Breastfeeding and pumping those two little words have the power to spark all kinds of feelings in new mamas. On one hand, you get this amazing sense of pride knowing you're providing your baby with breastmilk the most nutritious, straight-from-the-tap food source on the entire planet. But on the other hand, that never-ending cycle of nursing and pumping, including cleaning bottles and pump parts, and all the other mundane tasks that come with it can drain you.
As a stay-at-home mom, those challenges get even more amplified. You're essentially working a 24/7 job without a single sick day or vacation to look forward to. Not a break in sight! Between taking care of your little baby's every need, attempting to get even the most basic household chores done, and desperately trying to carve out a few meager minutes for some self-care, pumping often becomes the first thing to fall through the cracks!
But here's the hard truth that no mama wants to hear: having some semblance of a consistent breastfeeding and pumping routine is absolutely crucial for keeping your production up and flowing. Your breasts need that regular milking action to keep production up. Miss too many pump sessions, and you're putting yourself at major risk of dips in supply.
That’s why I've taken it upon myself to craft a breastfeeding and pumping schedule that's realistic yet productive—one that's tailored specifically for the busy stay-at-home mom lifestyle. Let's dive in, shall we?
Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for Stay-at-Home Moms
You need some sort of schedule or routine as a stay-at-home mom! Without any structure in place, your days can devolve into chaos. And when it comes to breastfeeding and pumping, having a zero plan is a one-way ticket to tanked milk supplies.
Now, I know the idea of actually creating a breastfeeding and pumping schedule might seem overwhelming. Trying to figure out a routine that works for both you and your little baby probably feels impossible some days. But, it doesn't have to be complicated!
First things first, you need to get clear on how often your baby needs to be nursed and how often you should be pumping or feeding them. For newborns, we're talking about 8–12 times in a 24-hour period. But once they get a little older, it could be more like 3–4 feedings in that same window.
Next up, think about how much time you actually want and need to devote to nursing versus pumping. Will it be breastfeeding, exclusively pumping, or even bottle-feeding? If you're doing a combo of breastfeeding and pumping, it might be easier to break the day into smaller chunks, so pumping can just seamlessly blend into your daily routine. Maybe nurse first thing, pump a couple of hours later, nurse again after that, etc. You get the idea! And as for the tools you may need to pull this off successfully, check out my other top pumping gear recommendations and other free resources! You’ll be happy you did!
But here's the really important part that so many mamas overlook: don't forget about yourself! Having some designated "me time" scheduled in between those never-ending nursing and pumping sessions is absolutely crucial. Even if it's just 15-20 minutes to take a shower in peace, schedule it in!
Benefits of a Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule
As a stay-at-home mom, following a consistent breastfeeding and pumping schedule offers numerous advantages that can make your journey smoother and more successful. Let's dive into five key benefits:
Increased Milk Production
Sticking to a pumping schedule signals your body to produce more milk in anticipation of your regular nursing and pumping sessions. Like any supply-and-demand system, consistency breeds better output. Your body will keep those milk factories running at full capacity. By pumping at set intervals throughout the day, you're providing continual stimulation and drainage to keep the supply flowing. This helps avoid clogged ducts and mastitis.
Less Stress and Guesswork
Having a routine eliminates the mental burden of trying to remember when you last nursed or pumped. You'll simply refer to your schedule and know exactly when it's time, allowing you to relax. This predictability reduces stress and provides reassurance that your baby's feeding needs will be met. No more scrambling for a pumping session or accidentally going too long between nursing!
More Time for Other Responsibilities
With scheduled pump times worked into your day, you can actually plan your other tasks and responsibilities around those sessions. Need to tackle household chores, prep meals, or work on a side business from home? Check your pumping schedule and plan accordingly. This smart time management allows you to be ultra-productive as a stay-at-home mom without constantly disrupting your flow.
Ensures Freezer Stash for Backup
Following a consistent pumping routine makes it easier to build up an ample freezer stash of breastmilk. With scheduled sessions, you're frequently pumping any extra milk that your baby doesn't directly consume. A nicely stocked deep freeze provides backup milk for date nights, travel, or any time you need to be away from the baby.
