Are you brand new at exclusively pumping, and not sure what exactly you should be doing? Here are some common questions about exclusively pumping for a newborn baby, including how often to pump, how long your pumping sessions should be, when you should be pumping, and how to make exclusive pumping easier.
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When I started exclusively pumping, I had no idea what I was doing.
For example, I didn’t know that you were supposed to take the pump parts apart to wash them. I had no idea why my breasts dribbled milk sometimes and sprayed milk sometimes. And I wasn’t sure what speed I was supposed to set my pump to.
Here are the basics that I learned over time about how to exclusively pump with a newborn baby to build and maintain a milk supply, so you don’t have to bumble through it like I did!
How often should I pump when exclusively pumping for a newborn?
It’s important to pump frequently when your baby is a newborn in order to establish and maintain your milk supply.
Generally, in the first few months, I would recommend aiming for somewhere 7 to 10 pumping sessions per day.
How many sessions that you want to do within that guideline depends on your particular circumstances. For example, if you find you’re not pumping as much as your baby takes, you might want to be on the higher end of 9-10 sessions per day. However, if you have twins or older children and are completely overwhelmed, 7 might be what you can manage.
As your baby gets older, you can drop pumping sessions and pump less frequently.
How long should I pump for?
If you are exclusively pumping, you should be pumping for two hours or 120 minutes per day as a minimum guideline. (Much more on this guideline here.)
So, to determine how long you should be pumping for during each pumping session, divide 120 by the number of times that you’re pumping and set that as your goal. For example, if you’re pumping 8 times per day, you should pump for 15 minutes at a time.
(It’s okay to pump for more than 120 minutes, too. You might just want to make sure you’re not getting burned out.)
You should pump for your full pumping time even if milk stops flowing, for two reasons:
- Your milk might let down again, allowing you to pump more milk. (Here is a full explanation of letdowns and how they work.)
- The nipple stimulation may help protect your milk supply long-term.
Tip: If your pump doesn’t have a timer on it, set one on your phone so that you can see how long you’ve been pumping and how much more time you have to go. It’s easy to forget when you started pumping or overestimate how long you’ve been hooked up to the pump.
When should I pump?
There are a few different ways to manage when you should pump:
- Pump whenever baby eats
- Pump on a schedule, at designated times every day
There are advantages to both methods. Pumping on a schedule means that you know when you’ll need to pump and can plan accordingly.
On the other hand, pumping when your baby eats is an easy way to ensure that you are pumping frequently enough, as it mimics nursing. It also gives you blocks of time in between pumping and feeding where you can get out of the house, sleep, etc.
When my son was a newborn, I pumped whenever he ate – my routine was to bottle feed him, change him, and then lay him down on my lap while I pumped. He would fall asleep, and then I would transfer him to his bassinet once I unhooked. Later, when life became more predictable, I switched to a more consistent pumping schedule.
(If you want help figuring out you schedule, I have a workbook that walks you through it step by step. Use EPUMP30 for 30% off.)
Do you need to pump at night?
If you can manage pumping at night, I would recommend it for the first three months or so, until your supply regulates.
This is both because frequent milk removal is important for establishing supply, and because many people tend to have a high output at this time. (This may be due to higher prolactin levels at night.)
How much much milk should I be producing?
Ideally, at each pumping session, you would get enough (plus maybe a little more!) for baby’s next feeding. However, it sometimes doesn’t work out that way. The amount that exclusive pumpers produce can vary quite a bit – some people will get 4 oz for their newborns, and others will get a few drops.
However much milk you pump, you are doing a great job.
How much breast milk will my baby need?
On average, most newborns will drink 1.5-3oz per feeding, or 20-25 ounces per day.
I did a survey on this topic a few years ago, and you can read more about the results here. The average for 0-1 month olds was 22.3oz; 1-2 month olds averaged 26.3oz.
(My son was huge and was up to 30oz by one month of age, so this can also vary quite a bit.)
If you don’t make enough breast milk and find that you need to supplement with formula, here are some tips for doing this.
What settings should I set my pump to?
