How Often Should You Pump? Breast Milk Pumping Tips

Wondering how often you should pump breast milk? We’ve got all your pumping questions covered, including scheduling tips and what to do if you can’t find the time.

When to Start Pumping Your Breast Milk

Parents who choose to breastfeed or chest-feed often incorporate pumping into their routine. Pumping can be essential for various reasons, including:

Caring for a medically vulnerable or premature baby who can’t latch.
Managing a baby who has trouble latching or refuses the breast.
Deciding to exclusively pump and bottle-feed.
Preparing for occasional separations, like a night out.
Preparing for frequent separations, such as returning to work or school.

When to start pumping depends on your specific situation. Nicole Peluso, IBCLC, a lactation consultant, and manager of lactation services at Aeroflow Breastpumps, offers this advice:

For babies in the NICU or those having trouble latching: Start pumping as soon as possible, ideally within an hour after birth.
If you’re returning to work or school: Begin pumping 2-3 weeks before your return. Try an early morning session about an hour after your baby’s first feeding.
For occasional separations: Pump whenever you miss a feeding or your baby receives a bottle.

Breast Milk Pumping Frequency

How often you should pump depends on your circumstances, says Jenelle Ferry, M.D., neonatologist, and director of feeding, nutrition, and infant development at Pediatrix Medical Group in Tampa, Florida.

Exclusive Pumping: Pump as frequently as your baby eats, typically every 2-3 hours for newborns and every 3-4 hours after the first month. Continue night-time pumps as long as your baby needs night feeds, usually for the first 4-6 months.
Pumping while away from your baby: Mimic your baby’s feeding schedule, especially in the first 6-12 weeks. After your milk supply is regulated, you might space out pumping sessions. Monitor your milk output to ensure you maintain supply.
Occasional pumping: Pump any time you miss a feeding session or your baby gets a bottle.

How Much Breast Milk Should I Pump at Once?

According to the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (ABM), expect to produce about 25-35 ounces per day once your milk supply is established, typically 3-4 weeks postpartum. Divide this amount by the number of daily feedings to estimate per-session output.

Most parents pump 3-4 ounces per session once their milk supply is in, says Dr. Ferry. The CDC recommends storing 2-4 ounces of pumped milk per container to avoid waste.

What If I Miss a Pumping Session?

Missing a pumping session occasionally isn’t a cause for panic.

“If you miss a pumping session, you may feel engorgement,” says Peluso. “One missed session usually won’t impact your supply significantly, but regular missed sessions can lead to a decrease in milk volume.”

Breast Milk Pumping Tips

Even with a good routine, questions and concerns may arise. Here are Peluso’s top tips for a positive pumping experience:

Get to Know Your Pump: Consider having your flange size fitted by an IBCLC. The flanges are the cone-shaped devices placed on your breasts during pumping.
Use Visuals: Looking at pictures or videos of your baby can increase oxytocin, encouraging milk let-down.
Massage and Warm Compresses: Massaging your breasts and using warm compresses before pumping can increase milk flow.
Check Pump Parts: If your milk supply drops, ensure your pump parts are in good working order. Contact the pump company with any concerns.
Invest in Convenience: A hands-free pumping bra can make pumping more convenient.
Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with laws protecting working parents who pump.

With these tips and insights, you’ll be better equipped to establish a successful pumping routine and address any challenges that arise along the way.