2025 Guide: When to Start Breast Pumping for New Moms + Cost Insights

Adjusting to life with a newborn is challenging, and incorporating breast pumping into your routine can feel overwhelming. From preparation and pumping to cleaning and storing milk, mastering these steps is key to success.

Whether you plan to pump occasionally, part-time, or full-time, understanding when to start and how to maintain your pumping routine is essential. We consulted three International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) to provide expert guidance on beginning pumping, cleaning procedures, storage tips, and more.

When Should New Moms Begin Pumping?

If you’re new to pumping, you might wonder about the ideal time to start. Jaimie Zaki, IBCLC, MCD, MCPD, advises, “If your baby is healthy, gaining weight well, and there’s no expected separation, it’s best to wait until about 6 weeks postpartum before starting pumping. Until then, hand expression can help manage excess milk.”

Waiting allows you to establish a solid breastfeeding routine before introducing the pump.

Emily Silver, MS, NP-C, IBCLC, co-founder of Boston NAPS, notes that early pumping right after birth is sometimes necessary, especially in cases like low birth weight, neonatal hypoglycemia, or jaundice. In medical separations, pumping helps maintain milk supply and provides milk for your baby.

Moms preparing to return to work often begin pumping 3 to 4 weeks beforehand to get comfortable with the process and build a milk stash.

Importantly, Silver warns against pumping during pregnancy as it may trigger labor-inducing hormones.

Optimal Times for Pumping

The best pumping time is what fits your schedule, but mornings typically yield the highest milk volume due to overnight prolactin production. Silver recommends breastfeeding first, then pumping both breasts simultaneously for 10-15 minutes to collect extra milk for storage.

To boost supply, some parents pump between nursing sessions, such as halfway between feedings. If you face low milk supply issues, consulting a lactation expert to tailor a pumping plan is advisable.

Pumping Frequency and Duration

Electric double pumps usually require 10-15 minutes post-nursing or 15-20 minutes when replacing a feeding. Some may need up to 30 minutes to fully empty breasts.

Manual pumps or hand expression can be effective alternatives depending on personal preference.

If separated from your baby, pump every 2 to 4 hours, mimicking feeding frequency. At work, maintain the same schedule with sessions mid-morning, mid-afternoon, and before leaving.

Cleaning Your Pump Equipment

To prevent germ transfer, clean all pump parts after each use, including bottles, valves, and breast shields. Follow manufacturer guidelines; some parts are dishwasher-safe on the top rack.

1. Rinse parts in cold water.
2. Wash in warm, soapy water using a clean basin.
3. Rinse with hot water for 10-15 seconds and air dry.
4. Avoid touching the inside of parts during assembly.
5. If milk enters tubes, wash and hang to dry.

Breast Milk Storage Guidelines

Store milk in the refrigerator or freezer within 4 hours of pumping, especially if room temperature exceeds 77ºF (25ºC). The CDC allows room temperature storage up to 4 hours.

Refrigerate milk at 40ºF (4ºC) in the back of the fridge for 4-5 days. Freeze milk for 6-12 months in the back of the freezer. Thawed milk can remain at room temperature for 1-2 hours and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Never refreeze thawed milk.

Benefits of Breast Pumping

• Creates a milk reserve for flexibility, enabling others to assist with feeding and allowing you rest.
• Helps babies learn bottle feeding by introducing bottles around 4 weeks old, vital for working moms.
• Supports supplemental feeding with your own milk when nursing isn’t possible, promoting optimal infant health.

Effective Pumping Tips

Prepare Yourself

Relax and get comfortable before pumping. Viewing photos of your baby can stimulate oxytocin, aiding milk flow.

Use Proper Flange Size

Choose flanges sized for your nipple, not breast, to avoid discomfort and improve milk output. Consult a lactation consultant for fitting help.

Maintain Nutrition and Hydration

Eat a balanced diet with an extra 450-500 calories daily and stay hydrated to support milk production.

Encourage Letdown

Massage or apply warm compresses to breasts before pumping to stimulate milk release.

Mimic Baby’s Suckling

Start pumping at a faster speed, then slow down to imitate your baby’s natural rhythm.

Combine Nursing and Pumping

Nurse on one side while pumping the other to boost supply.

Seek Help if Needed

Pumping shouldn’t be painful; if discomfort persists, reach out to a lactation consultant.

Understand Pumped Milk Volumes

Remember, pumps extract less milk than babies do. Early pumping may yield small amounts, but practice improves efficiency.

Summary

Starting breast pumping at the right time and with proper techniques is crucial for success. Utilize expert advice, maintain hygiene, and seek professional support when needed to build a milk supply that supports your breastfeeding journey with greater freedom and confidence.

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