Pumping settings can be a little confusing. There are usually three different things to pay attention to:
Most breast pumps have two modes – letdown/massage mode (light and fast) and expression mode (higher suction and slower). Many breast pumps automatically switch from letdown mode to expression mode after a minute or two.
When you’re pumping, you should set your vacuum strength to the highest speed that is comfortable. Slowly move it up to a higher suction until you start to feel discomfort, and then dial it back one setting. That’s the perfect suction for you.
There’s no “correct” setting to use for cycle speed, and some pumps (such as Medela pumps) don’t even have that setting. It’s best to just experiment and see what works best for you.
Much more on breast pump settings here.
How can I make this easier?
I think there are a few things that make exclusively pumping more manageable:
- Routines/systems. For everything related to pumping – pumping, feeding, washing bottles and pump parts, freezing extra milk – figure out a schedule or system for managing it so you don’t have to think about it.
- Help. If you have a partner or family member that can help, ask for help. Remember, you’re making the baby’s dinner every night, there’s no reason that others can’t help with the dishes.
- Products. There are a few products that can really make things easier, such as a hands-free pumping bra, extra pump parts, etc. Here are some things you may want to consider.
More on making exclusive pumping easier here.
I’m struggling with the emotional aspect of exclusive pumping. What can I do?
This can be really hard – it’s a loss, and it’s okay to grieve it. I did a short IGTV about coming to terms with this grief that might be helpful for you – you can watch it here.
Do you have any questions on exclusively pumping for a newborn? Ask them in the comments!
Want help putting together the perfect pumping schedule for you that saves your sanity AND your milk supply? Check out the Exclusive Pumping Playbook! Includes cheat sheets for setting up systems and routines to make things easier. Use EPUMP30 for 30% off.
Comments & Chitchat
I currently have 2 week old, and he is eating about 2-2.5 oz 10 times a day. I pump when he feeds or close to it. I am producing at least 3 oz a session and sometimes a little more than 4 oz. How long should I continue to pump when he feeds? And I am looking for storage suggestions and know when to freeze milk.
Hi Ashlee, you can do this as long as it makes sense for you. For me it was about 6-12 weeks or so. But it’s totally what is most convenient for you!
I would freeze milk as soon as you have milk that you think you won’t need in the next 3-4 days. (If you’re wrong, you can just thaw and use it.) Here’s more on milk storage that might help:
https://exclusivepumping.com/handling-and-storing-expressed-breast-milk/
Hi there, I have found this very interesting and helpful at the same time. I’m 36 weeks pregnant and planing to exclusively pump from birth but I’m unsure how to go about it until my milk comes in as I’ve been told that it’s hard to pump colostrum. (I’ve been hand expressing colostrum now but nervous I won’t have enough). Also what do you do as soon as baby is born? Keep hand expressing until milk comes in?
Hi Amy!!! This might help! Congrats on your sweet baby!
https://exclusivepumping.com/before-milk-comes-in/
Hi, I’m an exclusive pumper of 4 week old twins and get good volume from one breast, but the other usually pumps 25% of the volume. What’s the best way to increase supply/volume in the lower producing breast? How often should I be pumping for twins?
Hi Mel! Here’s some info on uneven output that might help!!
https://exclusivepumping.com/how-to-fix-lopsided-breasts-when-breastfeeding/
Hi I am 6 days post partum, I was breast feeding for the first 6 days however it became so painful from not latching properly I swapped to exclusively pumping yesterday on day 5. My baby is feeding every 2 hours sometimes every hour and I am pumping for 15 minutes as he gets hungry and then quickly feeding it to him. I find he is still sometimes hungry and I am just about getting enough milk to pass by. Could pumping to regularly effect my supply? Or should I be pumping more regularly or for longer to make sure I am getting enough milk for him? As my nipples have recovered a bit I have just put him back on the breast for a short while to top up his feed from what I pumped is this also ok to do? Thank you so much for your help.
Hi Molly! Congrats on your baby! I think you’re doing great – I see no issues with what you’re doing. You could maybe try oatmeal or power pumping? I’ll like to more information:
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Hi! Thanks for all the EP info. I am wondering if I need to wash all the parts of my pump after every pumping session? I was told it is okay to store the parts in the fridge in between pumping at night so you’re not constantly sterilizing. Is this safe? Thank you!
