Are you an exclusive pumper with a baby past the newborn stage? Here’s everything you need to know about exclusively pumping for an older baby (over three months old).
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How often should I be pumping?
This depends on how old your baby is, how long you think you want to pump, and what your supply situation looks like.
Your baby’s age
The younger your baby, the more important it is to remove milk from your breasts often. As time goes on, you can drop pumping sessions and consolidate the time you spend pumping.
For reference, here are the number of times I pumped each day with my son at different ages (here are some sample pumping schedules):
- 3 months: 5 pumping sessions per day (6am, 9am, noon, 3pm, 10pm)
- 6 months: 4 pumping sessions per day (6am, 10am, 2pm, 10pm)
- 11 months: 3 pumping sessions per day (6:30am, 2pm, 10pm)
- 12 months: 2 pumping sessions per day (6:30am, 7pm)
- 13 months: 1 pumping session per day (7pm)
- 14 months (and pregnant again): weaned
That’s just my experience though – there is no one correct answer.
How long you want to exclusively pump
The farther out your pumping goal, the more conservative you want to be in dropping sessions.
So if your baby is three months old and your goal is to pump for a year, you may want to drop sessions more slowly than if your goal was six months.
Your milk supply
Evaluating this is similar to your pumping goals. Anything can happen when you drop a pumping session – your supply can go down, stay the same, or even go up.
If you’re an undersupplier or worried about milk supply, you may want to be more cautious in dropping pumping sessions.
How long should my pumping sessions be?
If you are exclusively pumping, you should be pumping for two hours or 120 minutes per day as a minimum guideline.
To determine how long you should be pumping for, divide 120 by the number of times that you’re pumping and set that as your goal.
So if you’re pumping 6 times per day, you should pump for 20 minutes at a time; if you’re pumping 4 times per day, you should be pumping for 30 minutes.
How much should I get each time I pump?
Ideally, you’d get enough each day to feed your baby; most older babies drink between 24-35oz per day, with 27-28 ounces being the average (you can see more details about this here).
There’s no magic number that you should be pumping. Two women can pump the exact same amount, and one can be an oversupplier while the other is an undersupplier.
If you’re not making as much as you’d like, there are some methods you can try to increase your milk supply.
However much you get, you are doing great!
How can I pump with my baby around?
My biggest struggle with exclusively pumping for an older baby was that it was difficult to do with him underfoot – he would always want to play with my tubing, or a bottle would get spilled, and it was basically a stressful disaster.
My best tip with an older baby is to put him in a high chair and sit next to him with some toys or solids to keep him entertained while you pump.
Here are other tips how to handle caring for an older baby and pumping at the same time.
Does it matter if I don’t pump at the same time every day?
There’s no research about this that can give us a definitive answer.
We know that nursing babies do not eat on a strict schedule – while a baby may generally eat every three hours or so, sometimes a nap will go long and he might eat at 2pm instead of 1pm, for example.
As a result, it seems reasonable that minor variations in the time lactation occurs are likely fine, which means it’s okay to move a session up or back a bit as necessary.
My suggestion is to test it out for yourself, and pay attention to whether or not you see any differences when your pump times need to vary a bit. If you don’t notice a difference, it’s probably fine to vary the times.
How long do people usually exclusively pump?
Everyone has a different goal. Some moms want to pump for three months, some for six months, some for a year or more. Personally, I exclusively pumped for 14 months.
A comprehensive study of exclusive pumpers found that the approximate mean duration of pumping is 8.3 months.
Is it worth continuing pumping if I’m only pumping X amount?
You are the only one who can weigh the trade-offs of continuing versus stopping.
No matter how much you’re pumping, it’s awesome for your baby to get some breast milk. However, that breast milk does have a cost – your time and your mental health.
In my opinion, a happy mom is more important than breast milk.
Think about the pros and cons of your individual situation and decide what you want to do. If you’re still not sure, try dropping one pumping session and reevaluate how you feel.
If you do decide to wean, more information on that here.
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What should I watch out for with regard to milk supply while exclusively pumping?
One common question that I get on instagram is some variation of “does milk supply automatically drop around 6 months when you’re exclusively pumping?” (Sometimes the question will say 7 months, or 8 months, or 9 months – you get the idea.)
There is no magic time at which milk supply can become an issue. However, there are a few things that can impact your milk supply later on.
Menstruation
As time goes on after you have your baby, it’s more and more likely that you’ll get your period back. Menstruation can affect milk supply.
