From the Research
Excessive breast pumping frequency can indeed render breastfeeding less efficient in some cases, as it may lead to an oversupply of milk, causing engorgement, plugged ducts, mastitis, and making direct breastfeeding more difficult due to forceful letdown. While pumping is beneficial for maintaining milk supply when separated from your baby, pumping too frequently (especially when also directly breastfeeding) can create problems. Most lactation experts recommend pumping only when needed - typically when separated from your baby or to build a milk reserve. For exclusively pumping mothers, 8-12 pumping sessions daily in the early weeks, gradually decreasing to 5-7 sessions as supply establishes, is generally sufficient 1. The body works on supply and demand principles - excessive stimulation signals the body to produce more milk than needed, potentially creating problems. If you're experiencing oversupply issues from frequent pumping, gradually reducing pumping sessions while continuing to breastfeed can help regulate your supply to match your baby's actual needs.
Some key points to consider:
- Pumping frequency and reasons for pumping can impact the duration of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding 1.
- Nonelective pumping reasons, such as difficulties with feeding at the breast, and higher pumping frequency are associated with shorter breastfeeding durations 1.
- The use of breast pumps to improve breastfeeding is not scientifically justified, and there is no recommendation to use breast pumps to improve breastfeeding 2.
- Manual breast expression or using a breast pump may be beneficial in preventing breast engorgement, but the current evidence does not support the use of breast pumps to improve breastfeeding outcomes 2.
It's essential to weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks of frequent breast pumping and consider individual circumstances to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and pumping practices.