Hi Alicia! The CDC recommends washing after each session, but they also say that you can put your pump parts in the fridge if you can’t wash in between each session. You don’t need to sterilize them after each session – for that, once a day is fine. Hope that helps!
Hello Tulsi here, I am 4 weeks PP, exclusively pumping since my boy does not latch. I pump about 7-8 session a day 30
Mins each, sometimes I keep a session or two 20 mins. I get about 2.5-4 oz milk each session. My son drinks 2.5-3 oz each feed. Once a day in morning I get about 5-6 oz milk. How to get more milk and consistent flow. I noticed last night and today there have been some changes in my let down.
Hi Tulsi! That’s actually pretty common – prolactin levels vary during the day and so does output. Here’s some information on that that might be helpful.
https://exclusivepumping.com/milk-supply-highest/
Congrats on your baby! It sounds like you’re doing great!
Hi Amanda, I’m so glad I ran across your page!
I have a question about exclusively breastfeeding.
I’m 4 weeks 4 days PP, I was pumping after every time my son would eat (every 3 hours) and he recently started going every 4 hours so my schedule has been off, and on top of being sleep deprived I skipped a couple sessions.
Long story short I’ve noticed that if I pump every 3 hours for a total of 8 sessions I end up with less milk over all, where as if I go 4 hours a couple sessions but only pump 7 times I have more milk overall. Is that okay to stick with the 7 times a day overall? Or will that hurt my supply closer to when my body regulates?
Hi Chelsea! I think 7 sessions at 4 weeks is okay. (I obviously can’t guarantee anything, but lots of people do 7 sessions with a newborn without any issues.)
Hi Amanda,
Your page is so helpful. I am reading it and decided to exclusively pump. I am 2 days PP and 2 days pumping. I am wondering when will the milk comes? I have been pumping every 3 hrs or whenever my newborn eats. Usually I get 8-9 pumps a day.
Hi Cheenee! Congrats on your new baby! I would guess later today or tomorrow, but can be up to 5 days. You’re doing great! Here’s more info:
https://exclusivepumping.com/before-milk-comes-in/
Hi, I’m currently 6 weeks PP and I’ve been exclusively pumping since 2 weeks PP 8 times a day for 10 minutes and getting between 7-9 oz per session. I only started researching this week and realised I should be pumping for longer each session, do you think I should just continue what im doing or start going longer? I also tried to go longer between sessions (4 hours instead of 3) since I’ve got an oversupply but I’ve ended up with mastitis twice and clogged ducts. Is there anything I can do to avoid this but drop a session? Currently pumping twice during the night as well so would ideally like to drop one of those sessions.
Hi Bronwyn! In your situation, I think I personally would keep doing exactly what you’re doing for a bit. Your supply is strong enough that I don’t know that you need to pump longer right now, but I also wouldn’t make any big changes to your schedule. Maybe drop to 7 sessions per day (so a little longer than 3 hours but less than 4) at 12 minutes each would work okay? Good luck!
Hi Amanda!
So glad to read this…
My baby is 8 weeks tomorrow and I’ve started exclusively pumping due to him not gaining weight properly.
I thought we were breastfeeding really well but every time he was weighed, he wasn’t gaining enough. I’ve now stopped with the breastfeeding as he clearly wasn’t getting what he needed.
I do comfort feed him when he wants too.
As he’s 8 weeks now, do I need to still pump every 3-4 hours? Or can I stretch my pumps out a little?
My supply reduced last week due to the stress and him not effectively draining my breast but I feel like it’s coming back slowly. I don’t want to jeopardise my supply by reducing my pumps
Thanks
Hi Rachel! I think you want to stick with 6-7 sessions a day until your supply regulates. This link has some example schedules to give you an idea of how many times I pumped at what ages!
https://exclusivepumping.com/sample-pumping-schedules/
I’m so glad I found your page, so many helpful things! I have a question for exclusive pumping.
I’m 3 weeks PP and am pumping every time my son eats- about every 3 hours. At first I was having trouble letting down and would pump and nothing would come out. It slowly started happening and since I’ve been pumping for 25 minutes each session (2-4 on massage, then a 42 cycle, 6-8 suction). I’m finding my breasts never fully empty and I am definitely over-producing- getting 5-6 oz almost every session and my son is eating a little over 3.