Here are some things that you can do if you find that your period has decreased your milk supply.
Pregnancy
As your fertility returns, it’s also possible that you will become pregnant again.
Pregnancy can also have a negative impact on milk supply.
Birth control
I would suggest avoiding contraception that contains estrogen, and it can affect your supply.
Stick to your schedule
Make sure to keep up a schedule of 120 minutes of pumping per day to protect your supply long-term.
Medications
Check any medications – both prescribed and over the counter – you need to take to make sure it’s safe for breastfeeding and won’t affect supply.
Sudafed is an example of a medication that can negatively affect milk supply.
Do you have any tips on exclusively pumping for an older baby? Share them in the comments!
Comments & Chitchat
Astrid says
Hello!
Thank you so much for your blog!!!
I have been exclusively pumping for my baby, and I was wondering if milk supply should increase with time? I feel like my « pumping numbers » are stuck at around 20-25oz a day. No left overs, I feel like I am producing just enough. Will my baby require more milk later (ex. 9 months?)Should I worry about increasing milk supply?
Thanks!!!!!!!
Astrid
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Astrid! Usually the amount of milk that a baby takes stays the same after about 1 month of age, and then starts to slowly decline when baby starts solids. More on this here!
https://exclusivepumping.com/how-much-milk-do-breastfed-babies-eat/
Kristine says
Hello!
I found your website to be super helpful. My baby is now 3.5 months old and I plan to pump until 6 months at the least. How many pumps should I be doing now?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Kristine! I would say somewhere between 4 and 6? I think I personally would do 5. Hope that helps!
Leah says
Your website helps me a lot as I don’t know anyone personally who has exclusively pumped for their baby that could give me advice I’m wanting to aim to pump for a year but I will be going back to work soon my baby will be 3 months old in 2 weeks she drinks 4-5oz every 3 hours in the day and only feeding once at night and i usually pump 8oz a 20-25 min pumping session do I need to increase my supply to build up my freezer stash or will she stick to drinking 5oz maximum now? I do currently get blocked ducts when I don’t pump for 6 hours at night but they easily go once I’ve pumped can I drop a session once she’s turned 3 months or should I keep it for a while how would I know my supply has regulated ?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Leah! Usually babies don’t increase their intake much (if at all) after the first month, so if you’re making more than baby is eating, you should be good. I think 12 weeks is a good time to try dropping the middle of the night session (but everyone is different, so there’s no guarantee on how your supply will be affected). Good luck!!!
Alexandra Smith says
Hello, my baby is turning 12 months next week. I feel like since my menses returned at 9 months, there has been a monthly continual decrease in my supply. I have tried multiple Legendairy milk supplements, goats rue, etc.. and nothing seems to be boosting it. I went from pumping 10 oz per session (sometimes even more like 12 oz) to now pumping at most 5 oz. Pumping has become increasingly more painful but there aren’t any cracks or blebs. Can your supply just dry up without reason?l I would have liked to continue a little longer but now it just hurts too much and I’m now needing to supplement with 50% formula.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Alexandra! So sorry that you’re dealing with this. I had the same experience after I got my period back – it went down every month and there wasn’t much of anything that worked to bring it back up (oatmeal helped a bit). So I think that this is not uncommon. For the pain – is it possible that your breast shield size has changed? That can happen sometimes and may be the issue.
Amanda says
Exclusive pumper and combo feeding with formula due to low supply. I’m at just over 8 months pp. I’ve dropped to pumping three times a day in the past week for about 30 mins per pump due to just my own mental fatigue regarding pumping. Is it feasible for me to be able to still produce milk in some capacity doing this little pumping for the next 4 months? Or will my body stop because I’m not pumping 7-8 times per day anymore?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Amanda! Congrats on your baby! You can definitely continue to produce milk at some capacity with that schedule. It might not be a full supply but it sounds like that’s okay. I wouldn’t drop any more sessions until you’re ready to wean. Good luck!
Katy says
Thank you for the amazing EP resources!! I have found everything you post so helpful.
