Breast pumping when your baby is in the hospitalArticle Translations: (Spanish) Show
After giving birth, your body is ready to produce milk when your breasts are stimulated. If your baby is unable to breastfeed, we will help you develop and maintain a good supply of breast milk. Start pumping as soon as possible after your baby's birth. If you wait, it may be harder to develop your supply. How do I develop my milk supply?
How often should I pump?
Empty your breasts each time. Empty breasts signal your body to make more milk; full breasts tell your body to make less. What is "let-down"?Let-down is when your breasts release milk in response to signals from your hormones and nervous system. Let-down is also called the "milk ejection reflex." Relaxation is the key to let-down. It happens easier if you are not tired or stressed. Here are some ways to enhance let-down:
Where can I pump at the hospital?
How much milk is enough?
How do I keep up my milk supply?
How do I store my milk?
How long the milk is usable depends on where you store it.
How should I clean the pump kit?
Clean parts after every pumping session:
What else do I need to know?
When should I ask for help?Ask your nurse if:
ResourcesBreast pumping log Questions?This is not specific to you and your baby but provides general information. If you have any questions while at Children's, please ask the nurse or lactation specialist: Children's - Minneapolis 612-813-7654 If you have any concerns after your baby goes home, make an appointment with your baby's doctor, nurse practitioner, or a lactation consultant. La Leche League International is also available to provide help and support to breastfeeding mothers: 1-800-525-3243,
www.llli.org Back To Top This page is not specific to your child, but provides general information on the topic above. If you have any questions, please call your clinic. For more reading material about this and other health topics, please call or visit Children's Minnesota Family Resource Center library, or visit www.childrensmn.org/educationmaterials. © 2022 Children's Minnesota How often should I be pumping my breast?The majority of new mothers get the most milk early in the day. Plan to pump at least 8-10 times in a 24-hour period (if exclusively pumping) You can pump in-between, or immediately after, breastfeeding. Make sure the pump flanges are the right size.
Is pumping 4 times a day enough?If you are an exclusively pumping mom, you should pump anywhere from 4 to 12 times per 24 hour period. This will depend on how old your baby is, and on your milk supply. For example, if your baby is less than 3 months old, you should pump anywhere from 8 to 12 times during a 24 hour period.
How long should you breast pump for each time?Aim to spend 15 to 20 minutes hooked up to the pump to net a good amount of breast milk (some women will need 30 minutes or more with the pump, especially in the early days). Pump until the milk starts slowing down and your breasts feel well-drained. Be sure to clean the breast flanges after every use.
Is it OK to only pump 3 times a day?If your baby is on the younger side and hasn't started solids yet, or if supply is an issue for you, you might want to pump six or seven times per day. If your baby is older and less reliant on breast milk, or if you have oversupply, you could try going down to two to four pumping sessions per day.
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