Is there a way to ensure I fully empty? I can’t skip a session because I get severely engorged and it’s painful and I don’t want to then under-produce. Would love any tips or help!!
Hi Samantha! Congrats on your sweet 3 week old! I’m so happy for you! First – are you doing breast compressions while you pump? If not, I would definitely do that, and I would experiment with hand expression at the beginning and end of your pumping sessions, as well as using a manual pump. Lecithin also might help. Here is a blog post that might help!
https://exclusivepumping.com/empty-after-pumping/
Soooo grateful to have found your page!
I am currently 7 weeks and 2 days PP and have been exclusively pumping since day 5 PP. I am currently on an 8 pumps/day schedule at 20mins/session and having great output! I usually get no less than 6oz per pump session and have been able to make a massive freezer supply in this short time! I’m wondering if I can go down a session over night and be ok supply wise? My current schedule has me pumping 7am, 10am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, 12am, 4am… can I stop either the 12am or 4am pump? Or maybe even shift the schedule to 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 9pm, 3am? Does that seem realistic or should I just wait until I’m 12 weeks to drop/change anything?
Thank you for all of your incredible info on this page!!
Hi Hannah! Congrats on your sweet baby and so glad to hear that you have a great supply! Yes, I think you can drop one of those two 12/4 sessions, and I think you can shift the times around as you want – but I would only drop to 7 for now, not 6. I think at 10-12 weeks you could drop to 6. Congrats again!
I’m 4days pp and have decided to exclusively pump. I still want the connection of nursing from the breast with my baby and have used nipple shields to help him latch. My question is, even if I exclusively pump; can I still occasionally nurse?
Hi Laura! Yes you can! If you want to continue nursing I would just try to do it once a day so baby still is used to it. some of it isn’t within your control – your baby might strongly prefer bottles – but lots do go back and forth. Good luck!!!
What are some tips on leaving the house while exclusively breastfeeding? As far as feeding on the go! Thanks!
Hi Courtney! These might help!
https://exclusivepumping.com/pumping-in-public/
https://exclusivepumping.com/warming-bottles-in-public/
Oh my. I wish I had found this weeks ago. I’m a FTM. My son wouldn’t latch at first so we had to start supplementing right away but I have pumped the whole time. Although he’s learned to latch, he refuses to now due to instant reward of the bottle so I have tried EP for some time . . I pump roughly every 4 hours day time (attempting when baby nursed but he has bad gas so this always turns into “when I can put him down again”) with a 6 hour window at night for 15 min (spectra s2 double pump). I’m only producing maybe 6 oz a day. I’ve tried to increase to every two hours but it’s just unrealistic to maintain..I’m at the point I’m about to give up because the time and effort for only 1-2 bottles a day doesn’t seem worth the work. I feel terrible but the heartbreak is overwhelming. I’m going to try power pumping (1 session) daily for the next 4-5 days before I throw in the towel.. Do you have any tips for me or advice to increase this supply before calling quits?
Hi Heather! Congrats on your sweet baby – I’m so happy for you! I think power pumping is a good plan. I will link to what I usually recommend and the order I would usually try things in. I hope this helps!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply
Wow I had no idea there was a community for pumpers! I have felt very alone and sad that this is my final baby and it appears I’m on an exclusive pumping journey. I’m excited to have found support. Your video on the grief hit the nail on the head for how I’ve been feeling. Just taking it day by day for now ! Thank you for having this page
Hi Amanda, thank you so much for putting together the resources, they are super helpful! I am 7 weeks pp and have switched to exclusive pumping starting week 5. Prior to that, I tried triple feeding my son. He takes in roughly 32oz per day, but I never produce quite enough for him. I tried power pumping, lactation cookies, goat’s rue, and I pump 8-9 times a day at least 20 mins each session, they all haven’t really increased my supply and I am at my wit’s end. Do you have any other recommendations on how to increase supply? TIA!