I have a 3 month old and I am EP. I pump 7 times a day for 15 min (105 min/day) and pump about 8-10oz more than my baby needs a day and that number keeps going up. If I pump the 120 min/day I think I would be headed toward an oversupply. My question is when I am pumping for 15 min do I continue pumping even after my milk stops flowing? I am worried about stimulating my breasts too much and creating an oversupply. How do I find this balance?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Katy! I think I would do 15 minutes and then stop. I wouldn’t do 10 and then stop if your letdown finishes – part of the goal of the 120 minute rule is to protect your supply long-term. So even if you aren’t doing the full 120 I think it’s a good idea to stick to 105, especially if you plan to pump past 6 months. It’s hard when EP to closely calibrate supply to your baby and in MOST cases, erring on the side of higher supply is better. But that’s just my advice – you should do what you think is best for your situation. Good luck! 🙂
Rachel Sims says
Hi! My supply has recently tanked, I’m 10mpp, no factors have changed. Would power pumping help? Thanks!
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Rachel! I do think it might help. I think I would also try oatmeal. More ideas here!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Rachel says
Thank you so much for all the info you post on your site. I’m exclusive pumping for my 5 mo and have a good supply, I haven’t kept track recently but baby eats around 32 oz and I can usually freeze 4-8 oz a day. I’m pumping 4 times a day for 120 mins. I want to pump until baby is 12 months. Do you think it’s too early to try pumping 3 times a day or drop the motn? Right now I pump around 4 am, 10 am, 4 pm, and 10 to 11 pm. My supply hasn’t really changed going down to 4 pumps (from 8 at first). If it is too early when would be a good time to try? Thank you so much for your help!
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Rachel! I think it’s too early if you feel strongly about getting to a year, I think I would wait until at least nine months. I’m sorry! I know that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. I can’t say either way what would happen if you did it now – it might be totally fine, but I think the risk is definitely there and it can be hard sometimes to regain supply after you lose it.
Preethi says
Hi, very nice information. I’m currently 4 months postpartum and exclusively pumping. First 2 months my milk used to be very fattier. After that I had oversupply issue and my milk became way too watery. I usually separate foremilk and hindmilk but still its the same issue. Its no more fattier like the way it used to be before. Do you have any advice on how to get fattier milk ?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Preethi! Have you tried maybe doing longer pumping sessions, perhaps less frequently? Here is more on this that might help!
https://exclusivepumping.com/watery-breast-milk/
Priscilla says
Love your post. First time pumping mama here! I’m 4 months postpartum now. My baby starting to eat 4 oz now and I’m worried my supply won’t meet his demand soon. Im on a 6am, 10am, 1 pm, 6pm schedule. My breasts pump out sometimes 3 oz or 4oz total each session. Since my breasts have regulated as I don’t feel the engorgement or crazy let downs any more, will my body naturally increase milk supply over time if I keep the same pumping sessions or should I do a power pump session each day and hope my body can increase milk volume? I still have to pump 30 mins each time to help empty my breasts each time and I’m using a spectra pump.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Priscilla! I think power pumping or oatmeal would be a good idea. I don’t think your supply will naturally increase over time. Here is more info –
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Good luck!
Chelsea says
Excellent information! I’ve been following this website since my six month was born, and it has been such a valuable resource!
I have a question- I would say I’m an over-supplier. I’m currently pumping 4-5 times a day and looking to drop to 4 firmly. I pump first thing in the morning (6-7am) until my bottle fills up (I pump into a 9 ounce bottle and go until it is almost overflowing; my other breast puts out around 3-4 ounces). This pump session is usually about 20-22 minutes at most. I pump during the midday (~11am), early evening (~4pm), mid evening (7pm), and bedtime (~11pm). Those sessions vary from 25-30 minutes. I’ll go the full 30 unless my bottle is about to overflow, which is usually is if I stretch/merge my early and mid evening pump sessions. I’m easily making 50-60 ounces a day, but I honestly don’t track it specifically because it has been more than enough for my baby and I have a large freezer supply.
Ultimately, my question is- with the 120 minute rule, pumping 4x a day for 30 minutes each would require me to swap out bottles, which I find to be more difficult than having a 5th pump session at this point. Is keeping with the rule and switching bottles a better option than switching to a 4x daily schedule that possibly is only around 100 minutes?
As a follow up question, if I do try the less than 120 minutes a day routine and my supply dips, is it difficult to re-establish supply this far out from birth?
Thank you!!
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Chelsea! Congrats on your baby and on your awesome supply!
I think keeping at 120 minutes and switching is probably better than the 4x/100 minute – but your supply is really good. You might be find dropping the time but I can’t say for sure. Can you bring an extra bottle and cap with you when you sit down, just stop the pump for a second, and switch? Or is there a reason I’m not understanding that’s difficult?
