Pumping breast milk is a crucial part of the breastfeeding journey, whether you’re a working mom, dealing with supply issues, or just want to ensure a steady milk supply. Knowing when to pump can make a significant difference in your milk production and overall breastfeeding experience.
I started pumping after 4 weeks of exclusively breastfeeding my baby. I followed the recommendation to keep the first 4 weeks for establishing my milk supply based on my baby’s needs. Initially, I was very confused about when to pump since I was feeding my baby every 1-2 hours during the first few months. When was I supposed to pump? Fortunately, I had a lactation consultant who helped me figure it out.
Here are the tips I received:
First, I pumped after feeding my baby to create a milk stash. This helped me gradually build up a reserve of milk.
After introducing the bottle, someone else would feed the baby during the night, while I woke up at least once to pump (had an alarm at 3am).
When I returned to work, I started pumping every 3 hours. This consistency was key to maintaining my milk supply while being away from my baby.
When to start pumping
The ideal time to start pumping can vary depending on your circumstances:
- Exclusively breastfeeding: If you’re exclusively breastfeeding and your baby is nursing well, many experts recommend waiting until your milk supply is established, around 4-6 weeks postpartum. This allows your body to regulate milk production naturally.
- Challenges with latch or milk supply: If your baby is having trouble latching or you’re concerned about milk supply, you might consider starting to pump sooner, as early as a week or two postpartum. Talk to a lactation consultant for personalized guidance.
- Premature baby or NICU stay: If your baby is premature or in the NICU, starting to pump as soon as possible after birth is crucial to establish and maintain your milk supply.
What’s you goal?
The frequency of pumping depends on your goals and your baby’s needs. Here are some scenarios and recommended pumping schedules:
- Maintain supply: If you’re not separated from your baby regularly, pumping 1-2 times a day for 15-20 minutes per session can help maintain your milk supply.
- Replace feedings: If you’re returning to work or school, you’ll need to pump as often as your baby would normally nurse, which is usually about every 2-3 hours. Each pumping session should last around 15-20 minutes, or until your milk flow slows down significantly.
- Increase supply: If you want to increase your milk production, pumping 8-12 times in a 24-hour period is recommended. This might involve pumping every 2-3 hours during the day and once at night. Each session should last 15-20 minutes, or until your milk flow slows down.
When to Pump
- After nursing sessions: If your baby doesn’t fully empty your breasts during a feeding, pump afterward to ensure they are fully drained. This can help increase your milk supply and prevent engorgement or blocked ducts. As KellyMom suggests, “Pumping after breastfeeding can help increase milk supply and build a freezer stash.”
- Between nursing sessions: If you’re trying to build a freezer stash or increase your milk supply, pumping between nursing sessions can be effective. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 hours after a feeding to stimulate milk production. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) supports this, stating, “Mothers who are trying to increase milk supply can pump between regular breastfeeding sessions.”
- During or after feeding from one breast: If your baby usually feeds from one breast at a time, you can pump from the other breast simultaneously or immediately after the feeding. This method is convenient and can help maintain an even milk supply between both breasts. The Mayo Clinic advises, “Consider pumping one breast while your baby feeds on the other to maximize milk output.”
- Work breaks: For working moms, finding time to pump during work hours is essential. Schedule regular breaks to pump, ideally every 3-4 hours. Consistency is key to maintaining your milk supply while you’re away from your baby. La Leche League International recommends, “Try to pump at least every 3-4 hours while you are at work to maintain your milk supply.”
- Power pumping: If you’re trying to boost your milk supply, consider power pumping. This involves pumping for 20 minutes, resting for 10 minutes, and then pumping for another 10 minutes. Repeat this cycle 2-3 times per day.
Additional tips for pumping frequency
- Start gradually: If you’re new to pumping, start with one pumping session per day and gradually increase as needed.
- Prioritize nursing: Always prioritize breastfeeding your baby directly. Pumping is a helpful tool, but it shouldn’t replace nursing sessions if you are with the baby and baby can/want to nurse.
- Listen to your body: If your breasts feel full or uncomfortable, pump to relieve the pressure, even if it’s not at a scheduled time.
- Be consistent: Regular pumping is key to maintaining your milk supply. Try to stick to a schedule as much as possible, especially if you’re pumping to replace feedings.
- Adjust as needed: Your pumping schedule may need to be adjusted over time as your baby grows and your milk supply changes. Don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if you have any concerns.
Things to pay attention
- Introducing pumping too early or too frequently can potentially interfere with the natural establishment of your milk supply. Hence, wait for 4 weeks before pumping if you breastfeed. If you don’t breastfeed, pump 8-12 times a day.
- If you are concern that baby is not intaking a lot of milk from your breast, try offering a bottle right after breastfeeding, check to see if they have at least 6 wet diapers during the day, weigh your baby frequently (with an accurate scale you can weigh them naked before and after feeding).