Pro tips for Exclusive Pumping and Continued Success

When you are exclusively pumping for your baby, the first pro tip is to pump often. Looking back to those moms who have had a robust supply, a common theme they report is that they pumped OFTEN. This means: Ideally in the first hour after delivery, and then every 2-3 hours in the first 3 days with a new baby. Successful moms did not go longer than 5 hours between pumping sessions in the first weeks. Other keys to success are:

• Always pump both sides at the same time.
• Use your hands to hold the pump flanges on.
• Massage with your thumbs from the arm pit area to gently move the milk out.
• Pump for 12-15 minutes with a double electric pump that plugs in (not hands free pumps for this exclusive pumping)
• Check with your lactation consultant about flange size and show her the pump settings you are using.

Let's say you are home and on days 4-14, continue to pump at least 8 times per day. Don't drop that pumping during that window between 1am and 5am. (It's good for your supply;) Research says that pumping more often in the very early morning hours will help maximize your milk production. Remember the main key to all this: The more often you empty the breasts fully, the more milk you will make. Adding one more pumping in can make a huge difference! (The suction volume and the length of pumping sessions are not as vital!)

Each time you pump, you will see an increase through about day 10-14. Some say that at that time a goal to shoot for would be about 25-35 ounces per day. The following weeks are smooth sailing. Baby may be able to take more in a bottle later and about that time mom can possibly reduce to 7 pumps per day.

Watch out for plugged ducts..and lower supply..if you see those events, add hands on pumping and a couple more pumps in per day. Cold compresses, gentle massage and ibuprofen are helpful in this situation! Always reach out to your LC for individual help! Keep pumping!!