If you’ve chosen exclusive pumping for your newborn—whether by choice or necessity—first, let us say: you are doing an amazing job. Exclusive pumping is no small task, and figuring out how often to pump (and when to sleep!) can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you: a realistic exclusive pumping schedule for the newborn stage—plus helpful tips to protect your milk supply, your sanity, and your sleep.
Why Exclusive Pumping Requires a Schedule
Newborns eat around the clock, and in the early weeks, your body is learning how much milk to make. The more often you empty your breasts, the more milk your body produces. So when you're exclusively pumping, mimicking your baby's nursing patterns is key.
In short: consistency is everything.
Newborn Exclusive Pumping Schedule (0–6 Weeks)
12 pumping sessions per 24 hours
Every 2–3 hours, even overnight
A sample day might look like this:
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Pump |
| 8:30 AM | Pump |
| 11:00 AM | Pump |
| 1:30 PM | Pump |
| 4:00 PM | Pump |
| 6:30 PM | Pump |
| 9:00 PM | Pump |
| 12:00 AM | Pump |
| 3:00 AM | Pump |
Pumping Schedule (6–12 Weeks)
Once your supply is established and baby is growing well, you may be able to drop a session or two. Most moms can shift to:
7–9 sessions per 24 hours
Every 3–4 hours, including one overnight session
At this point, many moms drop one night session while still maintaining supply—just keep an eye on output.
Pumping Tips for Success
Here are a few ways to make exclusive pumping smoother:
1. Use a Tracker
Log your sessions and output in a notebook or app (like Pump Log or BabyTracker). This helps you stay consistent and spot trends.
2. Build a Freezer Stash
Once you’re producing extra milk, start freezing it flat in storage bags (we love the Freeze It Flat for saving space and staying organized).
3. Don’t Skip Overnight Sessions Too Soon
Night sessions are key to boosting prolactin, the hormone that drives milk production.
4. Store Pump Parts Smartly
Save your sanity by placing clean pump parts in a sealed container in the fridge between sessions (sanitize daily).
What If You’re Not Making Enough Milk?
Don’t panic. A few things to try:
-
Add in a power pumping session (20 min pump, 10 rest, 10 pump, 10 rest, 10 pump).
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Make sure your flanges fit properly.
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Stay hydrated and fueled—eat enough calories!
-
Talk to a lactation consultant
Exclusive Pumping Is a Full-Time Job—You’re Doing Great
Every drop of milk you pump is a gift to your baby. Whether you’re doing this for a week, a month, or a year—you deserve credit for showing up again and again.
You’ve got this, and we’ve got you.
Need Help with Storage?
Check out our Freeze It Flat—a space-saving, sanity-saving tool to organize your breast milk in the freezer.
Shop now and build your stash the smart way.
