How Often Should I Pump to Increase Breast Milk Supply?

If you're trying to increase breast milk supply, there are a few things you should do. Here's what you really need to know about increasing your breast milk.

Did you know that low breastfeeding rates add more than $3 billion annually to medical costs for mothers and children in the U.S.? But if you're passionate about breastfeeding, ensuring that you're producing enough milk for your child can be stressful.

Is there a way to increase breast milk if you're not producing enough? While it can feel overwhelming, it doesn't have to be. Read this guide on how to increase breast milk through pumping today.

Choose the Right Pump

Before you begin trying to increase production, ensure you have the right pump. Electric breast pumps are one of the best options. Hand-held pumps might not express enough milk.

Check the fit of the pump flange over time. Check your own breast flange size since it could change over time. You could find smaller or larger flanges depending on the material.

If you don't have the right size pump, that could decrease production. A decrease in production could lead to blocked milk ducts.

Many pump manufacturers will have a size guide. Review these guides before buying them.

Pump Care

Once you have the right pump, follow cleaning instructions to keep it neat. Read through the pump manual and ensure you understand the information.

Check the manufacturer's website for more information. Replace parts as needed and ensure everything fits properly. Keep the machine clean to maintain production.

Increase Pump Frequency

You will want to aim to pump every few hours. This can help stimulate the breasts to produce more milk.

Avoid pumping longer than 30 minutes since that could cause discomfort. Power pumping might be an option. This is when you pick one hour in the day when the supply is not normally high or a lower level.

You'll pump for 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for one hour. Still, keep your regular pump schedule.

After power pumping for a few days, you might notice an increase in your milk supply. Receive extra stimulation by changing the speed of the pump.

Hand express after pumping to help produce more. Consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or lactation consultant if these don't help.

How Often to Pump

At the minimum, you'll want to pump at least twice between 1-6 am. The early morning hours are the best time since hormone levels are increased.

Pump at least 8-10 times every day. If you pump less, you will produce less milk. This amount is based on how often your baby would nurse.

Once your milk production increases, you will want to pump longer. Pump for two minutes after the last drop of milk or until they don't feel full/softened. Don't go more than five hours without pumping during the first couple weeks.

Skin-To-Skin Contact

Hold your baby on your bare chest because it could help increase production. It promotes a bond between you and your baby, relaxes the baby, and maintains their body temperature. Skin-to-skin contact also helps slow a baby's breathing and heart rate.

Express Milk Often

How much milk is removed from the breast and how often will greatly impact milk production. Whether that's through pumping breast milk or nursing, both options work.

Increase the frequency when you empty your breasts. Consider adding an early morning or evening pumping or nursing time. Aim for at least eight times pumping or nursing per day.

Consider pumping on both sides at once to increase milk production and decrease the time you're pumping. In time, your body could respond to an increase in nursing or pumping and produce more milk.

Pump After Nursing

If your breasts still feel full after nursing, pump. Instead, you could hand express.

This will ensure that your breasts are completely empty before you finish. As you pump after nursing, it could increase the milk you produce daily.

Make Time for Self-Care

You might think self-care is not important, but it is vital for milk production. For example, milk production could decrease or be nearly impossible if you're stressed, angry, or upset.

Practice meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques. Keep healthy snacks and drink water throughout the day.

Make time for self-care and ask your spouse to watch the baby. Whether you're reading a book, taking a nap, bath, etc., relaxing will help you produce milk.

Be patient with yourself since increasing milk production will take time. Create a nursing and pumping routine and stick to it. Communicate with your lactation consultant or doctor if you struggle to produce enough.

Lactation Supplements

Lactation cookies or supplements might help. Speak with your doctor before you begin taking any supplements while breastfeeding.

Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated throughout the day. You should also try to eat more calories throughout the day.

Maintaining Full Milk Production

After you create a lactation schedule, keep it. Once you reach 25-35 ounces per 24-hour period, you've met your goal.

Then you'll be able to pump first thing in the morning or before bed. You can pump for a shorter amount of time. Many moms will notice that 10-15 minutes is enough time.

How to Increase Breast Milk Through Pumping

After exploring this guide, you should know how often to pump to increase breast milk production. Take your time trying these tips and speak to your doctor or lactation specialist for other tips and what will work best for you. We provide online lactation support through insurance if you would like to speak to a Certified Lactation Consultant.

Did you know that you could receive a breast pump plus maternity wellness benefits covered by insurance? If you're ready to start, set up an account or call us at (888) 977-2229. We'll verify your insurance, work with your doctor to obtain a prescription, and file your breast pump claim.

About the Author

Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!