Breast milk is the gold standard when it comes to infant nutrition, and pumping can be a total game-changer for breastfeeding parents. Pumping breast milk allows you to provide all the benefits of breast milk, even when you’re not physically with your baby.
This guide is designed to give you all the information you need to create and maintain a pumping schedule that works for you, but it’s important to note that everyone’s needs and schedules are different. Whether you’re exclusively pumping, building a freezer stash, or just pumping occasionally, this guide can help.
We’ll cover everything from pumping frequency and timing to troubleshooting common problems and safely storing your milk. You’ll have all the tools you need to create a breastfeeding pumping schedule that fits into your life.
Why pump? Benefits and purposes of breast pumping
Pumping breast milk can be a lifesaver for new parents. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to pump:
- To provide breast milk to your baby when you’re apart.
- To maintain or even increase your milk supply. Breast milk production is all about supply and demand, so pumping helps keep things flowing.
- To relieve engorgement and any discomfort that comes with it.
- To allow other caregivers to feed the baby.
- To build up a stash of breast milk for later.
- To stimulate milk production if the baby can’t nurse effectively.
Getting started: When and how to begin pumping
There’s no set rule for when you should start pumping. It really depends on your situation.
You can start pumping any time after your baby’s born, depending on what you need to do.
If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you may want to wait until your milk supply is well-established, around 6 to 12 weeks. This will give your body a chance to regulate your milk production.
If you’re heading back to work, start pumping a few weeks before your first day back so you can stash away a little supply in your freezer.
How to pump
- Wash your hands really well.
- Find a comfy, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.
- Make sure you’re using the right flange size for the most comfort and the best milk extraction. If the flange is the wrong size, you could hurt your nipples or get clogged ducts.
- Relax and take a few deep breaths.
- Gently massage your breasts or put a warm compress on them to help with let-down.
- Start with a low suction setting and gradually increase it until you find a setting that works for you.
Establishing Your Pumping Schedule: Frequency and Duration
The best pumping schedules mimic the frequency with which your baby nurses, which is usually every three hours or so. Here’s what to keep in mind as you’re setting up your pumping routine:
Pumping Frequency
If you’re exclusively pumping, or if you’re pumping to replace a feeding, aim to pump every three to four hours. It’s a good idea to shoot for 8 to 12 pumping sessions in a 24-hour period, especially in the weeks right after your baby is born.
Like nursing, pumping works on the principle of supply and demand. The more often you express milk, the more milk your body will make. Consistency is important, so try to stick to a regular pumping schedule.
Pumping Duration
Most pumping sessions should last for 15 to 20 minutes. In the early days, you may have to pump longer than that to fully empty your breasts. It’s a good idea to continue pumping for a few minutes after the milk stops flowing. This will help stimulate your breasts to produce more milk over time.
Optimizing Pumping Times
Here are some tips for when to pump:
- Pump about 30 minutes after the baby’s morning feeding.
- Pump an hour or so after a nursing session, and about an hour before the next feeding.
- Try to avoid pumping in the late afternoon or early evening, if you can.
Troubleshooting: Addressing Common Pumping Challenges
Even with the most carefully considered pumping schedule, you may still run into snags from time to time. Here are a few common pumping challenges and how to address them.
Low Milk Supply
- Make sure your breast shield (flange) fits correctly.
- Check your pump settings and the battery power.
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious foods.
- Consider galactagogues (with guidance from a healthcare provider or lactation consultant).
Slow Let-Down
- Relax and try to reduce your stress.
- Listen to relaxing music or practice a relaxation technique.
- Look at photos or videos of your baby. Research shows that pumping moms who listened to guided relaxation or soothing music pumped more milk, and those who also looked at pictures of their babies pumped even more.
- Gently massage your breasts.
Missed Pumping Sessions
- Pump as soon as you possibly can.
- Try not to skip two sessions in a row. Missing pump sessions can decrease your milk supply over time.
Pain or Discomfort
- Double-check the size of your breast shield.
- Adjust the pump’s suction settings.
- Talk with a lactation consultant for personalized advice.
Power Pumping: Boosting Your Milk Supply
Sometimes, your milk supply needs a little help. One strategy some people find useful is “power pumping.” The idea is that you mimic cluster feeding, which is when babies nurse frequently over a short period of time to increase their mother’s milk supply.
Here’s how it works: During one hour, you’ll pump on and off, taking short breaks. For example, you might pump for 20 minutes, rest for 10, pump for 10, rest for 10, and then finish with another 10-minute pumping session.
Try power pumping once or twice a day for a few days, or even a week. It’s important to remember that you probably won’t see results right away. You may not even see milk when you first start! Keep at it, and you should see an increase in your milk supply within three days to a week.
Breast milk storage guidelines
If you’re pumping breast milk, it’s crucial to store it correctly. Improperly stored breast milk can become unsafe for your baby.
Here are some guidelines for storing breast milk:
- Freshly expressed breast milk can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F or 25°C) for up to 4 hours.
- In the refrigerator, breast milk can be stored for up to 4 days.
- In the freezer, breast milk can be stored for 6 to 12 months.
- Always use breast milk storage containers that are designed for this purpose.
- Be sure to label each container with the date and time you expressed the milk.
- Don’t fill the containers to the top, as breast milk expands when frozen.
- Thaw frozen breast milk in the refrigerator or under warm running water.
- Once thawed, use the breast milk within 24 hours.
- Never refreeze thawed breast milk.
In Summary
A consistent and personalized pumping schedule can be a game-changer for breastfeeding moms, helping to maintain or increase milk supply, build a stash, or provide milk when you’re separated from your baby. Remember to pump frequently, aim for effective letdowns, troubleshoot any issues you encounter, and follow safe storage guidelines.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or join a breastfeeding support group for personalized guidance and encouragement. Every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, so be flexible and adapt your pumping schedule as needed.
And remember what Kristin Szerszen, CLC, says: You’re never truly “empty” and always have a reserve of milk.