When to Start Pumping After Giving Birth
When should I start pumping after birth?
Easy answer, whenever you want to depending on your goals!
Pumping is a tool to manage your milk supply in the absence of nursing or to supplement the stimulation provided by nursing when experiencing nursing difficulties.
When you want to start depends on your unique situation
The Golden Rule here -
Milk needs to be expressed 8-12 times per 24 hours in the first weeks of breastfeeding to support a healthy milk supply.
If you aren’t nursing, those need to be pump sessions.
Want to exclusively nurse and only occasionally pump?
No need to pull out a pump for the first 2-3 weeks if baby is nursing well and milk supply is good.
If you want a little freezer stash, try a Haakaa Pump.
This is the best bet for regulating your supply and establishing that strong nursing relationship.
Want to exclusively pump right from birth?
You need to start pumping, hopefully, within 2 hours of giving birth.
Aim for at least eight, 20-30 minute sessions per day.
Try to create a schedule to make pumping consistent for best results.
Want to nurse for a bit then switch to pumping?
Nurse as much as you want and just substitute pumping for skipped nursing sessions as it suites you.
Struggling with milk supply?
If there are milk supply concerns, you should be working with a lactation consultant to help address the root concerns and make sure breastfeeding is protected and your baby is adequately fed.
With pumping, there is no hard and fast rule here, and the breast pump is just a tool to use to support your goals. If you need helping creating the right plan for your goals, book a consultation today!
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