The right time to start pumping depends on your baby’s needs, your feeding goals, and your personal circumstances. While some babies latch easily and your breastfeeding journey may get off to a smooth start, this isn't always the case. If feedings don't go as planned, pumping sessions can help build and maintain your milk supply and ensure your baby is getting enough milk.

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common reasons new moms start pumping, share practical tips on the pumping process, and cover how to clean your pump parts and store your expressed milk safely.

What Are Some Reasons to Start Pumping?

You and Your Baby Are Separated

If your baby requires NICU care or other medical support, being apart can feel stressful. During this time, pumping is an important way to maintain and build your supply until your baby is ready to breastfeed. Your care team, including nurses and lactation consultants, will explain which types of breast pumps are available, ensure the right fit for your nipple size, and guide you through the pumping process. They can help you set up a pumping schedule that supports your breastfeeding goals and optimizes output.

If you are relying on pumping exclusively, aim to pump at least 8 times per day, including once or twice at night, to mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern.

Your Baby Is Having Trouble Latching

If your baby was born early, has medical issues, or is experiencing latch issues, they may temporarily need extra support with feedings. During this time, pumping can be an essential tool. Pumping provides nipple stimulation, helps build your supply, and ensures your baby continues receiving your breast milk. It’s recommended to pump every time your baby would normally breastfeed, aiming for at least 8 sessions in 24 hours, with each session lasting 15–20 minutes.

Your expressed milk can be given by spoon, cup, or syringe to minimize breastfeeding challenges while your baby learns to latch effectively. Having your latch assessed by a lactation consultant is a good idea. Some moms may benefit from guidance on more efficient breastfeeding positions and latch techniques and the hands on support can make a big difference.

You Experience Low Milk Supply

If your supply feels low, it’s important to increase breast stimulation and empty your breasts fully to encourage production.There are many reasons why milk supply might be low, but the key is to maintain what you have while working to increase it.

Pumping is an essential tool during this time. It provides nipple stimulation, helps maintain your current supply, and can assist in increasing production when your baby is not breastfeeding effectively. In addition to using a breast pump, hand expression can be a helpful way to more fully empty your breasts and help to maximize your milk production.

Some mothers find that power pumping once a day can mimic a baby’s natural cluster feeding rhythm and be effective in helping to boost supply.

You Are Returning to Work or School

If you are returning to work or school and will be separated from your baby and missing feedings, pumping will be necessary. It ensures your baby can continue to receive breast milk while you’re away and helps you maintain your production when you're not together.

Many mothers find that when they start pumping in addition to breastfeeding, just 10 minutes after a morning feeding is often enough to begin building a milk stash. Morning sessions tend to be the most productive, as many notice they have extra milk at this time of day.

Give yourself at least 2-3 weeks before your return to work to get started pumping and to ensure your baby is comfortable bottle feeding. While most babies transition to bottle feedings easily, others may need more practice, so remain patient and give yourself and your baby plenty of time. 

How to Use Your Breast Pump

Having a good double electric pump is essential for efficiency. A manual pump can work for occasional use, but if you need to build or maintain a full supply of milk, an electric breast pump with two-phase technology works best. Here’s how it works:

  • Start in Letdown or Massage Mode: This mode uses quick, light suction to mimic the start of a breastfeeding session and help your milk flow.
  • Switch to Expression Mode: Once you have a letdown, change to slower, deeper suction to remove as much milk as possible. This pattern closely imitates a baby’s natural feeding rhythm and is the most effective way to pump.

How Often Should I Pump?

Whenever your baby takes a bottle, make sure to pump at the same time so your milk supply stays in sync with their needs. For best results, aim to pump for 15–20 minutes per session, or until your breasts feel well emptied. Using hands-on techniques, such as gentle massage or breast compression, during pumping can help remove milk more thoroughly and improve output.

Keep Your Pump Parts Clean

After each session, clean your pump parts with hot soapy water in a clean wash basin—never the sink—to prevent contamination. For babies under 2 months, sanitize your pump parts, bottles, and nipples daily.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

Your expressed breast milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours, refrigerated for up to 4 days, and frozen for 6-12 months. Proper storage and handling ensures your baby receives safe, nutritious milk.

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.