By: Melissa Portunato, IBCLC

If you’ve come across this article, chances are you’re deep in the newborn trenches—navigating life with a brand-new baby, adjusting to your growing family, and figuring out everything in between. Maybe breastfeeding is going smoothly, or maybe latching your baby at the breast has been a challenge. Either way, you’re asking yourself, How often should I pump? Whether you’re nursing at the breast, exclusively pumping, or doing both, it’s all breastfeeding! Keep reading for evidence-based info to help you find a pumping routine that works for your unique breastfeeding story.

Nursing & Pumping

If you’re nursing and pumping, the best time to pump is about 30 minutes after a nursing session—this gives your body time to rest and ready to signal your body to make more milk. The best time of day to pump is in the early morning, as prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, is at its highest levels overnight and peaks in the early hours. This means your breasts are naturally fuller in the morning, making it an ideal time to express extra milk. Keep in mind, if you are mostly nursing your baby at the breast, everything you pump after nursing is extra—think of it as your baby’s dessert! Most moms who pump after breastfeeding will see about half an ounce to two ounces combined, which is completely normal. Your body is incredibly efficient at making exactly what your baby needs, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not filling bottles—every drop counts!

If you’re nursing and preparing to return to work, pumping just once a day for 2–3 weeks before going back is enough to build a small freezer stash—there’s no need to overdo it if nursing at the breast is going well. Most moms find that having about a day’s worth of milk stored is plenty, as you’ll continue pumping while you’re away and bringing fresh breast milk home each day. Focus on nursing your baby instead of stockpiling a huge milk stash. 

Exclusively Pumping 

If you’re exclusively pumping, aim for 8–12 pumping sessions per day in the early weeks to establish a full milk supply—this mimics a newborn’s natural feeding pattern. It’s also important to include at least one overnight session, as prolactin levels are highest during the night, helping to support and maintain milk production. While exclusively pumping can feel like a big commitment, know that your body can make enough milk for your baby with the right routine and consistency. Many moms successfully provide all the milk their baby needs through pumping exclusively. Stay consistent with 8-12 pumping sessions per day, pump for 15-20 min each time with a hospital strength breast pump, and trust that your body is capable of meeting your baby’s needs!

Once your milk supply is well established, around 8–12 weeks, many moms start thinking about dropping the middle-of-the-night (MOTN) pump. Whether or not to cut it out depends on your breastfeeding goals and personal situation. Before making the change, ask yourself: Am I okay with a potential decrease in my milk supply? Can I sustain my current sleep pattern with pumping overnight? Am I comfortable supplementing if my milk supply decreases? Though not the case for all pumping moms, the good news is– lots of moms find they can get more rest while still maintaining their supply by focusing on daytime pumping. Aiming for a total of 120 minutes of pumping per day—spread across your sessions—can help you maintain healthy milk production.

Have more pumping questions? Reach out to the experts at IBCLC@spectrababyusa.com.

Source: Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. (2017). ABM clinical protocol #5: Peripartum breastfeeding management for the healthy mother and infant at term, revision 2017. Breastfeeding Medicine, 12(3), 151–157. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2017.29038.ajk