It can be difficult, but it varies. Have you gotten your period back yet?
Alex says
Hi, I am exclusively pumping about 7 times a day for my 3 month old. I get around 5-6oz with each pumping session and have been able to freeze some but am wondering if I will need to try up my supply with power pumping or other methods as he gets older and starts eating more. I am also wondering when I can start dropping the night pump.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Alex! Usually the amount of breast milk that babies take doesn’t increase after one month of age. I think you should be good!
Alexandria says
Hey there! Can’t say enough how appreciative I am of your wealth of knowledge. I have decided I want to pump for a year and 2 months, with a freezer stash that’ll get my babe to 1yr 6mo. If babe continues nursing during this as well, that would be even better. With all the different pumping schedules out there, there is one thing I’m not sure I understand fully. When you start dropping sessions but stay at 120 min a day, does your supply also drop? I produce enough to freeze at least 2 bags a day. Babe being 3 mo, I’m currently pumping 7x with one MOTN nursing session. Puming 1a, 4a, 10a, 1p, 4p, 7p, 10p… I infer that once a woman’s supply “regulates”, as long as the 120 min rule is followed for the most part then sessions can start dropping away as time goes on. Is that correct? Thanks again for all of your information and for your assistance!!
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Alexandria! So the 120 minute rule helps protect your supply, but anything can happen when you drop a pumping session – your supply can go up, down, or stay the same. You will have a much better CHANCE of maintaining supply after regulation if you follow it, but unfortunately there are no guarantees. That being said, usually dropping a session (up to 4 sessions per day) seems to work out okay for most people. I hope that makes sense – let me know if you have any questions.
Selena says
Hi Amanda, I’m currently pumping four times a day & my milk supply isn’t that great. I sometimes get 8oz in a pump or 3 the least. My baby is going to 5months n drinks 5oz every 4hrs. I have been using some of my stored milk to since my supply isn’t so great. What can I do to get more milk supply? Thank you.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Selena! congrats on your sweet baby. Here are some options to consider for increasing milk supply!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Chelsea says
Thank you for this information and all the helpful information on your website that has helped me tremendously! I do have a question, how does your current milk supply and storage capacity impact these numbers? For example, I read that if you’ve pumped more than 10oz in one session, you have an extra large capacity and really only need to pump 3-4 times per day (once you’re regulated) regardless of baby’s age and/or baby eating solids. Would you say the 120 minute rule still applies to extra large capacity woman who are over-suppliers? And would you think it’s ok to go down to 3-4 pumps per day at 5 months postpartum? Thanks for any insight!
To give some of my background, I pumped 10 times per day up until 8 weeks postpartum (every 2 hours during the day and 3 hours at night), then 8 times per day up until 12 weeks postpartum (every 3 hours around the clock), then 7 times per day up until 15 weeks postpartum (every 3 hours during the day and 4 hours at night), then 6 times per day up until 18 weeks postpartum (every 4 hours around the clock), then I went back to work and have been doing 5 times per day since (every 4 hours during the day and one 8 hour stretch at night). With being back to work I’m struggling with pumping during the evening because I want to spend the limited amount of time I have with my babe, not pumping. I’d like remove one more but I’m nervous. I currently pump around 50oz per day and feed around 30oz, so I can spare some, but I don’t want to trigger weaning.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Chelsea! I think you’d be okay to go to 4 ppd at 5 months, but I would stick to 120 minutes if you can to avoid triggering weaning.
I think you’re referring to the “magic number” thing? I don’t have an opinion on that – it does seem to work for some people but I’ve seen others in the Facebook group saying that trying to reduce int he way it says caused a loss in supply. I’m not really sure if it’s backed in research. So interesting to look at it but I’d still be a little cautious. Hope that makes sense!
Erin says
Hello, thank you for all this information! I’m still pumping 5~7 times per day, but I had a more general clarification question. When you talk about going down to 1~3 pumps per day, would you still aim for that two hour mark? (I.e. 40 minutes for 3 pumping sessions/day, 60 minutes for 2 pumps/day, and the full 120 minutes if just once.)
This would be for if you’re still trying to keep up your supply. I’m sure the answer will vary if you’re trying to wean or not.
Thank you!
