How often should a breastfeeding mother pump breast milk?

From the Guidelines

Breastfeeding mothers should pump 8-12 times per day, or every 2-3 hours, to establish and maintain milk supply, especially in the first few weeks. When it comes to breastfeeding, the frequency of pumping depends on various factors, including the mother's work schedule and the baby's needs. For working mothers, pumping during times they would normally breastfeed, usually 2-3 times during an 8-hour workday, is recommended 1. Key considerations for pumping frequency include:

• Pumping 8-12 times per day for exclusively pumping mothers to establish and maintain milk supply
• Pumping once a day or a few times per week for mothers who are primarily breastfeeding but need to pump occasionally
• Pumping during normal breastfeeding times for working mothers
• Adjusting pumping frequency based on the baby's needs and the mother's milk production Regular pumping helps maintain milk supply through the principle of supply and demand, where more frequent breast emptying signals the body to produce more milk. Proper pumping technique, correct flange fit, and clean equipment are also crucial to maximize milk output and prevent complications. In general, pumping frequency can be tailored to the individual mother's situation, taking into account her work schedule, baby's needs, and milk production. As noted in a study on behavioral interventions to promote breastfeeding, mothers who wish to continue breastfeeding after returning to work may need to use an electric or mechanical pump to maintain a sufficient breast milk supply 1.

From the Research

Frequency of Breast Pumping

There is no specific evidence on the frequency of breast pumping for a breastfeeding mother. However, the following points can be considered:

• Proper breast pump fit and use are important to optimize breastmilk supply and prevent injury 2.
• Manual breast expression or using a breast pump may have an interest in preventing breast engorgement 3.
• Effective milk removal is recommended as a first step in mastitis management, and active emptying of the breasts can prevent mastitis development in most cases 4.

Breast Engorgement and Mastitis Management

The following points can be considered for breast engorgement and mastitis management:

• Various treatments have been studied for breast engorgement, but little consistent evidence has been found on effective interventions 5.
• Cold cabbage leaves, herbal compresses, massage, and medical treatments such as protease and serrapeptase may be effective in reducing breast pain and engorgement, but the certainty of evidence is low 5.
• Antibiotics with temporary suppression of breastfeeding are more effective than with continuing breastfeeding in mastitis management 4.

Galactagogues and Milk Production

The following points can be considered for galactagogues and milk production:

• Oral galactagogues, such as pharmacological and natural galactagogues, may increase milk volume, but the certainty of evidence is low to very low 6.
• There is limited reporting of adverse effects, and those reported are minor complaints 6.