setup, explore our Bubka Glow Double Breast Pump Kit, browse our Replacement Flanges and Inserts, or read our guide to choosing the correct flange size to help make pumping more comfortable.
