CG Pumping and Milk Expression in the Early Weeks -

Pumping and Milk Expression in the Early Weeks

For some moms during the early weeks after their baby’s birth, they may need to pump to provide breast milk to their infants and maintain their milk supply.

If this is you, it is important to make sure you have an efficient pump. Every electric pump will have two modes. It is important to always start in the Letdown/Massage mode. This mode has very fast, light suctions per minute to help your milk start flowing, from there you will want to change to the Expression mode that has slower, deeper suctions to remove milk once it starts flowing. This is the best way to mimic a baby’s feeding pattern from a breastfeeding session. In the early weeks, it is important to make sure pumping is done correctly to help with the breastfeeding process.

Why Might I Choose to Pump My Milk in the Early Weeks?

There are reasons why you may choose to pump your milk during the early weeks such as:

You and your baby are separated soon after delivery (e.g., baby needs to stay in the NICU). Separation from your baby can be a troubling time, but pumping can be an important tool to build and maintain your milk supply and offer you a piece of mind. Ask your healthcare providers and lactation consultant about pumping if separated from your baby.¹
You need to use an alternative feeding method if your baby is experiencing latching difficulties so you can give your baby your own milk. If this is occurring, it is important to have your latch assessed by a lactation consultant. Latch problems occur in about 20% of babies.² Some babies may need lactation support to find more efficient breastfeeding positions, and some may need additional interventions. Other babies might not be able to nurse until the interventions have been successful.^2,3 During this time, some mothers decide pumping is a helpful tool.
- Pumping can be essential at providing nipple stimulation to help build your milk supply if your baby is not breastfeeding well. Pump every time your baby would normally be breastfeeding, at least 8 times in 24 hours for 15 to 20 minutes at each session. If you choose to exclusively pump (baby receives expressed milk rather than directly feeding at the breast), you will need to start soon after your baby is born.^2,3 Hand expression is also recommended in the first 48 hours after birth as it is highly effective at removing colostrum; you can view the handout on Hand Expression for more information or discuss with a lactation consultant.⁴
You are experiencing low milk supply during the early weeks. You may need to have more stimulation on your breasts, and to empty your breasts more frequently to make more milk. There are a variety of reasons why milk supply might be low. It is important to maintain what you have while you are trying to increase your supply. Pumping is essential at providing nipple stimulation to help build your milk supply if your baby is not breastfeeding well. Pumping can assist with increasing and maintaining milk production.⁵
If you have to return to work or school early and will be separated from your baby throughout the day or night. Pumping is often necessary when going back to work or school, so the baby can be fed while you are away and so you can maintain your supply.⁶

- If you have a limited family medical leave and wish to store milk by introducing early pumping, start slow. Many moms find just 10 minutes of pumping per day is enough to get their milk stash off to a good start.⁶
- It is recommended to wait until breastfeeding has been well established before starting pumping for temporary or optional separations (usually 4 to 6 weeks).⁷ If your baby is breastfeeding well, adding in early pumping with no medical reason or work related reason can increase the risk of milk overproduction, ductal narrowing (clogged ducts), and mastitis.⁸

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, this Aeroflow class expands on some of the topics discussed above:

Pumping 101

To register for this class, log into your portal or click here.

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/ ‎

References