Pumping breastmilk is an important part of many new mothers’ routines. Determining how much milk to aim for with each pumping session can seem confusing, especially for first-time moms. The amount of breastmilk a mother pumps per session can vary significantly based on factors like the age of the baby, whether baby is breastfed directly, and the mother’s milk supply.
How much milk does a baby need?
As a general guideline, exclusively breastfed babies need about 25-35 oz of breastmilk per day on average in the first 6 months. However, every baby is different. Some babies may need more or less than the average. The best way to know if your baby is getting enough milk is to pay attention to their weight gain, diaper output, and satisfaction after feedings.
Here are some general milk intake guidelines based on age:
- 0-1 month: 2-3 oz per feeding, or 19-30 oz per day
- 1-3 months: 3-5 oz per feeding, or 25-35 oz per day
- 3-6 months: 3-6 oz per feeding, or 25-35 oz per day
- 6-12 months: 4-8 oz per feeding, or 25-35 oz per day
Keep in mind that these are just averages – your baby may need more or less. Pay attention to your baby’s cues and appetite to determine their ideal daily milk intake.
How much should you pump per session?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how much milk to pump per session. The amount that you are able to pump depends on several factors:
Age of baby
In the early weeks after birth, most mothers are able to pump 1-3 ounces per session. As your milk supply increases and your baby gets older, you may be able to pump 3-5 ounces or more per session.
If baby is breastfeeding directly
If your baby is breastfed directly from the breast in addition to bottle feeding pumped milk, you generally do not need to pump the full 25-35 oz they need per day. Pump just enough for the bottles they need while you are away.
Time since last pumping session
The longer it has been since you last emptied your breasts, the more milk you will likely be able to pump. Aim for 2-3 hours between sessions if possible.
Time of day
Milk supply is often greater in the morning, especially if you go longer stretches at night without pumping or feeding. Early morning pumping sessions tend to yield the most milk.
Which breast and how long pumping
You produce milk differently in each breast. Pumping from both breasts, and for at least 15 minutes per session, will maximize your output. Switch breasts halfway through.
Your milk supply
Mothers with an established, ample milk supply can pump more milk per session. If your supply is lower or still building, your pumping output may be lower but can increase over time.
Fluctuations
It’s normal for pumping output to vary day-to-day or week-to-week. Try not to stress about small fluctuations. Focus on the overall supply over a longer period of time instead.
Pump power and collection system
Hospital grade pumps draw more milk out per session than consumer models. Hands-free collection systems like bras also enhance letdown and milk flow over hand-held bottles.
Relaxation and massage
Being relaxed while pumping and massaging your breasts can help trigger letdown and increase pumping output. Stress inhibits letdown.
Hydration and diet
Proper hydration and a nutrient-rich diet supports milk production. Dehydration or lack of calories can diminish supply.
How many pumping sessions per day?
Most lactation experts recommend pumping 8-12 times per day to build and maintain an adequate milk supply, especially in the early weeks and months.
Aim to pump at least every 2-3 hours during the day. Pumping overnight is also helpful but if you choose to sleep longer stretches such as 6-8 hours straight, try adding in an extra session or two during the daytime to make up for the longer nighttime gap.
Pumping on a schedule around the clock helps signals to your body to keep producing plenty of milk. While pumping frequency and output varies by mother and baby needs, sticking to a routine is helpful.
Tips for maximizing pumping output
If your pumping output seems lower than expected, there are several ways you can troubleshoot and aim to get more milk per session:
- Use a hospital grade pump
- Ensure flanges are the optimal size
- Pump for at least 15 minutes per breast
- Massage breasts while pumping
- Pump multiple times during the night
- Stay hydrated and well fed
- Look at photos of your baby while pumping
- Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing
- Ensure pump parts are clean
- Replace pump parts every 3-6 months
Reasons for low pumping output
If you are having trouble getting the amount of milk you need from pumping sessions, some potential reasons could include:
Improper flange fit
If breast flanges are too big or too small it can impede milk ejection and flow. Getting properly fitted is essential.
Infrequent pumping
The more often breasts are emptied, the more milk they make. Pump at least every 2-3 hours during the day.
