One of the most common questions from new parents is: when should I start pumping?
Whether you plan to breastfeed exclusively, mix feed, or express regularly, the timing of when to begin using a breast pump depends on your feeding goals, your baby’s needs, and how breastfeeding is going in those early days.
This guide walks you through when and how to start pumping breast milk, week by week.
First Things First: What Does the NHS Say?
According to the NHS, most people don’t need to pump in the first few days unless:
- Their baby is premature or unwell
- There are latching issues
- Milk needs to be collected for top-ups or storage
The priority during the early days is to help baby establish a good latch and feed regularly to build your milk supply. Pumping can be introduced gradually, depending on your reasons for expressing.
Week-by-Week Pumping Timeline
Week 1: Focus on Direct Breastfeeding
Unless advised otherwise, the first week should focus on:
- Skin-to-skin contact
- Breastfeeding on demand (8–12 times in 24 hours)
- Establishing latch and comfort
You only need to express in this period if:
- Your baby is unable to latch or is in neonatal care
- You need to relieve engorgement
- You're advised to collect colostrum or stimulate supply
Lansinoh’s Manual Breast Pump is gentle and ideal for relieving fullness or collecting small amounts of milk in the early days.
Weeks 2–3: Begin Introducing a Pump (If Needed)
If breastfeeding is going well and you’d like to:
- Build a small milk stash
- Offer others a chance to feed
- Prepare for short periods apart
…you can begin pumping once a day, typically in the morning when supply is highest.
Don’t worry if you only express small amounts - your body is still adjusting, and even 30–60ml is a brilliant start.
Weeks 4–6: Start to Build a Routine
By this stage, your supply is more established and baby is feeding with more rhythm. This is a good time to:
- Introduce occasional bottles of expressed milk
- Practice expressing after a feed or between feeds
- Experiment with manual or electric pumps to find what suits you
6 Weeks and Beyond: Express as Needed
After six weeks, your supply and routine are well established. At this point, you might:
- Start pumping more regularly to build a freezer stash
- Use a pump at work or during separation from baby
- Express full-time if baby isn’t latching or if you’re exclusively pumping
If returning to work is part of your plan, start expressing 2–3 weeks beforehand to get baby used to the bottle and to build confidence.
Shop Lansinoh Double Electric Pump
Special Situations
Premature or Unwell Babies
You may be advised to begin expressing within 6 hours of birth to establish supply and feed your baby via tube or syringe. Hospital-grade pumps are often provided in neonatal units.
Latching Challenges
If your baby struggles to latch, expressing can protect your milk supply while you seek support. Use gentle massage and frequent expression to stimulate milk production.
How Often Should I Pump?
It depends on your goal:
| Goal | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Occasional bottle | 1 pump session/day |
| Building stash | 1–2 sessions/day |
| Working parent | Pump every 3–4 hours |
| Exclusive pumping | 8–12 times/day |
Use a double electric pump or a wearable pump to save time and encourage more milk production if pumping frequently.
Tips for Pumping Success
- Start with warm compresses or a shower to encourage let-down
- Massage your breasts before and during pumping
- Pump after a feed or 1 hour before the next feed
- Relax with calming music, photos of baby, or deep breathing
- Don’t judge output - volume varies between sessions and days
Midwife’s Top Tips
- Don’t rush to pump unless medically advised in week 1
- Wait until breastfeeding is well established before introducing regular pumping
- Introduce bottles gradually, and let someone else offer them at first
- Use a comfortable, properly fitted flange to avoid nipple pain
- If pumping feels stressful, seek support - it should fit your lifestyle, not dominate it
When you start pumping is entirely up to you and your baby. There’s no one “right” timeline, only the one that works for your goals, your body, and your feeding journey.
