Pumping Times

• Frequency / Length per Session

  In determining how often you should pump and how long you should pump each time, you will first want to determine the reason you’re pumping.
1. If you are planning to pump to store milk for an occasional bottle, you can pump once or twice a day between feedings for 10-15 minutes.
2. If you plan to routinely provide milk while you are away from your baby, e.g. if you are returning to work or school, pump at the times you would regularly nurse your baby. The idea is to remove the milk from your breasts so that your body is stimulated to produce more.
3. If you are only pumping and not actually nursing at all (e.g., if your baby is premature and is not strong enough to nurse), you need to pump a minimum of 8-10 times in a 24 hour period. If you are pumping 8-10 times in a 24 hour period, you should pump 15-20 minutes per session. Again, “demand-and-supply” – pumping frequently for a few minutes each time will keep your breasts from getting too full. Full breasts signal your body to slow milk production.
4. Some employers or employment positions do not have the flexibility of allowing moms to be away from their position for 15-20 minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day. If you find yourself in this position, pump as often as you can, even if only for 5-7 minutes at a time. Again, the point is to keep your breasts from getting too full.

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Breast pumps are available for purchase through local nursing/baby stores, pharmacies, hospital gift shops, some lactation consultants, as well as on-line.