Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to go 11 hours at night without pumping or breastfeeding if you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby. The acceptable time range is typically between 4-6 hours for most mothers. Going longer than this without removing milk can lead to issues like diminished supply, clogged ducts, mastitis, and decreased milk production over time. However, every mother’s body and situation is different. Some mothers may be able to go longer stretches at night without problems while others may need to pump more frequently. Consulting with your pediatrician and lactation consultant can help determine what is best for your unique situation.
What Does the Research Say?
Research shows that frequent breast emptying, at least every 4 hours, helps maintain milk supply. One key study from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine found:
Healthy breastfeeding mothers can produce as much milk as the infant needs for normal growth and development with 8 or more breastfeedings per day during the first 4–6 weeks postpartum. Limiting breastfeeding to less than 8 times per 24 hours may compromise milk production, resulting in inadequate weight gain in the infant. (1)
Going 11 hours overnight means potentially missing 2-3 feedings during that timeframe. While some women can maintain supply with longer stretches, others may see a decrease, especially in the early months.
Overnight Breastfeeding Frequency Recommendations
Here are the general recommendations on night feeding frequency from health organizations (2):
| Organization | Overnight Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|
| The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine | At least every 4 hours |
| La Leche League | At least every 4-6 hours |
| KellyMom | At least every 5 hours |
As you can see, going 11 hours falls well outside these recommendations. While it may work temporarily for some mothers, it is not considered optimal long-term.
Potential Problems with Infrequent Night Pumping
Here are some potential issues that can arise from only pumping once at night or going 11+ hours between pumping sessions:
Diminished Milk Supply
As discussed above, frequent milk removal is key for maintaining supply. During those long overnight stretches, milk accumulates in the breasts. Missing multiple feedings doesn’t fully drain the breasts, which can gradually lead to lower supply.
Plugged Ducts and Mastitis
Going longer stretches without emptying can also increase the risk of plugged ducts and mastitis (breast tissue inflammation). Plugged ducts occur when a milk duct doesn’t properly drain and becomes blocked. This can progress to mastitis, which requires antibiotic treatment. Frequent nursing or pumping helps keep ducts open and flowing.
Engorgement and Leaking
Too much time between sessions can result in heavy engorgement of the breasts. This overfullness and inflammation makes it difficult for the baby to properly latch and drain the breast. Engorgement can be very painful and lead to leaks, spilled milk, and feeding difficulty.
Decreased Nighttime Prolactin Levels
Prolactin is the hormone that enables milk production and release. Levels are highest at night to accommodate more frequent feeding. Infrequent night nursing lowers nighttime prolactin, which reduces milk-making capacity over time.
Potential Impact on Baby
If milk supply drops from infrequent pumping, the baby may not receive enough milk. This could lead to dehydration, insufficient weight gain, and frustration at the breast. Supply and demand work in tandem, so both mom’s breasts and baby’s stomachs need regular emptying for optimal milk production.
When 11 Hours May Work
While not ideal, going 11 hours at night without pumping may work temporarily in some situations:
- Mom has an oversupply of milk
- Baby is over 4 months old and eats solid foods during the day
- Mom has always had an ample supply with longer night stretches
- Mom is able to pump frequently during the day to make up for lost night sessions
The key is paying close attention to milk supply cues and baby’s weight gain and diaper output. If these seem sufficient, going 11 hours may not pose an issue in the short term for some mothers. But it’s important to follow up with your child’s pediatrician and monitor for potential problems.
Tips to Handle 11 Hour Overnight Stretches
If you need to go 11 hours at night without pumping for logistical reasons, here are some tips to help:
- Pump right before bed and as soon as you wake up to maximize milk removal
- Add in an extra daytime pumping session to make up for the missed night session
- Use breast massage and compression during pumping to fully empty breasts
- Ensure proper breast support (like a tight-fitting tank) at night to minimize leakage and discomfort
- Wake up halfway through and express just enough milk to relieve fullness before going back to sleep
- Cool down engorged breasts with chilled cabbage leaves or a cool compress
- Monitor baby’s weight gain closely and reach out to a lactation consultant if you see supply drop
Additionally, remember that this schedule is temporary. Try not to go 11 hours every night for weeks on end. OVER
Conclusion
While not ideal, some mothers may be able to go 11 hours at night without negatively impacting milk supply, at least temporarily. However, it is important to monitor for potential issues and have realistic expectations. Most lactation specialists recommend pumping at least every 4-6 hours overnight to maintain optimal production. Reach out to your child’s pediatrician or a lactation consultant if you have any concerns about your milk supply or baby’s growth. With a few smart strategies, you can make longer night stretches work for your unique situation. But frequent nursing or pumping is best to keep your supply abundant.