How long should I pump for? Finding your natural pumping rhythm

How long should I pump for?

There isn’t a set rule for how long to pump for. Instead, pumping length varies from person to person and can depend on a few factors, including¹:

• Your milk supply
• The pump you’re using
• Your baby's age and feeding needs
• Whether you're exclusively pumping or not
• How long it's been since your pumping session or baby’s feed

Typically, a full pumping session will include about 20 minutes on each breast, adding up to around 40 minutes in total.¹ It’s perfectly normal to pump for a longer or shorter period of time, so don’t worry if you see some fluctuation in your pumping schedule.

How frequently should I pump?

Pumping frequency can vary even more than how long you should pump for. There’s no single right or wrong answer here, with different rhythms recommended for different situations.

Here are a few answers to ‘how often should you pump breast milk?’:

• Exclusive pumping: Try pumping every 2-3 hours, which mimics most babies’ natural feeding rhythm of 8-12 times in 24 hours.² This includes overnight, and should be adjusted to suit your baby.
• Pumping alongside breastfeeding: If you’re pumping alongside breastfeeding, try to follow the same rhythm. For example, if you’re pumping at work, make sure you’re expressing when your baby would normally feed to maintain your milk supply.
• Pumping to increase milk supply: You can pump more frequently than your baby feeds to try and increase your milk supply and encourage a steady flow for your little one.¹ This can mean pumping 8-12 times or more in 24 hours.

When exploring ‘how often should I express milk?’, it’s important to recognise and adapt to your body’s natural rhythm. If your breasts start to feel full faster than you expect, for example, you may have to pump more frequently. Rather than a strict routine, follow your body’s cues.

How much milk should I be pumping?

How much milk you pump will vary depending on whether you’re exclusively pumping or pumping while breastfeeding. It’ll also change as your baby grows, with your volume of milk increasing a lot over the first few days.

If you’re wondering ‘how much milk am I supposed to pump for my baby?’, a rough guide is around 500-700ml every 24 hours within the first 2 weeks postpartum.³ It’s also normal to express more than this, and you can store any excess milk in the fridge or freezer.

If you’re expressing milk less than 500ml every 24 hours, speak to a medical professional for support.³

Advice for pumping rhythms

Whether you’re wondering how long to pump for or ‘how often can you pump milk?’, the best approach is to listen to your body and find a rhythm that works for you.

You can also make pumping easier and encourage a steady milk flow by:

• Using the correct flange size on your breast pump
• Staying hydrated
• Creating a relaxing environment for stress-free pumping

For pumping that fits seamlessly into your schedule, consider a wearable electric pump, such as the Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump. Designed to sit discreetly and comfortably inside your bra, it lets you express milk while getting on with your day, helping you maintain a routine that works with your body’s natural rhythm. It also mimics your baby’s natural drinking motion for up to 2x faster expressing*, making it a convenient choice for frequent pumping.

Signs your pumping schedule needs adjusting

It’s completely normal for your pumping frequency to change over time as your baby’s needs and your own routine evolve. Paying attention to your baby’s feeding patterns can help you understand whether your schedule needs some adjustment. For instance, if they regularly seem fussy at night and seem to be hungry, you may find that pumping more often helps support your milk supply.

Your body may also signal that it’s time to review your pumping routine. Here’s what you can expect if it’s time to increase how often you can pump milk:

• Sore breasts
• Hard, full breasts
• Leaking milk
• Frequently blocked milk ducts

If you experience any of these symptoms, try adjusting your schedule and pumping a little more often. If the discomfort continues, or you’re concerned about your milk supply, speak to a medical professional for personalised advice.

FAQs: How long should I pump for

How long should I pump for after breastfeeding?

If you’re aiming to increase your milk supply, pumping for around 10-15 minutes after breastfeeding may help stimulate additional milk production.¹ Even if you express only a small amount at first, the extra stimulation can signal your body to produce more milk over time. Consistency is often more important than the specific amount of milk collected each session.

What is the average amount of milk pumped in 20 minutes?

The amount of milk you can pump in 20 minutes varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as your milk supply, the time of day, and how recently your baby has fed. Some parents may express a small amount, while others produce much more. It's normal for pumping output to fluctuate, and the volume expressed does not always reflect your overall milk supply.⁴

How long does it take for breasts to refill?

Breasts are continuously producing milk, so they don't need to be completely "refilled" before the next feed or pumping session. Milk production begins again as soon as milk is removed, and many parents notice their breasts feeling fuller within a few hours. Regular feeding or pumping helps maintain an ongoing supply based on your baby's needs.

Finding your natural pumping rhythm is a journey in itself, and one that doesn’t always happen instantly. As long as you’re meeting your baby’s needs and catering to your milk supply, there’s no set rule for how often or how long to pump for. Just remember to stay consistent, follow your body’s and your baby’s cues, and always use a trusted pump, like the Philips Avent Natural Care Wearable Breast Pump, for safe, hands-free pumping.

*Refers to frequency of pump suction.

Sources

¹Helping Your Breastfed Baby to Get All the Milk They Need, NHS

²Breastfeeding: The First Few Days, NHS

³Breastfeeding and Expressing Milk for Your Baby at Gosh, NHS

⁴Milk Supply, NHS