Creating a Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule

Are you looking to create a breastfeeding and pumping schedule? Here's what you need to know about creating a schedule that works for you.

Having a baby is life-changing and comes with many new adjustments and responsibilities. If you've chosen to breastfeed, you may wish you had all the time in the world to hold, cuddle, and breastfeed your baby.

In today's fast-paced world, that's not always an option for busy moms. You may need to start breast pumping right away.

It can be challenging to think about how you will fit breast pumping into your busy day. Having a breastfeeding schedule can help you care for your little one and keep your sanity.

Here's what you should know about creating a pumping schedule that works for you.

Top Reasons Moms Breastfeed and Pump

The first few weeks of motherhood are overwhelming, to say the least. You may want to combine breastfeeding and pumping but are wondering how to make it all work. 

Breast pumping helps you provide nature's perfect food for your baby and can help you manage your time and stress level as well. There are a variety of reasons a parent may choose to combine breastfeeding and pumping.

A few of these include:

• Concern about your milk supply
• Returning to work or other responsibilities
• Involving a partner in feeding
• Underlying medical issues preventing exclusive breastfeeding

When Is Breast Pumping Needed?

There are many situations when breast pumping may be the best option for mom and baby. These include:

Separation From Baby

• A NICU stay
• Surgery or medical treatment for mom or baby 
• Working outside the home during the day or night
• Scheduling conflicts

For best results, pump every 2 to 3 hours. Some mothers may need to pump more often. 

It's important that you remove the milk and don't let it sit in the breasts for a long period of time. Pumping the milk can help prevent a buildup of FIL. This is a protein that regulates milk usage and helps prevent fatty milk clogs in the breasts.

Regular milk flow keeps the nipples and ducts clear of bacteria and yeast that can lead to infections like thrush or mastitis.

Low Supply of Breast Milk 

Pumping can help boost your supply of breast milk. Some causes of low milk supply include:

• Inconsistent or poor latching
• Insufficient glandular tissue
• Hormonal imbalances
• Separation from baby
• Excessive bleeding or hemorrhage
• Medications for drying up breast secretions
• Retained placental fragments

Whatever the reason for a woman's low breast milk supply, breast pumps are an excellent tool for breast stimulation and milk removal. Milk removal may take time.

An adequate output does not occur right away for every new mom. An intentional schedule, technique, and repetition encourage the body to adapt and produce more milk.

Personal Preference

For some mothers, feeding directly at the breast doesn't come naturally. This may be due to a variety of reasons, including lack of support, drug abuse, health issues, and more.

Certain obstacles after a baby is born may lead to early pumping. Some mothers may choose to continue this method indefinitely.

Waiting to Pump

A pump is a wonderful tool for a new mother to have on hand. It's not always necessary to use it right away, however.

You can put off breast pumping until you're ready for it. If breastfeeding is going well, there is no pain, and your baby is gaining weight, you may want to continue breastfeeding for a while.

If you have 4-6 weeks with your baby, it's fine to wait before incorporating breast pumping into your normal routine. Keep your breast pump on hand and begin using it when the need arises.

Timing Feeding and Pumping

The best way to begin your journey with breast pumping is to create a feeding and pumping schedule that works with your personal schedule. Regular pumping will help keep your milk flowing to nourish your baby.

Breastfeeding and pumping are personal, and no one's schedule will be exactly alike. Your schedule is likely to change from week to week as your infant's needs change and you adapt to a regular routine.

There is no perfect way to schedule breast pumping. The key is embracing your role as a new parent and finding what works for you and your baby.

Common Breastfeeding Schedule

A common guideline for feeding your baby is every 2 to 3 hours. If this works for your baby, you will have to pump quite often when you're away from home. Here is a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule to get you started:

1. 6:00 am - Breastfeed
2. 8:00 am - Breastfeed
3. 10:00 am - Pump
4. 1:00 pm - Pump
5. 4:00 pm - Breastfeed
6. 6:00 pm - Breastfeed
7. Bedtime - Breastfeed
8. 10:30 - Pump
9. 3:00 am - Breastfeed

If you're working a typical workday and want to build your milk supply, consider pumping after each breastfeeding session for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, pump at work every few hours.

Once you get into the habit of following a schedule, the entire process gets easier. You will learn what your body can do and begin to understand the unique needs of your baby and how to meet them.

Building a Stash

If you're planning ahead and want to build a stash of breastmilk, you can pump 1 to 2 times a day every two weeks before you need the milk. Check out our guide on how to properly freeze, thaw and store breast milk.

You may want to try morning breastfeeding. Many women find they have more milk volume first thing in the morning. Others prefer evening breastfeeding for convenience.

You do not need a freezer full of breast milk to be prepared for your baby. Keep items like a blanket or onesie next to you while pumping.

The smell of your newborn child can encourage the body to respond to the pump and produce the milk your baby needs.

Choosing a Pump

Pregnancy is a great time to consider purchasing a breast pump. Many insurance carriers now cover breast pumps which makes them more affordable.

Some things to consider when choosing a pump include:

• How often do you plan to use the pump
• Flange size (nipple diameter in mm)
• If you need a battery option for your pump
• Look for a reputable company and good product reviews

Create a Pumping Schedule That Works for You

The decision to breastfeed your baby is a personal one. It's good to know you can provide the best nourishment for your baby if you must work or be away from home for extended periods of time.

It's normal to be confused about a breast-pumping schedule as a new mom. Luckily there are excellent breast pumps on the market to make the process easy and convenient.

At 1 Natural Way, we love helping moms provide breast milk for their babies with our quality products and maternal health services. We work with insurance companies around the country to help moms get access to the maternity-related products and care they need.

Ready to get started? Create an account today or call us at (888) 977-2229 to learn more!

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!