What Is Exclusive Pumping?

What Is Exclusive Pumping?

Exclusive pumping means providing your baby with your expressed breast milk through bottles rather than direct breastfeeding. Parents choose exclusive pumping for many reasons—sometimes a newborn baby has difficulty latching, sometimes there’s a NICU (also called a neonatal intensive care unit) stay, and sometimes it simply fits a family’s lifestyle better. Whatever your reason, it’s important to know that exclusive pumping is a loving, valuable, and effective way to give your baby the benefits of human milk.

Start Pumping Early

Initiating hand expression within the first hour after birth can help provide your baby with the benefits of colostrum and support a stronger long-term milk supply. In the early days, hand expression is the easiest way to collect colostrum, since it’s so thick and sticky. Pumping, using a hospital grade breast pump should be started within the first 6 hours after your baby's birth. It's a good idea to continue to hand express after pumping sessions to further boost your milk output. Remember: every drop counts!

How Much Milk to Expect?

When exclusively pumping, the goal is to typically provide at least enough milk to meet your baby’s needs. Many babies take an average of about 25 ounces per day between 1 and 6 months of age. A typical session might be 3 to 4 ounces every 2–3 hours, though every parent and baby is different.

Paced Bottle Feeding can support healthy habits by letting your baby stay in control of their feeding pace, reducing the chance of overfeeding. This feeding method helps babies learn to recognize their hunger and fullness cues, which supports long-term feeding success.

Key Tips For Success

  • Choose the Right Pump: A full-size double electric pump can help you build and maintain your milk supply efficiently. Many mothers find that having a back-up, such as a wearable breast pump, can make exclusive pumping more manageable.
  • Flange Fit Matters: Make sure you have the correct flange size (sometimes called a breast shield) for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
  • Create a Pumping Schedule: Aim to pump at least 8 times per day, every 2–3 hours during the day and at least once or twice overnight.
  • Pump Long Enough: Sessions typically last 15–20 minutes and in that amount of time your breasts should feel well drained.
  • Double Pump: Pumping both breasts at once stimulates your milk ejection reflex on both sides and may reduce your pumping time.
  • Use Hands-on Techniques: Gentle breast massage and compression while pumping can increase output and efficiency.
  • Prioritize Comfort: Pump vacuum settings should never hurt—if they do, turn them down.
  • Stay Close to your Baby: Skin-to-skin contact whenever possible can keep your hormones levels high for milk production.

Safe Breast Milk Storage and Handling Guidelines

Following safe breast milk storage guidelines helps protect the quality of your milk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends collecting, storing, and preparing milk carefully to reduce the risk of spoilage or contamination. Many parents find it helpful to store expressed milk in small, feeding-sized portions—usually 3 to 4 ounces—to reduce waste.

Another important consideration is freshness. Research shows that babies benefit most from receiving the freshest milk possible. Even short periods at room temperature or extended time in the refrigerator can lead to a reduction in certain nutrients and immune properties. For this reason, it’s best to feed your baby expressed breast milk as soon as possible after pumping and follow CDC Guidelines.

Is Exclusively Pumping Right for You?

Exclusive pumping has its own challenges, but it also brings unique rewards. Expressed breast milk contains powerful immune and nutritional properties that formula simply cannot match. Any amount of milk you provide is a powerful gift for your baby.

If breastfeeding feels difficult, know you are not alone. Meeting with a Lactation Consultant can help you find the right balance—whether that means continuing to work on latch, moving fully to pumping, or doing a combination. Whatever path you take, what matters most is that you are nourishing your baby with love and care.

Disclaimer: Our classes and accompanying materials are intended for general education purposes and should not replace medical evaluation or consultation. Please seek advice from your own healthcare providers for individualized recommendations.