Hi Sam! Congrats on your sweet baby! It really sounds to me like you are doing all of the right things. I’m going to put a link to my post on increasing milk supply here – it has what I recommend, and what order I’d try it in. You’re already doing great, but maybe there are other ideas in there. You could maybe try eating oatmeal for breakfast (you’ll usually get more oatmeal that way than eating lactation cookies). I hope this helps!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Hello! I’m a first time mom of a not-quite-2-week-old. I’ve been exclusively pumping since our first couple of nights home saw us lose the latch we seemed to have down so perfectly in the hospital. I’ve been flying blind until this site, so thank you so much for your writing and these resources!
I’m currently on a somewhat loose 6-times-a-day schedule, two of those being overnight, with 30 mins to each session (so, 180 mins). I’m seriously overproducing — we’re talking pumping 7 to 11(!)oz a session, while baby is currently eating about 2oz every 3 hours, and I’ve been freezing almost everything.
My question is, do I really need to increase to 7–10 pumping sessions a day? I realize that my supply isn’t regulated yet, but it’s been really great to be able to go 4ish hours between sessions. I know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but in your experience do you think I can get away with continuing with my 6 sessions a day?
Hi Jenna! In your situation, with 180 minutes a day, I think you are likely okay at 6. I just wouldn’t get complacent and go to 4 or 5, etc. – I think you would take a hit when your supply regulates in 6-10 weeks. But I think if you keep doing what you’re doing you should be okay. Good luck! 🙂
Hello, I’m confused how will baby will have his very first feed if I am exclusively pumping……I won’t have had chance to pump any milk before he is born……Will I?
Thank you
Hi Crystal! Congrats on your pregnancy! Some people do harvest colostrum during pregnancy. More on this here:
https://exclusivepumping.com/harvesting-colostrum/
If this isn’t an option for you, lots of people do the first feed w/formula and then start pumping. Others nurse for the first feed post-birth. There are a lot of option, just depends on what works best for you!
I am so worried my baby is 13 days old and I latched her for the first 2 days in the hospital. Then decided to wait until my supply came in. I began pumping 6 days PP and was only getting 1.5 ounces. I’m down to maybe a teaspoon full. I pump 6-8 times a day. It’s still yellow thick colostrum looking. I don’t know if I should give up or keep trying! I need help.
Hi Kelley! Congrats on your sweet baby. I think this is a situation where you need a professional who can work with you as an individual. Does your pediatrician have a lactation consultant on staff? Or maybe you could reach out to one at the hospital that you delivered at?
I’m 6 days pp and i want to switch to exclusively pumping. I’m currently breast feedIng and baby was latching great and now I’m having a hard time getting her to stay on and latch in the beginning. I’m also pumping for 5-10 minutes on each side to help with engorgement as baby does not empty me. My question is how do i start? I don’t want to introduce a bottle and get nipple confusion with her as she has a tongue tie clipped. I’m really confused on how to start feeding her from a bottle if i only have 8 oz frozen at the moment… please any help will be greatly appreciated!
Hi Ashley! Congrats on your sweet baby. I’ll link to an article on how to start EPing. You should be good with 8oz frozen!
https://exclusivepumping.com/how-to-start-exclusively-pumping-breast-milk/
You would have to introduce a bottle though if you’re EPing? I didn’t know what you meant by that? ❤️
Hi! Love the content on this blog! I’m expecting my second baby and was hoping to pump during the day and formula feed at night (to protect my mental health). How do I go about doing this from the beginning? Is it possible? Do I have to start pumping at night and then wean or just strictly pump during the day?
Thank you!
Hi Brittany! Congrats on your pregnancy! I think I would start with pumping once at night, just because frequent milk removal is really important for establishing supply from the beginning. Then I think you could drop that session after 6-8 weeks. I hope that helps and good luck!
Hi Amanda ,
I am 4 days postpartum and thinking of breastfeeding and pumping for 2 weeks and then switch to exclusive pumping . Can you help with the schedule for first 2 weeks . To start with I pumped for 15 minutes and got less than an ounce. I gave my lo what I pumped and then breast him for 20 minutes.
Appreciate your response.
Hi Arsha! Congrats! I think what you’re doing is fine, but I would nurse first and then pump. Congrats on your baby!