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Erin! Yes, if you’re trying to keep your supply, you would keep it at 2 hours. If you’re trying to wean, you wouldn’t. Hope that helps!
azra says
Hey question I am not exclusively pumping but i do mixed feeding. I pump 30 mins at 6 am then 30 mins at 2 pm and 20 mins at 7 am and lastly 30 mins at 10 pm. I am wondering if I get rid of the 7 pm pump, will that reduce my supply?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Azra, I can’t say for sure, but your best bet is to add the 20 minutes of pumping time from the 7p to the remaining pumping sessions. Good luck!
Melissa says
Hello. I have a 3mo and I pump at 6:30a,10:30,2:30,6:30 and 10pm. I produce about 27oz. Is there a reason you suggest a bigger gap towards the end of the day? Thanks in advance.
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Melissa! No, that was just what worked best for me!
Mayra says
So I have a 9 month old, I stopped pumping at around 5 months since I decided to stay home. However, I no longer have anything frozen, is it too late to restart pumping?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Mayra! You’ve been nursing this whole time, right? Then no, definitely not. If you haven’t been, you’d have to relactate but that is also possible. Let me know if I can answer any other questions.
Alexandra says
Hi Amanda, thank you for this amazing website with so much helpful information. I have a question. My baby is 7.5 months and recently I tried to decrease my pumping frequency down to 4 per day (6 am, 11 am, 5 pm and 10 pm) and I only pump 15 minutes per session as I am an overproducer. But I keep getting plugged ducts. It started 2 months ago and is getting worse (almost every other day). I started getting them when I was on 5 pumps per day and wasn’t strict about 6 am pump (as my baby would occasionally nurse). Then to combat the clogs, I increased the frequency to 6 per day, and started producing even more milk and now more clogs. It’s a like a cycle I can’t get out. I really wish there was a way to only pump 4 times a day. Could it be because I don’t pump full 2 hours per day?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Alexandra! Hmm. Okay, first question – are you taking lecithin for the clogs at all? I would maybe try that and see if it helps. I would also try 4 sessions but make them longer than 15 minutes – maybe you don’t need 30 but I’d see if 20/25 work out okay for you. I would try that schedule with lecithin for a week and see where you’re at. Good luck, let me know!
Jessica says
This is so immensely helpful!!! I’m rest struggling maybe you can help? I’m 99% EP. 4 month old has one actual nursing session a night around 3am for maybe 10 minutes. And sometimes she skips it. My last pump of tbt day is at 11pm for 30 mins. And my next pump isn’t until 9:30/10am. I keep reading NEVER to go this long without pumping. But I don’t know what to do? I can’t do a middle of night pump because she bf’s middle of the night and my supply is empty by then and on top of thag I have zero zero zero energy to go pump at night (I have 2 other small kids to look after all day and a ft job). I can’t pump any earlier in the morning because it’s chaos in my house until school starts at 9 and baby is napping.
I had serious supply issues when I started feeding, and worked really hard to get to where I am today! So I’m wondering Will I lose my supply if I don’t pump from 11pm – 10am?! I’m so worried!! I can’t find the answer anywhere. 🙁
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Jessica! If you’re nursing in the middle of the night and you think she’s more or less emptying your breasts, this “rule” doesn’t apply to you. don’t worry about it! You’re lactating at reasonable breaks and that’s all that matters. Hope that helps!
Crystal King says
Hi ! Thanks for posting all of this! I am still struggling to produce. My boy just turned 3 months and I make about 6oz a day, which is a lot more than before. I lost 1/5 of my blood due to reaction to meds during the c-section and wasn’t able to get a transfusion due to COVID emptying the blood banks. Recovery was VERY rough and he was in the NICU for 3 1/2 weeks too so now I’m an exclusive pumper and supplement with formula. I pump 6-8 times a day and even though the amount is slowly going up, I feel like it never will because it’s so late in the game. I’ve done all the tricks and supplements and shakes, etc, and I’m a rare case of taking a long time to “fill” the breast. I get more if I actually wait between pumps; 6-7 hours makes twice as much as if I pumped every 2-3 hours. Lactation consultant said this was rare but I might just be one of those women, but to keep trying every 2-3 hours so my supply feels empty and maybe I’ll produce more. Do you think it’s too late? Any tips?
Amanda Glenn, CLC says
Hi Crystal! Congrats on your sweet 3 month old. I think you should do what’s working best for you, though I would make sure you still get to 120 minutes a day when pumping less frequently. Has your LC worked with you on hand expression at all?