What Is The Most Effective Pumping Schedule?

Just like every human is different, every pregnancy is different, and the pumping schedule for every individual is also different.

Some people need to pump more, some need to pump less to get a certain amount of milk for the baby’s needs. 

The pumping schedule keeps changing as the child grows and depends on how much your body can produce. Most parents who choose to breastfeed their baby prefer doing it directly from their breasts.

But that is not the case for all parents. Some people choose to pump their milk and feed their babies.

Some choose to pump for a short period of time, some choose part-time pumping, and some choose exclusive pumping. And there is a schedule for it.

How Is A Pumping Schedule Created?

If you expect to pump regularly, it is okay if you choose to make and follow a schedule. This is going to help you structure your day better and ensure that you are pumping enough milk to store as well as feed your baby.

There are various reasons why a breastfeeding parent would choose to pump their milk and store it.

The pumping schedule depends on why you are pumping.

For instance:

• If your baby is premature and cannot come to the breast, you must pump exclusively. This means you have to pump around the clock, and that includes the midnight pumping sessions as well. Exclusive pumping schedules are different from the other ones.
• You might be returning to work, and because of that, you have to pump between the nursing sessions.
• If you are pumping to increase your milk supply or because you want to attend some occasion, then you do not need to make a schedule for pumping but might seek help and follow some guidance to know the best times for pumping.

Different purposes of pumping require different schedules either rejoining your work or planning for a family vacation.

Keeping your pumping goal in mind, you should create a schedule that serves your purpose. 

Every Breastfeeding Parent Is Different

Every breastfeeding parent is different and has a different rate at which they produce breast milk.

Ultimately, it all comes down to the storage capacity of breast milk, and that varies from person to person. 

However, some people pump up to various ounces in one session and take a long break between two pumping sessions.

Some people do not get enough milk in one pumping session, and they need to pump frequently.

Still, most people work for the same goal. They pump to produce the amount their baby needs in an entire day.

This is somewhere around 25 to 30 ounces for a baby who is between 1 to 6 months of age.

Do not compare yourself with others and meet yourself where you are. The main motive is to pump as much milk as your baby needs in 24 hours.

Some parents do not expect to provide their babies with a full supply of milk when they are away.

They choose to rely on formula or donor breast milk, and their pumping goals are a lot different than an exclusive pumping schedule.

When Should You Start Pumping?

Your pumping goal and situation are going to decide when you should start pumping milk for your baby.

• If you cannot breastfeed your baby after their birth for some reason, then you should immediately start pumping to maintain your supply.
• It could be because you are planning to return back to work, so you should start at least 3 to 4 weeks before you join and start building your freezer stash.
• If you are pumping occasionally to relieve mastitis, relieve engorgement, increase your supply, or attend some occasions, then you do not have to follow a schedule or make one in advance.

Pumping Schedules

When we discuss pumping schedules and making samples, remember these are some possible schedules.

Use these for your guidance, but do not hesitate to change them according to your convenience. 

Exclusive Pumping Schedules

When you have a newborn baby, you will need to pump almost 8 to 12 times within a span of 24 hours, and that includes some midnight pumping sessions as well.

Try to pump for 15 to 20 minutes in each pumping session.

Sample Schedule

This is a sample schedule if you are exclusively pumping for a newborn baby.

As the baby grows, especially when they are transitioning to solid food, then you would not need to pump so frequently. You might not even need to pump as much during the middle of the night.

Still, it is best to schedule your pumping session evenly. Make sure that you pump in the morning, as that is the time when the supply is at its highest. You might decrease the time of the pumping session every time if you are still producing the amount of milk you need.

Pumping Schedule For An Older Baby

This is a sample pumping schedule for a child who is a couple of months old.

Sample Pumping Session For Building A Freezer Stash 

If you are not available for quite a long period of time, then you can build a freezer stash. Your maternity leave might be getting over, and that requires you to build a stash for your child.

Pump for 30 to 60 minutes after you are done nursing. After 3 days, try pumping regularly to increase your body’s milk supply.

The schedule could be like:

Sample Pumping Session For Pumping At Work

Your pumping in between work schedules can look somewhat like this.

Power Pumping Schedule

Power pumping is something that you are doing with the aim of increasing your supply.

The schedule can look somewhat like this:

Do Not Stress

However, it could be a little challenging to pump for a baby, but with a little adjustment period, it gets better.

It is nothing unusual if this frustrates you sometimes. Still, if you are not able to adjust to it, then join a group of people who have done this before.

Look online for some support groups.