Pumping Breast Milk

At a glance

There are many reasons you might want to pump, hand express breast milk, or feed your baby pumped breast milk. Learn more about how to safely and effectively pump breast milk.

When to start pumping

Consider pumping a few weeks before returning to work or school, or when you'll be away from your baby. This will give you the chance to practice pumping. It also will give your baby time to get used to feeding from a bottle.

How often to pump

When away from your baby or if you exclusively pump your milk, try to pump as often as your baby is drinking breast milk. This will help remind your body to keep making the amount of milk your baby needs.

How much to pump

Pumping as often as your baby normally drinks breast milk should help your body make about the amount of milk your baby needs. This amount may differ from baby to baby and can change as babies grow. To meet your baby's feeding needs while you're away, try adding an extra pumping session if pumping enough milk is difficult. This can help increase your milk supply.

Hand expression

It is good for all mothers to know how to hand express their breast milk. Hand expression can be helpful if your breasts are feeling extra full, or if you lack access to a manual or electric breast pump. It is also helpful if you are unexpectedly separated from your baby, or if you want to make more milk.

To hand express, you use your hand to massage and compress your breast to remove milk. While it takes practice, skill, and coordination, it gets easier over time.

Learn more about hand expressing breast milk.

How to keep your pump clean

Keeping the parts of your pump clean is very important. For information on keeping pump parts clean before and after use, visit How to Clean and Sanitize Breast Pumps.

How to make pumping work for you

There are many breast pumps on the market and many factors to consider when choosing the best pump for you. Talk with a Lactation Support Provider for tips on how to help make pumping work for you.

How to safely store and handle your breast milk

By following safe preparation and storage techniques, you can maintain the high quality of expressed breast milk—and your baby's health. For more on how to prepare and store breast milk, visit CDC's Breast Milk Storage Questions and Answers. Find out where to store breast milk at work, what to do when the power goes out, and more.

Learn more

• Breastfeeding Facts
• Travel recommendations for nursing mothers
• Breastfeeding and returning to your workplace

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