How Often Should You Pump Your Breast?

For many new moms, breast feeding is an essential part of nurturing the baby throughout the first year of his life. While necessary, the process can also be confusing and daunting. A common concern is how often to pump to meet the baby's needs.

Assess Your Pumping Needs

Determine how much milk you will need to fit your lifestyle. If you are going back to work, how many feedings will you need to cover each day? Are you going to be out of town, away from the baby for several days? Do you want to be able to leave the baby with a sitter from time to time? Your needs will determine how much milk you should have on hand and how often you will pump.

Pumping and Going Back to Work

If you are planning to provide milk for a sitter or daycare provider to use throughout the day, plan to pump three to five times a day, depending on your output. On average, a nursing mother can pump three to six ounces of milk at a time, depending on level of hydration and time of day, and when the baby was last nursed. If your baby will eat three times during your work day and you are able to get one feeding worth of milk each time you pump, consider pumping twice at work when you would normally nurse and once after nursing in the morning. Continue with the morning pump on your days off so that you have a reserve if needed.

Pumping When Away

If you are going to be away from your baby for an extended period of time, you should start pumping far enough in advance that you can have a sufficient supply by pumping three to five times a day. While you are away, take your pump with you and pump on your baby's regular feeding schedule as much as possible.

Occasional Bottle Feeding

If you are only expecting to bottle feed occasionally, you can pump less frequently. Once a day should be enough to produce what you need.