If your baby is sleeping through the night, you may be wondering if you still need to get up to pump. There are a few factors to consider when deciding whether night pumping is necessary.
Why Might I Need to Pump at Night?
Here are some reasons you may need to continue pumping at night even if your baby sleeps through:
- Maintain milk supply – Pumping at night helps mimic your baby’s natural feeding pattern. If you don’t pump when baby sleeps, your body may start producing less milk.
- Avoid engorgement – Going for longer stretches without emptying your breasts can lead to engorgement and clogged ducts.
- Build milk stash – Pumping at night allows you to store extra milk that can be used for bottles later.
- Prevent mastitis – Regular removal of milk decreases risk of mastitis and infection.
- Keep period away – Pumping at night maintains high prolactin levels which can delay return of menstruation.
If you have a goal of exclusively breastfeeding your baby for 6 months or longer, night pumping is often recommended to help avoid decreases in milk production.
Reasons You May Be Able to Skip Night Pumping
Here are some scenarios where night pumping may not be necessary:
- Baby is older and takes in most milk during the day – An older baby may get all the milk they need during daytime feeds.
- You have an abundant milk supply – Some mothers can go longer stretches at night without affecting supply.
- You are supplementing with formula – If baby gets bottles of formula, less milk production may be needed.
- You are approaching end of breastfeeding – As you get closer to weaning from breastfeeding, you can gradually drop pumping sessions.
If your baby is sleeping through the night but is 4 months old or younger, checking with your pediatrician is recommended before dropping night pumping to ensure it won’t impact your supply.
Tips for Night Pumping
If you need to continue pumping at night, here are some tips to make it easier:
- Go back to sleep between pumping – Pump for 15-20 minutes then go directly back to bed.
- Keep pump supplies by bed – Have everything you need within reach so you don’t have to get up.
- Use a quiet pump – Look into getting a silent or wearable pump so noise doesn’t wake you or baby.
- Set alarm – Use your phone alarm to wake you up when it’s time to pump.
- Split night session – Pump just once at your normal first morning feeding time.
- Drink water – Keep water by your bedside to stay hydrated during night pumps.
How Often Should I Pump at Night?
If you need to pump at night, aim to mimic your normal feeding schedule as much as possible. Here are some general guidelines:
| Baby’s age | Night pumping frequency |
|---|---|
| Newborn (0-3 months) | Every 2-3 hours |
| 4-6 months | Every 3-4 hours |
| 6-12 months | Once overnight |
Keep in mind that all babies are different. Watch your milk supply and breast fullness as your guide. If you notice a dip in supply or increased engorgement, add in an extra night session.
How Much Milk Should I Pump at Night?
Aim to pump for at least 15 minutes per session during the night. This mimics how long your baby would nurse for. Pump each breast until the milk flow slows down. Some guidelines for approximate milk amounts to aim for:
- Newborn: 2-4 ounces per session
- 1-2 months: 3-5 ounces per session
- 3-5 months: 3-6 ounces per session
- 6+ months: 2-5 ounces per session
The most important thing is emptying your breasts thoroughly each time. Don’t stress too much over measuring exact ounces pumped.
Storing and Using Milk Pumped at Night
Night milk can be stored just like milk pumped during the day. Here are some tips for handling and using your pumped milk:
- Store in fridge or freezer immediately after pumping. Fridge milk lasts up to 4 days, freezer milk about 6 months.
- Clearly label bags or bottles with date pumped. Use oldest milk first.
- Give baby your fresh night milk at the next morning feeding.
- Frozen milk does not have to be warmed. Letting it thaw in fridge overnight helps retain nutrients.
- Avoid wasting milk by donating extra to a milk bank if freezer is overloaded.
Increasing Sleep While Night Pumping
Pumping round-the-clock can quickly lead to exhaustion. Try these tips to help maximize sleep:
- Take naps during day when baby sleeps.
- Go to bed earlier in evening to get more total sleep.
- Split night pumping duty with partner – pump on alternate nights.
- Hire night nurse or postpartum doula for overnight help.
- Accept help from family to allow you to rest.
- Don’t wait until completely full – pump a little early if needed.
Keep communicating with your pediatrician about your night pumping schedule. As baby grows and starts eating more solids, you may be able to scale back pumping sessions gradually.
Potential Problems from Night Pumping
While most mothers can pump at night without issues, be aware of the following possible problems:
- Fatigue and burnout – Lack of sleep can quickly lead to exhaustion and frustration.
- Decreased milk supply – If not pumping often enough at night, supply may drop.
- Clogged ducts or mastitis – Skipping pumps can increased risk of blockages and infection.
- Dehydration – Make sure to drink enough liquids when pumping round-the-clock.
- Diminished sleep quality – Frequent waking at night can make sleep less restful.
Pay attention to any signals that night pumping schedule needs adjustment, like supply changes or illness symptoms. Discuss any concerns quickly with your lactation consultant or doctor.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to pump at night when your baby sleeps through comes down to your specific situation. While some women can safely drop night sessions, many need to continue pumping overnight to maintain supply, especially during the first 6 months. Have open discussions with your pediatrician and lactation consultant to determine what is right for you and baby. Using the tips above to make night pumping as easy as possible can help you continue providing breastmilk while also getting the rest you need.