Exclusive pumping

For some mothers, exclusive pumping is simply what works best — and that’s a legitimate way to feed your baby your milk.

It does take more logistics than nursing does. But the single thing that determines whether it goes well is what happens in the first weeks: early, frequent stimulation and milk removal is what starts and sets your production.

The first week

Pump every two to three hours, around the clock.

This is the stretch that matters most, and it’s the hardest one. Frequency in these days is what tells your body how much milk to make later.

• Use active, hands-on pumping — massaging while you pump. It increases both how much milk you get and how quickly you let down.
• Drink enough fluids and eat well. Easy to say, easy to forget when you’re pumping through the night.

Easing back

After the first week. You can move to every three hours. If your supply slows enough that you’re not keeping up with your baby, add pumpings back.

After two to three weeks. You can try spacing them further still — same rule. Supply slowing, not keeping up with what your baby needs? Add pumpings back.

That’s the whole rhythm: stretch out, watch what your supply does, add back if it dips. Dropping a session isn’t a one-way door — you can always go back up.

Choosing the Right Breast Pump and More...

Our guide to pumps and flange fit covers which type suits exclusive pumping — and which don’t.