dry up breastmilk, baby

Cabo Creme Guide to Exclusive Pumping Schedules

Things can get hectic when you have a newborn in the house. That's why it's important for new moms to have breastfeeding and pumping schedules. With a schedule, you can get in the habit of feeding your baby at the same time each day, leading to milk production that's regulated for more comfort and stability. For mothers who are exclusively pumping to provide breast milk to their babies, a pumping schedule is imperative to ensure you're giving enough milk for when your baby needs it.

Why Have a Breast Pumping Schedule?

exclusive pumping schedule

By starting a breastfeeding pumping schedule right away, you can ensure that you're able to produce enough milk to satisfy your growing baby. When you have a breast pumping schedule, you can avoid getting painful, swollen, and engorged breasts. One way to help you regulate your milk production is to apply CaboCreme to your breasts if they become engorged. This cream not only relieves the pain and swelling associated with engorgement, but it also helps reduce milk supply, especially if used regularly. As your body learns the right amount of milk to produce, you'll get into a good pumping routine.

How Often Should You Pump?

Every mother and baby is different, but there are some general guidelines for mothers choosing to exclusively pump to breastfeed their babies. Here's how often you should pump based on a baby's age:

  • Newborns: Eight to 12 times per day.
  • Four- to six-month-olds: Five to six times per day.
  • Six months old and up: Three to four times per day.

The pumping schedule that works for you won't be the same as one that works for another new mom, but having regular times that you always pump helps your body get used to making milk.

How Long Should You Pump?

Like breastfeeding, pumping your breast milk takes time. If you don't pump long enough, you won't produce the right amount of milk for your baby. Because you don't have a demanding baby right there, it can be tempting to cut a pumping session short. However, pumping for the same amount of time each session is another habit that helps your body create the right amount of milk every time you pump. Here are the approximate times you should consider pumping during your sessions each day:

  • Newborn: 15 minutes per session.
  • Four- to six-month-olds: 15 to 20 minutes per session.
  • Six months old and up: 20 minutes per session.

Make sure you pump both breasts each time you pump, or you can switch back and forth, pumping one breast during one session and the other breast the next. Just make sure you have a way to keep track.

Other Considerations for Exclusive Pumping Schedules

These are a few other things to keep in mind when creating breastfeeding and pumping schedules:

  • Don't wait too long between pumping or nursing sessions.
  • Try to fully empty the breast before you stop pumping or feeding.
  • Create a schedule that works for you, but you need to have a schedule.

Mothers choose to pump exclusively for a variety of reasons, and we support you no matter how you choose to feed your baby. Using CaboCreme can make motherhood more comfortable.