How Long Should You Pump for Breast Milk?

The number of times you need to pump in a day depends on your baby’s age.

The following tips may be helpful during the breast pumping phase:

• De-stress yourself: Stress can hamper the production and flow of breast milk. Therefore, relax. Find a quiet place for pumping. You can listen to soothing music or look at your baby’s picture while you attempt pumping.
• Pump often and frequently: The more number of times you pump, the more effective the stimulation of the breast milk and the more breast milk is pumped out. If you can, try pumping for 15 minutes several times a day.
• Pump smart: If you do not get time for pumping several times in a day, make use of a double breast pump. This will reduce your time by half.
• Limit caffeinated drinks: Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, can interfere with your baby’s sleep and cause them to become irritable. Their diuretic action (increasing urine output) can deplete you of fluids, causing dehydration. Dehydration can affect the production of milk.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Prefer drinking water over any other fluid for staying hydrated. You can also drink juices, but make sure you prepare them at home. Outside juices may contain sugar and are low in fiber. Beverages, such as soda, also contain a lot of sugar and can reduce the amount of fluid that your body normally retains.
• Keep a gap between alcoholic drinks and pumping: If you are craving alcoholic drinks, have only a glass of drink (only after you get a nod from your doctor), and that too occasionally. Avoid breastfeeding for 2 hours afterward.
• Stay away from smoking: Smoking can change the taste of your breast milk and lower breast milk production. The smoke can also cause serious respiratory issues in your baby.
• Take good care of yourself: Taking care of your newborn does not mean that you should ignore your health needs. Pay attention to what you eat. Consume a lot of fruits, vegetables, and nuts; stay away from junk food; and resume exercising when instructed by your doctor.
• Consider your birth control options: You cannot rely completely on breastfeeding for birth control. Oral contraceptive pills can interfere with milk production. Consider using condoms or other methods of contraception.