Building a stash of breastmilk is something many new moms aim to do, but knowing when to start pumping can be confusing. Here are some quick tips to help determine the optimal time to begin pumping to store up that liquid gold:
In The Early Days
Most experts recommend waiting until breastfeeding is well-established before beginning to pump, which is usually around 3-5 weeks. Here’s why:
- Your body is still regulating milk supply in the early days. Pumping too soon can lead to oversupply.
- It’s important to allow your baby to stimulate your breasts and set your supply during this time.
- The demand from frequent nursing in the early weeks signals your body to produce more milk.
- Starting too early can be stressful and time-consuming when your baby needs you the most.
The first few weeks are all about feeding baby on demand and recovering from childbirth. Don’t put pressure on yourself to start pumping right away.
When To Start
Most lactation consultants recommend beginning to pump around 3-6 weeks postpartum when breastfeeding is well established. Some signs you and baby are ready:
- Breastfeeding sessions have a predictable pattern and duration.
- Your milk supply is steady and responding to baby’s needs.
- Baby is back to birth weight and gaining well.
- Breastfeeding is generally going well with few issues.
Starting to pump around a month helps ensure pumping won’t interfere with breastfeeding or milk supply. At the 1 month mark, you know your baby’s needs and your body knows what to do!
Tips For Pumping From The Start
- Aim for once a day. Pump after your first morning feeding when supply is highest.
- Keep sessions brief – 10-15 minutes max in the beginning.
- Use the letdown mode if your pump has one.
- Slowly increase session length and frequency as milk supply allows.
- Replace a daily feed with pumping around 6 weeks.
- Store milk safely following CDC guidelines.
Starting slow and gradually increasing pumping frequency prevents issues like oversupply, preference for the bottle, or low supply from missed feedings. Patience is key!
Special Situations For Earlier Pumping
While most moms can wait until 3-6 weeks, here are some situations where earlier pumping may be recommended:
- Preemies or NICU babies – Pump right away to establish supply if baby can’t nurse.
- Need for top-up feeds – Pump to supplement if weight gain is a concern.
- Separation from baby – Pump to maintain supply if going back to work early.
- Using a nipple shield – Pump for extra stimulation if transitioning off shield.
- Recovering low supply – Pump to increase supply if directed by an IBCLC.
Consult a lactation consultant in any situation where baby is unable to effectively remove milk from the breast in the early weeks.
How Much Should You Pump?
In the early weeks, aim for just 1-3 ounces per session – this tells your body to produce what baby needs without oversupply. Slowly build stash by adding sessions or minutes over time. Here are some general pumping yield guidelines:
| Weeks Postpartum | Per Session |
|---|---|
| 1-4 weeks | 1-3 ounces |
| 1-3 months | 3-5 ounces |
| 4-6 months | 4-6 ounces |
| 6-12 months | 5-8 ounces |
Aim to pump around 25 ounces per day to comfortably build a stash by 1 month. Stop or reduce pumping if you see a dip in breastfeeding supply.
How Long Should You Pump For?
In the early weeks, 5-15 minutes is enough to trigger letdown and remove milk. Slowly build session length by 5 minute increments, ideally maxing out around 15-20 minutes. Watch for diminishing returns after 20 minutes.
Average Pumping Session Length By Age
| Baby’s Age | Session Length |
|---|---|
| Newborn | 10-15 minutes |
| 1-3 months | 10-20 minutes |
| 4-6 months | 15-20 minutes |
| 6-12 months | 15-20 minutes |
Keep sessions under 20 minutes to avoid excess pumping which can lead to oversupply. The exception is when pumping to increase supply – in that case, pump for 2-5 minutes past the last droplets of milk.
How Often Should You Pump?
Most moms can comfortably pump 1-2 times per day in the early weeks alongside nursing on demand. Here are general guidelines for pumping frequency:
- First 4 weeks: 1-2 pumping sessions per day.
- 1-3 months: 2-3 pumping sessions per day.
- 4-6 months: 3-4 pumping sessions per day.
- 6-12 months: 3-5 pumping sessions per day.
Replace 1 daily nursing session with pumping around 6 weeks postpartum. Any more than 5 sessions per day risks oversupply or preferring the bottle if nursing less.
Tips For Pumping Success
Follow these best practices to make pumping easier and more productive:
- Pump first thing in the morning when supply peaks.
- Try pumping after a warm shower.
- Massage breasts while pumping.
- Look at photos of baby to stimulate letdown.
- Stay hydrated and pump between feedings.
Finding your rhythm with pumping takes time. Patience and persistence are key – your stash will grow gradually as you find what works for you and baby.
Storing Your Liquid Gold
Pumping is hard work – take care to store your milk safely. Follow these tips:
- Pump into clean, sanitized bottles or bags.
- Label milk with date and quantity.
- Refrigerate quickly after pumping.
- Use within 4 days if refrigerated.
- Freeze milk in 2-4 ounce portions.
- Use frozen milk within 6-12 months for best quality.
Organize your freezer stash by date and quantity for easy use. Don’t microwave milk – instead, thaw and gently warm milk for feeds.
FAQs
Can I start pumping from birth?
It’s best to wait until 3-5 weeks to begin pumping to allow your milk supply to be established by your baby’s efficient feeding in the early days. Unless medically advised, hold off on pumping until breastfeeding is going well.
How long does it take to build a stash?
Most moms can build a modest stash of 25-50 oz in the freezer by 1 month postpartum if starting to pump around 3-6 weeks. Allow up to 2-3 months to build a larger stash of a few hundred ounces.
How do I find time to pump?
Make pumping a priority, just like feeding your baby. Multitask by pumping while you bottle feed or have someone else hold baby. Pump first thing in the morning when your supply is fullest. Fitting in sessions gets easier as baby gets older.
How do I bottle feed breastmilk?
Bottle feed breastmilk using paced feeding, where baby leads the flow. Hold baby upright and tip bottle horizontally to control flow. Pause feeding to burp halfway through. Offer the breast first before bottles if possible.
Is it okay to pump and dump?
If alcohol intake was light to moderate, there is no need to pump and dump. To clear alcohol faster, pump right before drinking, limit alcohol intake, and pump again once sober. An inexpensive milk screening strip can give you peace of mind.
Can I overpump or damage my supply?
It is possible to overpump, which signals the body to overproduce milk. Keep sessions under 20 minutes and be cautious increasing pumping frequency over 5-6 times daily. Watch for signs of excess pumping like engorged breasts.
The Bottom Line
Building and using your breastmilk stash allows your baby to continue receiving your milk even when you can’t directly breastfeed. With the right timing and technique, pumping and storing breastmilk can be accomplished without interfering with nursing your baby. Be patient, start slow, respond to your body’s cues, and use proper storage guidelines – before you know it, you’ll have bountiful milk in the freezer!