Hi Amanda
I had a question about being exclusively pumping. Is it normal for one breast to suddenly pump less then before? I’m almost 6 weeks post partum and suddenly in the last 2 day’s one breast is pumping less then it did before vs the other continues to be normal. Is this normal to happen when pumping? Thanks!
Hi Noel! This can definitely happen – each breast makes milk independently of each other. Here are some ideas about how to increase milk supply on the “slacker” side if you want to try that.
https://exclusivepumping.com/how-to-fix-lopsided-breasts-when-breastfeeding/
Hi Amanda! Thank you for the information, I found it very useful. I have a 7 week old and have been EP since day 3. I’m currently pumping during the day every 3 hours ( 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm) and during the night I pump when my baby wakes which is usually twice during the night. Each session I pump for 20 minutes and I usually get between a total of 5-6 ounces from each pumping. I was thinking of changing to a 4 hour schedule ( 8am, 12pm, 4pm, 8pm) and still maintain the 2 pumpings during the night. Do you think it would be ok to make that change, and still maintain my milk supply? Also as my baby grows he will be taking more milk, does the amount and time I mention sufficient to keep up with my baby intake as he grows?
Once again I appreciate the information provided.
Hi Marlene! Congrats on your baby, I’m so happy for you! This is a tough one to answer – if you can, I might wait a few more weeks (until 10-12 weeks postpartum) to make that change. The risk is just that your supply hasn’t regulated yet, which can cause issues. Here is more information on that –
https://exclusivepumping.com/when-is-milk-supply-established/
Hope this helps and congrats again!
Thanks for the information really helpful. If I couldn’t start pumping at the beginning can I start pumping exclusively at 6-7 weeks? My LO didn’t want to latch well and I didn’t pump on a schedule until I finally I found this website. Im afraid my milk will not come anymore. Thanks!
Hi Angelica! You definitely can. It might be a little harder to establish supply but many people are able to establish a supply later. Here’s more info!
https://exclusivepumping.com/relactation-pumping-schedules/
Thank you for this post and website. It has been extremely useful to me! I exclusively pumped for my son for 14 months, and have decided to go the same route with my newborn daughter after struggles with milk intake.
Question for you: I am 6 weeks postpartum and pumping about 44-45oz a day. For the first two weeks, I pumped every time the baby ate, but now I’m only pumping once overnight and 5-6 times a day, and my supply continues to creep up. I think I have a rather large “storage capacity,” as I could easily pump 16 oz or more in the morning with my son after dropping the night pumping, so going longer between sessions has never seemed to impact my supply much (it was actually quite difficult to wean!). I’m not sure if my supply has regulated yet or not, as I’ve never had problems with leaking, etc. With a toddler and a newborn, I am finding it difficult to pump even this much, but I do have the desire to do breastmilk for a year. Do you think it would be problematic to drop the night session (baby is sleeping great) and/or drop the total number of sessions at this point (maybe 6 only during day, or 1 night/5 day)? My average pumping session is probably 25 minutes long, so I am well over the 120 minute recommendation. Thanks!
Hi Alicia! Congrats on your sweet baby! This is a tough one because it’s hard to know for sure what will happen. I think my advice is that only you can decide if you want to drop the session – you kind of have to weigh whether or not you think your supply has regulated yet along with your risk tolerance along with your mental health (EPing with a toddler and a newborn is no joke). If you do decide to drop one, I don’t think I would drop the night one just yet – i would do one during the day and keep to at least 120 minutes. When you hit 10-12 weeks I think I would feel better about dropping the night session. I hope this helps and congrats again!
Thanks for the quick reply and suggestions! I’ll try to stick with the night session until I go back to work. It’s a bummer though – she just slept through the night and I wasn’t able to take full advantage 😀 Something to look forward to I guess…
Hi Amanda,
My baby will be 4 weeks old on Saturday. I have been exclusively pumping since she was about 1 week. Currently I am pumping 7-8 times a day, and get on average 8-9oz combined each session!
Even though my supply hasn’t regulated yet, do you think it would be okay for me to drop to 5 or 6 pumps a day since I am producing so much?
