A Guide to Pumping Schedules, Milk Storage and Breast Pump Tips

Trying to figure out how to breastfeed while pumping? There are a lot of things to figure out, from the pumping schedule to breast milk storage. 

It’s normal to undergo some trial and error in the process, especially as you’re still finding your feet. This guide should help you get to the answers faster and establish the routine that works for you.

How to Create a Pumping Schedule

Establishing Consistency

A good pumping schedule matches your baby’s feeding pattern. This means that in the newborn stage, you’ll likely have to express every two to three hours. 

Pumping at consistent times will also help, as it sends a clear hormonal signal to your body that it should keep producing.

As Your Baby Grows

Your baby will need fewer feeds as they grow, so reduce pumping sessions accordingly as this happens. By the time the baby hits four months, for example, most mums can stretch to every three or four hours. 

If you like, you can also drop one session every few days to prevent engorgement (this is when the breasts become uncomfortably full).

Back at Work

Returning to work as a nursing mum is very doable with planning. Keep your pumping schedule as close to your baby’s feeding times as possible. 

Usually, that means one session before leaving home, one or two at the office, and one in the evening. It varies by case, however. You may also want to check if your workplace has a lactation room, since quite a few offices now provide one.

Overnight Pumping

Overnight sessions protect your milk supply in the early weeks because of prolactin. This is the hormone that drives milk production, and it peaks at night.

As your baby drops night feeds, though, you can follow suit. Those managing lower supply may benefit from keeping one late-night session for longer.

Breast Pump Tips for More Comfortable Expressing

Choosing the Right Pump

Choose a manual pump if you want something lower-cost, quiet, compact, and ideal for occasional expressing. Use a double electric pump if you want something faster for daily use. 

Hospital-grade electric options are probably only worth exploring if you have supply challenges. Note that they can be rented.

Flange Fit Matters 

The flange is the breast shield, or the funnel-shaped part that fits over your nipple. Using the wrong size is one of the most common reasons pumping feels uncomfortable or leads to poor milk yields.

A properly sized pump shouldn’t bruise or catch your nipple. If you’re not sure how to size your flange properly, ask a lactation consultant to help!

More Suction Isn’t Always Better

If your breasts aren’t producing enough milk, don’t assume the answer is to crank up the suction. That’s just going to hurt you and may even damage tissue.

Instead, start on a low setting and only increase gradually while milk flows comfortably. Don’t force your body.

Understand the Maintenance Requirements

Wash your hands before you touch pump parts and sterilise all items between sessions. You should be particularly careful with tubing: inspect it often for mould and replace it immediately if you find any.

Encourage Let-Down 

Let-down is the reflex that releases milk. It may feel hard to get when you’re away from your baby.

Some tips for encouraging it are warming your breasts with a clean and warm cloth, massaging your breasts gently, and even keeping a photo of your baby nearby. You may also want to try sitting down and visualising milk flowing.

Be Mindful of Pumping Pain

Some initial sensitivity is normal when pumping milk. Some pain may also be caused by poorly fitted equipment, like the wrong size flange.

But if the pain is persistent and doesn’t improve even with gear replacement, consider seeing a doctor or lactation professional for assessment.

How to Store Breast Milk Safely

Containers and Labelling

Use food-grade glass, specially designed breast milk storage bags, or hard BPA-free plastic bottles for breast milk storage. Steer clear of plastic bags or disposable bottle liners.

It’s also best to label every container with the date and time the milk was expressed. Add your child’s name if the milk has to go to a childcare provider (try waterproof labels and inks!).

Storage Timeframe

Place breast milk containers at the back of your fridge or freezer. Don’t put them in the door, because that’s where temperatures fluctuate most aggressively.

Freshly expressed milk is typically safe at room temperature for up to four hours, but it lasts far longer in the fridge (up to eight days at a constant 4 degrees Celsius). In the freezer, it may last for around six months. 

Don’t Overfill

When freezing breast milk, leave about 2.5cm of space at the top to account for the expansion when it freezes. Most mums store about 60ml to 120ml per container to minimise waste.

Thawing and Warming

Always use the oldest milk first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the sealed container under warm running water if you need it fast.

The important thing: don’t microwave breast milk. It destroys nutrients and creates hot spots that can burn your baby’s mouth. 

Thaw milk using the methods we described instead and serve it to your baby within two hours once it hits room temperature. Discard any leftovers after a feed.

Building Your Breast Milk Stash

Start building a stash in the weeks before returning to work by adding one session after your baby’s morning feed. That’s usually when supply is highest.

Rotate your stash on a first-in, first-out basis so older milk is always used first as well. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pumping Breast Milk

Arguably the most common mistake to avoid here is thinking that pump output is a direct measure of your milk supply. Babies are surprisingly efficient little things, so low numbers don’t always mean your supply is actually insufficient or low.

Other pitfalls include assuming that you’re using the right flange size. Check the fit and comfort first, as noted earlier.

You should also avoid storing milk in containers not designed for this purpose. It can lead to contamination of the breast milk, which is far from ideal.

When Should You Seek Lactation Support?

Seek a certified lactation consultant if you experience persistent pain, a sudden and severe drop in supply, or recurrent blocked ducts when pumping.

Certified lactation consultants are usually available at major hospitals like the National University Hospital (NUH). Some polyclinics also offer them or may connect you with them.

Make Breastfeeding and Pumping Easier for Yourself

The tips in this guide should help you with your pumping, but if you want to make things even easier for yourself, consider finding the gear that supports you through it. The right gear genuinely makes a difference.

You might even start by checking out items like the Hegen PCTO Basic Starter Kit for breastfeeding mums, which you can find as part of our Trials & Reviews programme. And if you want even more practical guidance, explore the rest of our articles to find more advice from mums for mums!