Pumping Breast Milk: A Practical Guide for Every Stage

Pumping breast milk can feel like a whole new skill. The basics are simpler than they look: a pump that suits how often you’ll use it, a flange that fits, a rhythm that roughly follows your baby’s feeds and clean parts.

Why and when to pump

People pump to feed their baby while back at work or school, to exclusively pump when nursing isn’t working or isn’t right for them, to protect supply for a baby in the NICU or one who can’t latch yet, to ease very full breasts or to build a small stash. All of these are valid.

If your baby is nursing well, there’s usually no rush to start. If your baby can’t feed at the breast, start expressing early and often, because frequent milk removal in the first weeks helps set your supply. For timing ideas for each situation, see our sample pumping schedules.

Types of breast pumps

Type	How it works	Often a good fit for
Manual	You squeeze a handle to create suction; no power needed	Occasional pumping, travel, a backup
Electric (single or double)	A motor creates suction; double pumps empty both breasts at once	Regular pumping, work, exclusive pumping
Battery or rechargeable	Like electric, but portable	Pumping on the go
Wearable	A small powered pump that sits inside your bra	Hands-free sessions; some parents find output lower than with a standard pump
Multi-user (often called hospital-grade)	A stronger rental pump built for many users, each with their own kit	Building supply early, premature or medically fragile babies

Most people who pump several times a day do best with a double electric pump. Check with your insurer before buying, since most plans cover one.

Getting the flange fit right

The flange (breast shield) is the cone that fits over your nipple. Size matters more than most people expect. Cleveland Clinic suggests measuring the width of your nipple in millimeters and starting with a flange a few millimeters larger. In a good fit, your nipple moves freely in the tunnel, pumping doesn’t hurt and milk flows well. Pinching, rubbing, a pale ring at the base of the nipple or a lot of areola pulled into the tunnel are signs to try another size. Our flange size calculator turns your measurement into a starting size for each side. Sore or cracked skin from pumping is covered in our guide to sore nipples.

How much milk to expect per session

This varies a lot, and small amounts are common, especially at first.

• If you also breastfeed, a pump session after or between feeds collects “leftovers.” La Leche League notes you should expect only a small amount at first.
• If you’re replacing a feed while apart, Cleveland Clinic gives a rough rule of thumb of about 1 to 1.25 oz (30 to 37 ml) for every hour since you last fed or pumped.
• Output varies with the time of day, how long it’s been since your last session, stress and pump fit.

If you consistently pump less than your baby drinks, La Leche League notes it’s more often a pump issue (fit, settings, worn parts) than a milk issue. To see how much a baby of your baby’s age typically takes, try our breast milk intake calculator. If you want to raise your output, our guides on power pumping and how to increase milk supply explain what helps.

Pumping at work: your rights in the US

Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, expanded by the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act signed on December 29, 2022, most employees have the right to:

• Reasonable break time to pump each time they need to, for up to one year after the baby’s birth.
• A private space that is not a bathroom, shielded from view and free from intrusion by coworkers and the public.

Pump breaks can be unpaid, unless you’re not fully relieved from duty or your employer already offers paid breaks that you use to pump. Employers with fewer than 50 employees may be exempt if compliance would cause undue hardship, and a few groups, such as airline crew members, are excluded. Many states add stronger protections. The Department of Labor fact sheet has the details.

Cleaning pump parts

The CDC recommends:

1. Wash your hands before each session and check parts and tubing for mold.
2. After every use, take apart everything that touches milk, rinse it under running water and wash it as soon as you can, by hand in a clean basin or in a dishwasher.
3. Air-dry on a clean, unused towel. Don’t pat dry with a dish towel.
4. Sanitize at least once a day, especially if your baby is under 2 months, was born early or has a weakened immune system. Boiling for 5 minutes, steaming or a dishwasher’s sanitize setting all work.

Our breast milk storage guide explains how long your milk keeps.

When it’s time to stop

Whenever you’re ready to finish, cut back slowly to stay comfortable. Our guide on how to stop pumping walks you through it. If pumping hurts, your output suddenly drops or you’re unsure what’s normal, an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can help. See where to find breastfeeding support.