When is it too early to pump breast milk?

You’re heading back to work soon. Or maybe you’re just trying to build a little freezer stash so someone else can help with a bottle or two. Either way, you’re probably wondering the same thing a lot of new parents do: When is it too early to start pumping breast milk?

It’s one of those oddly specific questions that no one really covers in your birth class, but suddenly it feels really important. Should you start now? Wait a few weeks? Will pumping too early mess with your supply? Let’s walk through what the experts say and what actually works in real life, because pumping doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

How often should I pump?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here; it really depends on your baby’s age, your milk supply, and your reason for pumping. But here’s a general breakdown:

• If your baby is in the NICU or can’t latch: You’ll want to mimic a newborn’s feeding schedule by pumping every 2–3 hours (8–12 times per day) to establish your supply.
  
• If you’re exclusively pumping: Stick to the same newborn schedule of 8–12 times a day, then gradually reduce as your baby grows and your supply stabilizes.
  
• If you’re pumping to build a freezer stash: Once breastfeeding is well established (usually after 3–4 weeks), you can add 1–2 pumping sessions per day, like after a morning feed when your supply is highest.
  

Pro tip: Your breasts operate on supply and demand. The more often you empty them (by baby or pump), the more milk your body will produce.

How long should you pump for?

This one depends on your body and your pump, but most sessions last 15 to 20 minutes per breast, especially if you’re just getting started.

• If you’re using a double electric pump, many parents get enough milk in 15–20 minutes. 
• If you’re using a manual pump, expect to pump a bit longer, maybe 20–30 minutes.
• Some people notice that their milk stops flowing after 10 minutes, while others take longer to let down or get a second wave of milk.
  

Pro tip: Don’t just watch the clock, watch the milk flow. When you notice milk slowing down and no more letdowns, it’s usually safe to stop.

When to pump when nursing

Trying to pump and breastfeed? It’s totally doable, you just need to time it right so you’re not frustrating your baby or your body.

Here are three tried-and-true options:

1. Pump after a feed: Wait about 15–30 minutes after nursing to pump. This helps you express leftover milk and stimulate more production.
   
2. Pump the other side while nursing: Great if your baby only feeds on one breast per session. Many parents love using a silicone suction pump on the opposite breast to catch letdown.
   
3. Pump between feeds: This works well if you have a longer stretch between feedings, just be sure you’re not draining the milk your baby will want soon after.
   

Pro tip: Your milk supply is typically highest in the morning, so that’s an ideal time to fit in a pumping session without affecting your baby’s feeds.

When to start pumping

Okay, so when’s the right time to start?

Here’s the scoop, based on current expert guidance:

• If you’re exclusively breastfeeding: Most lactation consultants recommend waiting 3–4 weeks to start pumping, this gives your baby time to get comfortable at the breast and helps your supply regulate naturally.
  
• If you’re returning to work: Start pumping 2–3 weeks before your return. Aim to build a small stash without stressing yourself out. 1 to 2 ounces per day is enough.
  
• If your baby can’t nurse or if you’ve chosen to exclusively pump: Start within a few hours after birth, ideally within 6 hours, and aim to pump every 2–3 hours to mimic feeding.
  

Too early? Pumping too soon can lead to an oversupply, painful engorgement, or even mastitis. That’s why it’s best to check in with a lactation consultant before you start pumping before the 3-week mark unless there’s a medical or personal need.

How long do you pump for?

We touched on this earlier, but just to recap:

• Most people pump for 15–20 minutes per session.
  
• Some may need to go longer (especially early on), and others might finish in 10 minutes with a strong letdown.
  
• It’s more important to fully empty the breast than to hit a timer.
  

Don’t overdo it, pumping for too long can irritate your nipples and doesn’t always mean more milk. Stop when milk flow slows and you’ve had 1–2 letdowns.

When should you reach out to a lactation expert or your provider?

If pumping feels painful, you’re constantly feeling engorged, your supply seems unusually low, or you’re just not sure if things are “normal,” it’s worth getting an expert’s eyes on your situation. A lactation consultant can spot small tweaks that make a big difference, and your provider can rule out any medical issues. Think of them as your troubleshooting dream team.

Conclusion

There’s no “perfect” time to start pumping, but there is a time that’s perfect for you. If your baby’s breastfeeding well and your supply is strong, waiting until the 3–4 week mark can help avoid oversupply. But if your situation calls for it (NICU stay, latch issues, or exclusive pumping), it’s safe and encouraged to begin pumping right away with guidance from a lactation expert.

Above all, your pumping journey should support your feeding goals, not stress you out. Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts, and reach out for support if you need it. You’ve got this.

You may also like

• What I wish I had known about breastfeeding
• Hydration 101 for babies: When, how, and why to offer water
• Ask the expert — Cluster feeding: How to tell if your baby’s really hungry

Sources: 

• How to pump and store breast milk safely. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2023. “Pumping and storing breast milk.”
• Breast pumping instructions for new parents. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). 2024. “Breast pumping.”
• Common breastfeeding questions answered by pediatricians. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). 2024. “Frequently asked questions about breastfeeding.”
• Mothers’ experiences with milk expression: A qualitative review. International Breastfeeding Journal. 2019. “Mothers’ experiences of expressing breast milk: a systematic review and thematic synthesis.”
• Breastfeeding and pumping basics for parents. KidsHealth (Nemours Foundation). 2023. “Breastfeeding: Pumping.”
• Overview of pumping and milk storage. National Library of Medicine. 2024. “Breast pumping.”
• Parents’ pumping habits in the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). 2022. “Prevalence and characteristics of breast milk expression among mothers of healthy term infants in the U.S.”