Hello! My baby is 4 weeks and I currently use the Medela PISA and yield 3-4oz per pumping session. When can I introduce a hands free pump (like Elvie) in conjunction with my Medela? Thanks!
Hi Ali! I think you could try it now. I’d just see how much you get in comparison with the Medela and keep that in mind as far as how often you’d use it. If you get the same amount, I think you could use it a decent amount. If you get a decent amount less, then I would use when necessary but not overdo it, if that makes sense. Good luck!
Hello,
Thank you for this post.
My daughter is 5 weeks old. I’ve been triple feeding her as she didn’t have the greatest latch with tongue tie/lip tie.
I was using a nipple shield, pumping and supplementing with breast milk. I am now working with a LC to wean the nipple shield and ideally supplementation – as she is trying to re-learn latching without the shield – I am really confused on when to pump and since not using the shield and the decrease in stimulation from her has changed my supply. I am trying to pump but it’s hard because when she wants to eat I want to try to get her to latch but if I just pumped there’s not a ton there for her. No one else seems concerned but I want to maintain my supply – what should I do? I am trying to pump 8 times a day but it’s difficult as she may wake up to feed and I had just pumped so putting her to breast becomes more difficult.
Hi Sophia! I would try to pump as soon as you reasonably can after nursing, so that there will be milk when you go to nurse again. So say you try nursing at 9am. Baby gets some milk but needs a top up with a bottle. I would then pump right after you finish with that (if possible) or even bottle feed WHILE you pump with a hands-free bra. Then repeat the process again in a few hours. It’s a lot, I know – hopefully you’ll be able to switch to just nursing soon. Good luck!
Hi Amanda!
We are at the point where we are letting our baby sleep until he wakes up to eat at night. We were curious if it made sense to feed the baby a little more each feeding or more the feeding before bed to see if that would help him sleep longer and hopefully drop 1 feeding during the night? Or, do they naturally do that over time without needing more at each feeding?
Hi Whitney! Babies are all so different, I would try it and see what happens. Just kind of test it out to see what works best for your baby. I could never get mine to sleep longer no matter what I did, but I hope it works for you!
My first pregnancy I EP and had minimal milk production. My question is how soon after you give birth should you begin pumping? With my first daughter I didn’t till at least a week or two after she was born. Should I be pumping while in the hospital to work on my milk production or can it wait till returning home after the 3 day stay? Thanks so much.
Hi Devon! You’d want to start while you’re still in the hospital. Here is some more information that might be helpful:
https://exclusivepumping.com/exclusively-breast-pumping-from-birth/
Hi I need help. I just had my daughter 7 weeks early at 33 weeks from preeclampsia. She is currently in the NICU and is 2 weeks and 1 day old. I am pumping every 2-4 hours with a medela lactina at home and the Medela symphony at the nicu. I have been pumping since an hour after delivery and i can get anywhere from 38 ml a session to 60 ml at a time both combined. I am pumping about 7-8 times a day including at night and I pump for 30 min to 75 min at a time . I feel like I should b le getting more by now and I don’t know what to do. I bring her milk ,2 times a day and I pump while im there also. Any suggestions are so much appreciated!!
Hi Laci! Congrats on your sweet preemie! Here’s what I would recommend trying to troubleshoot supply issues. I hope this helps!
https://exclusivepumping.com/increasing-milk-supply/
Hi Amanda, I just started EP today, I was supplementing with the formula bottles from the hospital and when I switched I fed out of a medela bottle. (2oz). She then seemed hungry and hour and a half later so I fed her another 2oz and then she became so irritable. Did I over feed her? She cried for hours and was giving cues she was still hungry but I had just fed her so much. What bottles do you recommend feeding out of? An do they drink more breast milk vs formula? I’m worried about over feeding her.
Hi Marissa! I think this is a question for your pediatrician, but I will say (answering as a friend rather than a CLC, since I’m not treating you) that I kind of feel like this is a different issue than overfeeding. I don’t think she would have taken the milk if she didn’t want it and was having hunger cues. Could it be something like reflux instead? I think the Medela bottles are fine to feed out of if baby will take them. I hope that helps!