More Freedom and Flexibility
While pumping on a schedule may seem restrictive, it actually enables more freedom and flexibility. With milk in the freezer, you have the option to leave the baby for periods of time. Date nights, work obligations, or just solo self-care outings become possible. Your pumping schedule is giving you, not tying you down. This is pretty powerful for your mental and emotional wellbeing as a new mom!
Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedules
Every breastfeeding journey is unique, with schedules varying based on your baby's age, appetite, and feeding cues. However, having a general roadmap can provide much-needed structure. Here are some sample breastfeeding and pumping schedules to consider:
Sample schedule for newborns (first 1-2 weeks):
In those early newborn days, feeding on demand is key to establishing your milk supply and helps transition colostrum to mature milk. Aim to breastfeed your baby every 2-3 hours around the clock (8–12 times per 24 hours). Post-nursing is a great time to switch to pumping. Pump for 10–15 minutes to drain your breasts and signal your body to produce more milk.
This frequent nursing and pumping cycle may seem relentless at first, but it lays the crucial foundation for plentiful supply. Be flexible and feed or pump whenever your newborn shows hunger cues like rooting, sucking motions, or fussiness.
Sample schedule for infants 1-2 months:
Around the 1–2-month mark, babies typically start developing more predictable patterns. You can transition to a more routine schedule of nursing every 2.5–3.5 hours during the day. After each feeding session, pump for 10–15 minutes.
At night, continue feeding on demand to ensure your baby is gaining weight properly. Your little one may still wake frequently to feed; try to pump after the longer 4+ hour stretches.
Sample schedule for infants 3-6 months:
Heading into the 3–6-month window, many babies start sleeping through the night, which allows for more structured daytime feedings. A typical schedule may involve nursing first thing in the morning, then every 3–4 hours afterward, with a pumping session after each breastfeeding.
For example: nurse at 7 a.m., pump at 8 a.m. Nurse again at 11 a.m., pump at 12 p.m., etc. Fitting in 1-2 longer pumping sessions of 20–30 minutes is the answer to how to increase milk supply during this period.
Sample schedule for children 6–12 months:
Around the 6–12-month mark, breastmilk is complemented by solid foods, so feeding frequency decreases. Many babies nurse 4-5 times a day on a schedule like:
- 7 a.m.: Breastfeed
- 9 a.m.: Solids
- 11 a.m.: Breastfeed then pump
- 2 pm: Breastfeed/Solids
- 5 p.m.: Breastfeed
- 7 p.m.: Solids
- 9 p.m.: Breastfeed then pump
At this stage, start pumping twice per day for 20–30 minutes to maintain supply between feedings. But be flexible, as schedules can shift.
The most important aspect is finding a pumping routine that works for your lifestyle and allows you to provide breastmilk while also caring for yourself. So, feel free to adjust and tweak these schedules to your unique situation!
Breastfeeding and pumping are two key ways of providing nourishment to your baby!
There's no denying it: breastfeeding and pumping as a stay-at-home mom is a relentless job. Between the endless cycles of nursing, pumping, cleaning exposed and covered breast pump parts, and trying to actually get stuff done around the house, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and burned out.
But hopefully, this breakdown of pumping schedules has shown you that it is possible to bring some method to the madness. Having a routine provides that crucial consistency for maintaining healthy milk production while giving your day some much-needed structure.
Of course, developing and sticking to a schedule that works is easier said than done when you're a sleep-deprived, hormonal mess. That's why, as a board-certified lactation consultant, I'm so excited to invite you to be part of my Ultimate Pumping Course, small group pumping classes, and quarterly live workshops! These incredible resources were designed to give all mamas out there some serious relief from the mental load of new motherhood.
In these safe spaces, you'll gain access to a wealth of expert-led knowledge on all things pumping and breastfeeding. Additionally, I've carefully curated my personal top picks for the best pumping gear, accessories, and other free resources to make pumping at home, work, or on-the-go a total breeze. See you there!
