How Often Should I Use My Breast Pump?

Using a breast pump makes sure your baby has breast milk when you can't nurse.

Many new mothers choose to breastfeed their newborns because of the health benefits and bonding opportunities. Some women’s breasts are too sensitive to continue breastfeeding on a regular basis, or the mother may return to work before she wishes to wean her baby off breast milk. Others find their babies latch on to bottle nipples easier than the breast. Whatever your reasons are for pumping, knowing how often to use your breast pump will make it easier for you to keep an adequate milk supply for your baby.

Instructions

1. Start pumping your breasts at least a week before you need the milk supply available. Many mothers do not get much milk when they first start pumping, but your breasts will start to produce more milk if you pump every day for several days in a row.

2. Pump your breasts at least once during the night for the first few days after you begin pumping. Since full breasts make less milk, it is best to wait no longer than five hours in between pumpings for the first few days.

3. Use your breast pump eight to 12 times a day to increase your milk supply. You should try to reach a point where you are pumping 25 to 35 oz. per day, according to International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Nancy Mohrbacher.

4. Reduce your number of daily pumpings to five to seven per day once you have a full milk supply. Increase the number of pumpings if you notice your milk supply start to drop. You may be able to sleep through the night without pumping once you have a full milk supply if you pump right before you go to bed and first thing in the morning.

5. Drop one pumping per day every two to three days when you start to wean yourself off of the breast pump. Gradually reducing the number of pumpings each day will help your milk supply decrease gradually.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult with your doctor or lactation consultant to help you determine what is best for your baby’s individual needs.

References

• FamilyDoctor.org: Breastfeeding: How to Pump and Store Your Breast Milk
• Ameda: How to Bring in a Full Milk Supply With a Breast Pump
• Ameda: Maintaining a Full Milk Supply With a Pump
• Ameda: The Fully Pumping Mother: What Next?