When breastfeeding, how often you should pump depends on whether you are supplementing breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, or trying to build or maintain your milk supply.
General Pumping Frequency Guidelines
- If exclusively pumping or establishing supply: Aim to pump about 8-12 times every 24 hours, roughly every 2-3 hours, to mimic a newborn’s feeding frequency. This helps build and maintain milk production
- If breastfeeding and supplementing with pumping: Pump 1-2 times per day after nursing sessions or replace a feeding with pumping as needed. Pumping about 30-60 minutes after breastfeeding sessions is recommended to allow breasts to refill
- If returning to work: Pump as often as your baby would normally feed, usually every 3-4 hours during the workday (about 3 times in an 8-hour shift)
- Night pumping: Pumping once during the night can help maintain supply, especially if your baby sleeps longer stretches
Duration of Pumping Sessions
- Pump for about 15-20 minutes per session, or until milk flow slows and breasts feel well-drained. Some mothers may need longer sessions, especially in the early days
Timing Tips
- Pump in the morning when milk supply tends to be highest
- If pumping between breastfeeding sessions, wait at least 30-60 minutes after nursing to pump, or about an hour before the next feeding to avoid interfering with baby’s feeding
- If your baby wants to breastfeed right after pumping, allow it, as some babies will nurse longer to get needed milk
Summary
Situation| Pumping Frequency| Pumping Duration| Notes
---|---|---|---
Exclusively pumping or newborn| 8-12 times per 24 hours (every 2-3h)| 15-20
minutes per session| Mimics newborn feeding frequency
Breastfeeding + supplementing| 1-2 times per day after nursing| 15-20 minutes|
Pump 30-60 min after breastfeeding
Returning to work| Every 3-4 hours during workday| 15-20 minutes| Matches
baby's feeding schedule at home
Night pumping| Once per night| 15-20 minutes| Helps maintain supply during
longer sleep
Adjust pumping frequency based on your baby’s needs, milk supply, and personal comfort. Consulting a lactation consultant can help tailor a schedule to your situation
