Pumping
Exclusive pumping schedules by age: a practical UK guide
Exclusive pumping means feeding your baby your breast milk from a bottle instead of at the breast. It is a lot of work and a real achievement. A schedule helps, because breast milk works on supply and demand: the more often milk is removed, the more your body makes, especially in the early weeks.
Newborn to 12 weeks: 8 to 10 sessions a day
In the early weeks, aim to express at least 8 times in 24 hours, including at least once overnight, to match how often a newborn feeds. Starting early and expressing often helps establish your supply. The NHS guide to expressing breast milk covers how to get started.
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6am |
| 2 | 9am |
| 3 | 12pm |
| 4 | 3pm |
| 5 | 6pm |
| 6 | 9pm |
| 7 | 12am |
| 8 | 3am |
Each session usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, or until the flow slows and then a couple of minutes more. A double pump that expresses both sides at once roughly halves the time.
3 to 6 months: 6 to 8 sessions a day
Once your supply has settled, often around 12 weeks, some mums can drop to 6 to 8 sessions without making less milk. Your total daily amount matters more than the exact number of sessions. If your daily total stays steady for a week after a change, the change is working for you.
| Session | Time |
|---|---|
| 1 | 6am |
| 2 | 9:30am |
| 3 | 1pm |
| 4 | 4:30pm |
| 5 | 8pm |
| 6 | 11pm |
| 7 (optional) | 3am |
6 months and older: 4 to 6 sessions a day
Once your baby starts solid foods, at around 6 months as the NHS recommends, many mums find 4 to 6 sessions a day is enough. Some stop overnight pumping completely by now.
How to drop a pumping session
- Drop one session at a time and wait at least 3 to 5 days before dropping another.
- Spread the remaining sessions out evenly across the day.
- Shorten the session you are dropping by a few minutes each day, rather than stopping it suddenly.
- Watch your daily total. If it falls, add the session back for a few days.
- If your breasts feel very full or sore, express a little for comfort. Speak to your GP or midwife about any red, hot or painful areas, as these can be signs of mastitis.
Tips that make exclusive pumping easier
- Check your flange size. A poor fit can be painful and remove less milk.
- Use your hands. Gentle breast massage and hand expressing at the end of a session can help empty the breast.
- Keep a log. Recording each session in millilitres makes it much easier to spot what is working.
- Set up a pumping station with water, snacks, a charger and spare parts within reach.
- Rest where you can. Pumping overnight is tiring. Ask your partner or family to do feeds or wash parts while you pump.
Common questions
How often should I pump if I am exclusively pumping?
In the early weeks, aim for at least 8 sessions in 24 hours, including at least once overnight. Once your supply has settled, often around 12 weeks, many mums can drop to 6 to 8 sessions, and to 4 to 6 after their baby starts solid foods.
How long should each pumping session last?
Usually 15 to 20 minutes, or until the flow slows and then a couple of minutes more. A double pump can shorten each session.
When can I stop pumping at night?
Many mums drop the night session once their supply has settled, often after 12 weeks. Drop it gradually and watch your daily total. If it falls, add a session back.
Sources: NHS: Expressing and storing breast milk; NHS: Your baby's first solid foods.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Little Stash is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS. If you are worried about your baby's feeding or your supply, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP, or call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.