Don’t you
hate it when you want a quick and definitive answer to a straight-forward
question and instead you get: There is no
one answer. Everyone is different.
Well—we
hate to tell you that, so…we’ll pretend like we didn’t (although it is true) and move on to a few
generalities and average breast pumping times as provided by published medical
practitioners and experienced moms.
Don’t be
frustrated if you don’t get much milk when you first start pumping. After a few
days of regular pumping, your breasts will increase their milk output as the
more your nurse and pump, the more milk your breasts produce. Because you’re
producing little at first, start little. Trying pumping for 5 minutes after
every time your nurse. Increase the pumping time each day, always following
your body’s warning signs and stopping pumping if your nipples are too sore or
bloody. Eventually, you should collect a sufficient amount of breast milk in
15-20 minutes with a good, double breast pump.[i]
If you’re exclusively
pumping (EPing):
Average,
healthy newborns nurse 8-12 times daily. Your goal is to match this frequency,
pumping every 2-3 hours (not exceeding 3 hours). With an electric double pump each session
should last an average of 20 minutes. (Any longer and you risk irritation.) In
the first couple of weeks you might also want to pump twice during the night,
although this is a personal choice. Following this schedule and duration you
should establish a good, constant milk supply. [ii]
If you’re pumping as you
return to work:
If you’ve
been exclusively nursing prior to returning to work, here’s a great tip:
practice for 1-2 weeks before “go time” so you can get the hang of it and begin
to collect and store milk. At first pumping will take about the same amount of
time as breastfeeding, but with practice and a double pump, you can collect a
good amount in 10-15 minutes. While at work, try to pump as often as your baby
nurses (every 2-3 hours). To keep your milk supply up, give your baby extra
feedings when you’re together. You can also pump directly after your baby
feeds, which—as a bonus—will help your breast produce more milk.[iii]
Again, these are only generalities and average breast pumping times provided by
published medical practitioners and experience moms (citations provided). If
you’re having trouble or have specific questions please consult your physician
and/or a lactation consultant. Lastly, remember that while it’s frustrating to
hear, it’s true: everyone is different. Don’t be discouraged or upset if your
pumping times are longer than designated averages. And don’t be surprised if
the balance and rhythm of pumping takes some practice. The one commonality is that once you find
your breast pumping groove, it’s worth it!
Daggett, Jennifer. How to Survive Pumping. Lexington,
KY: 2015.
[iii] Returning to Work While Breastfeeding by Frances Biagioli, M.D. (American
Family Physician December 01, 2003).
Our resident “Moms Who Know” informed this post and our writers composed it. No one contributing to this post is a trained medical professional. For further reading and information on familiarizing yourself with your breast pump, please visit the websites for any of the five brands Byram Healthcare proudly distributes:
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