Too short pumping duration
It takes time for letdown to occur and milk to flow freely. Aim to pump for at least 15 minutes per breast.
Insufficient glandular tissue
A small percentage of women simply have lower milk-making glandular tissue. This makes maintaining supply more difficult.
Hormonal or medical conditions
Some maternal health or hormonal conditions like PCOS or thyroid disorders can impact milk production. Seek medical guidance.
Stress
Being stressed or anxious inhibits letdown and supply. Try relaxation techniques during pumping.
Going long stretches without pumping
Consistent, frequent removal of milk signals to your body to keep producing. Pump at least every 2-3 hours if possible.
Improper latch when nursing
An inefficient latch when nursing directly may not fully empty breasts, signaling to produce less. Get expert help with latch.
Decreased appetite or fluids
Inadequate calories, nutrition, or hydration can diminish supply. Focus on self-care and proper intake.
When to be concerned about low supply
While some variation in pumping output is normal, you may need to speak to a lactation consultant if:
- Baby is excessively fussy, hungry, or not gaining weight well
- Pumping output is consistently low and continues to decrease over days
- Maternal health or medical concerns arise
- Normal pumping tips are not improving output
A lactation consultant can assess milk transfer, baby health, pump usage, and make personalized recommendations for optimizing supply.
Increasing low milk supply
If your milk supply is dropping or not meeting your baby’s needs, there are techniques you can try in addition to consulting a lactation professional:
- Pump after and between nursing sessions
- Add an extra pumping session overnight
- Power pump – pump for 10-15 min, rest 10, pump 10-15 more
- Use breast massage and compression while pumping
- Try skin-to-skin contact with baby as much as possible
- Limit or eliminate formula supplementation
- Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress
- Stay hydrated and eat lactogenic foods
Increase frequency and thoroughness of milk removal to signal your body to produce more. Stay patient and keep pumping – it may take days or weeks to see a supply increase.
Maintaining supply when returning to work
Going back to work can lead to worries about milk supply since you won’t be able to pump or nurse as frequently. Some tips for maintaining supply:
- Start using a breast pump 2-4 weeks before return to work to build supply
- Pump on a schedule mimicking work hours before returning
- Pump every 2-3 hours if possible while working
- Pump at least 15 minutes per session, not just until flow stops
- Try to nurse right before and after work
- Wake up once during the night to pump
- Keep pumping log to identify any supply dips
Make nursing or pumping a priority at work. Breaks may feel inconvenient but are essential to keeping up your supply while away from your baby. Stay organized and set reminders to stick to your pumping schedule.
Stopping pumping and maintaining supply
Many moms aim stop pumping around 6-12 months but still nurse when with baby. To keep up supply when pumping less:
- Gradually decrease pumping over days/weeks, not all at once
- Replace a pumping session with nursing directly
- Pump first thing in the morning when supply is highest
- Pump if uncomfortably full and needing relief
- Massage and hand express during nursing for thorough drainage
Make sure baby continues to nurse frequently and efficiently when together. Avoid bottles before nursing as this can lead to less nursing and dropped supply. Weight checks help ensure baby is still getting enough when less pumped milk is available.
Stopping pumping and breastfeeding altogether
To comfortably and gradually wean off breastfeeding entirely:
- Drop one nursing/pumping session every 3-7 days
- Use a breast pump if uncomfortably engorged
- Wear a supportive bra to help avoid discomfort
- Apply cold packs between pumping/nursing sessions
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Express just enough milk to relieve pressure – try to avoid fully emptying breasts
Weaning slowly allows your body time to adjust milk production downward while keeping engorgment and engorgement at bay. Watch for any signs of plugged ducts or infection. Within 2-4 weeks milk supply typically diminishes fully.
Conclusion
Determining optimal pumping output depends on your specific situation and baby’s needs. While pumping multiple times per day is recommended, aim for removing around 25-35 ounces per 24 hours to match an exclusively breastfed baby’s intake. Monitor weight gain and watch for signs of adequate intake. Speak to a lactation consultant if you have any concerns about supply or your baby’s nutrition and growth.