How to Adjust Your Pumping Schedule as Your Baby Grows
From newborn to toddler, your pumping routine must adapt! Learn expert tips on breast pumps to match your milk supply and your baby’s changing needs.
As your baby grows, their feeding habits naturally change, making it essential for moms to adjust their pumping schedule accordingly. A well-planned pumping routine ensures your baby receives the nutrition while keeping you comfortable. This article will share an exclusive pumping schedule tailored to each stage of your baby’s development and expert tips on using a breast pump effectively. Let’s dive in!
How to Create a Pumping Schedule That Works for You
Each mother's body and each baby's needs are different. Therefore, you can refer to some of the following factors to create a suitable personal pumping schedule.
Baby’s Needs
Your baby's feeding needs are the main factor that determines the pumping schedule. In the first weeks, newborns will often need to be fed many times day and night with a feeding frequency of 2-3 hours/time. Therefore, you should observe and adjust the schedule to suit your baby's needs.
Milk Supply Changes
Next, you also need to pay attention to your milk production ability. Each mother will produce a different amount of milk. For example, some mothers will produce more milk in the morning, so the pumping schedule will focus on this time. If you have a low milk production, you can adjust the number of pumping sessions or switch to a breast pump with a massage function to stimulate better milk production.
Comfort & Health
Fatigue or stress can affect your milk production ability. So, pay attention to your health and comfort.
Daily Schedule
The final tip is to integrate a pumping schedule into your daily routine. You can schedule pumping time around your free time, such as naptime, when your baby is sleeping, or when you are reading. This will help reduce the pressure of pumping, make you feel less constrained by breast pumps, and make the pumping process less overwhelming.
Pumping Schedule Example
Don't worry too much about not knowing what a suitable pumping schedule is. Here are some sample pumping schedules for each stage of your baby's development.
For Newborn
For newborns, the frequency of feeding will be quite frequent, about 2-3 hours/time both day and night. Therefore, you will need to pump milk more often, about 3 hours/time.
For 3-Month-Old Baby
As your baby gets older, his or her nighttime sleep will increase and the frequency of nighttime feedings will decrease. Now, you can adjust your pumping schedule to get more rest.
For 4-5-Month-Old Baby
You can space out your pumping schedule a bit if your milk supply is well established by the time your baby is 4-5 months old.
For 6-Month-Old Baby
6 months is the time when babies start eating solid foods. At that time, the frequency of breastfeeding will decrease slightly because the baby is no longer so dependent on breast milk.
For 9-12 Months and Beyond
Now you can adjust your pumping schedule to be more spaced out and increase your baby’s intake of solid foods.
Finally, don't skip ahead because we will reveal some tips to make your pumping experience easier and more comfortable.
Choosing a Reliable Breast Pump
The first tip is to choose a breast pump that suits your needs. A well-designed electric breast pump can make the pumping experience more comfortable and efficient. The compact and portable machine allows you to pump milk on schedule anytime, anywhere conveniently. You should also choose machines with hospital-standard suction power and innovative customisation modes to increase breast milk supply and ensure an adequate milk supply for your baby.
Buying Essential Storage Supplies
You also need to store milk properly to ensure the nutritional quality and ability to provide enough milk for your baby. You need to prepare all the necessary items such as breast pumps, milk bottles, sterilisers, and specialised milk storage bags. These items will help you easily organise the amount of milk you have pumped, use milk reasonably, and maintain freshness.
If you have to pump milk at work, don't forget to equip yourself with the breast pump carry & cooler bag. This specialised bag will help you store milk properly and safely.
Selecting the Right Bottles
As your baby grows and their feeding habits change, choosing the right bottle becomes as important as milk bags. Some babies may prefer a slow-flow nipple to mimic breastfeeding, while others may transition better to a wide-necked bottle designed for easy latching.
If you’re pumping exclusively or combining breastfeeding with bottle feeding, choosing a high-quality anti-colic bottle can help prevent colic and discomfort. For a seamless feeding experience, check out this collection of recommended bottles, designed to support both mother and baby at every feeding stage.
Finding a Comfortable Pumping Bra
And don't forget to choose a comfortable pumping bra. A specialised pumping bra will make your pumping process easier. This type of bra can hold the breast pump in place and allow you to do other things with your hands-free. You should choose a pumping bra with a soft, stretchy material to suit the changes in your boobs after nursing!
Wrap Up
A personalised pumping schedule will help optimise your breast milk supply, ensure adequate milk supply for your baby, and make you more comfortable. Lola&Lykke is proud to accompany mothers with optimal support products, making the pumping process easier than ever. Don't hesitate to save our sample schedules and adjust them to suit yourself!