Pumping while nursing involves using a breast pump to express milk in addition to direct breastfeeding. This practice offers flexibility, allowing milk collection for bottle feeding by other caregivers, providing the nursing parent with rest or time away. Parents often integrate pumping to manage milk supply or prepare for specific circumstances.
Reasons for Pumping While Nursing
Parents pump for several reasons. A common motivation is to build a milk “stash” for future use, especially when returning to work or for separations from the baby. Pumping can also increase milk supply, as production operates on a supply-and-demand principle: more milk removal signals the body to produce more. Additionally, pumping helps manage engorgement by relieving pressure. For babies with latching difficulties or health issues, pumping ensures they receive breast milk and maintains the parent’s supply.
Establishing a Pumping Schedule
Pumping frequency depends on your goals. For occasional needs, such as a night out or short separation, pumping once or twice daily after nursing can collect milk without significantly impacting direct feeding. To build a milk stash for returning to work, start a few weeks in advance, incorporating two to three pumping sessions per day after nursing. Morning sessions are often beneficial due to higher milk supply.
To increase milk supply, “power pumping” mimics cluster feeding: pump for 20 minutes, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10, for an hour daily. For consistent supply increase, aim for 8 to 12 sessions within 24 hours, each lasting 15 to 20 minutes. For engorgement, pump just enough to relieve discomfort and soften the breast, rather than fully emptying it, which can otherwise perpetuate overproduction.
Maintaining Milk Supply
To maintain milk supply while pumping, remember the supply-and-demand principle. Pumping immediately after nursing ensures the baby feeds first while thoroughly emptying the breasts, which supports sustained production. Avoid replacing nursing sessions with pumping, as a baby’s suckling is often more effective at stimulating milk production than a pump.
Proper hydration is also important, as breast milk is composed of approximately 88% water. Drinking to thirst is sufficient, but consider a glass of water with each feeding or pumping session. Signs of undersupply include a baby producing fewer wet or dirty diapers, experiencing low energy levels, or not gaining weight appropriately. Conversely, oversupply might manifest as frequent engorgement, a forceful milk letdown, or a baby who sputters, chokes, or becomes gassy during feeds.
Maximizing Pumping Efficiency
To maximize pumping efficiency, ensure proper flange size. An ill-fitting flange causes discomfort, nipple damage, or inefficient milk removal. The flange should allow the nipple to move freely without rubbing, measuring 0-4mm larger than the nipple’s diameter at rest. A double electric pump expresses milk from both breasts simultaneously, increasing output by an average of 18% and saving time, stimulating more prolactin release.
Massaging breasts before and during pumping, with gentle compressions, stimulates milk flow and ensures drainage. Pump until breasts feel soft or milk flow significantly slows. A calm environment supports milk ejection, as stress can hinder the let-down reflex. Regular cleaning and maintenance of pump parts are also important for hygiene and performance.