Hi Amanda, thanks for all the info that you put out here. It’s really useful for new moms like me who are new to pumping. my little one is 7weeks old and i’ve been mostly EP-ing with a schedule of 7 times a day (2am, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm 6pm and 10pm). I pump 25 mins each time with 2 massage and stimulation modes. I would like to drop a session without reducing my supply or getting clogged ducts. My yield is about 33oz a day and he drinks about 24. How would you suggest going about this? Thank you!!
Hi Jay! Maybe drop the 3pm and move the 12pm back an hour or two? Or you could drop the 6pm and move the 3pm back a bit? I’d also consider lecithin if you are prone to clogged ducts.
I pump 7-8 times a day. I used to single pump 15 minutes each boob. When I switched to double pumping my brain said the logical thing was to do 30 minutes. I’m now realizing this might be too long to be pumping. How do I lower that down without losing my supply and getting a clogged duct?
Hi Breanna! How long ago did you make the change?
Looking into EPing because my baby has bad reflux and seems to have less when using a bottle. Should I be pumping from both breasts every time or switching every other feeding?
My girl is a month old and when breast feeding we average about 8 feedings a day- to start I’d be keeping that schedule when pumping.
Hi Kelsey! Most people find it easiest to double pump, so I would do that. You want to pump each side for 120 minutes a day, ideally. Congrats on your one month old!
Hi! I’m so glad to find this website! I recently had a C-section and my milk has not come in. I am trying to do pumping but nothing has come down so far. Should I do the expression for the whole time until milk comes down?
Congrats on your baby! I would keep trying pump (even if you’re not getting anything) until it comes in and also try hand expression!
Hi Amanda,
I’m 18 weeks with my third pregnancy. I’ve decided to exclusively pump for my third baby. I’ve read so many of your articles, and they have been so much help in preparing my mind and home for this journey. However, I’m bit confused about pumping after delivery. Is it possible to pump colostrum or is it best practice to wait a few days until my milk comes in fully?
Hi Jenna! congrats on your pregnancy! Yes, you can try to pump colostrum. I would also try hand expressing and using a silicone pump like the Haakaa – just test it out and see what works best. Hope that helps!
I am so grateful I found this web page! I’m new to exclusively pumping and was very overwhelmed at the fact that my baby did not want to breastfeed so the next best option was to exclusively pump. I had no idea where to start but those late night pump sessions less me here!! I’m slowly learning all the tips and tricks to exclusively pump and I’m not feeling too overwhelmed. Instead I feel empowered and encouraged to keep chugging on. Thank you!!
Congrats on your baby Diane! 🙂
Thank you for this website. So useful!
I am very worried that I am over feeding my son when exclusively expressing breast milk. He just instantly satisfied with the advises 80ml per 3 hours so I upped the quantities. I am now trying 110ml / 4 oz per feed but he seems to want this every 2 hours. He is nearly 5 weeks but this seems like a huge amount. I just don’t know what to do and the lactation consultants don’t seem to be able to shed any light on how much he should be having. They say he can’t over feed…. but he is having so much that he must be!! If you have any advice on this I would be grateful. He was born 8lb 6oz.
Hi Pippa! Does that slow down at all at night? How much is he taking total in a day?
Hi Amanda, thank you so much for his info! My baby 3 months old, and I pump 5 times a day (6:30 am, 10:30 am, 2:30 pm, 6:3o pm and 10:00 pm). I produce so much milk that I freeze almost 25 oz in a day. I would like to cut back on a session. What hours do you recommend? How far should I spread them?
Thank you so much!
Hi Jessica! I would keep the 6:30am and 10pm the same and then have two sessions in between – the exact times don’t matter, maybe 11 and 4? But whatever works for your schedule!
Hi I am currently pregnant I’m thinking about pumping for only night feeding and formula during the day. When I have the baby How many times a day do you think I should pump if I’m only pumping for night time feedings and I will be going back to work roughly 6 to 8 weeks after I have the baby and there really is no where for me to pump at work. We only get 2 10 minute breaks and a 30 minute lunch do you think I would be okay to only pump in the morning before I go to work and after I get home from work I work from 5 am to usually 2 pm. Do you think I would have a risk of getting a clogged milk duct. If I waited all that time to pump.