How can I pump my milk if my baby feeds every three hours?

Postnatal, Your questions

My 3-week-old baby feeds well every three hours, and I would like to store my milk so that my partner can give a bottle from time to time. How do I pump my milk if the baby drinks every three hours and he literally empties me each time? He’s a big drinker! Thanks in advance for your help! Marie-Hélène


Marie-Hélène, I understand why you are asking! Since your mammary gland produces on demand, you have to increase your demand so you can pump milk to store it, even if your baby feeds regularly. To do so, you can pump your two breasts three times a day for 5-6 minutes, 90 minutes after feeding the baby. Don’t worry if you don’t get a lot of milk at the start, as it might take a couple of days before your production increases to meet both your needs and your baby’s. It should increase gradually.

 

Si tu as un tire‑lait électrique double,

If you have a double electric breast pump, it will increase your production even more due to the fact you pump both breasts at the same time. Try it at the start, and if your production doesn’t increase after 3-4 days, you may not have the right pump for your needs. If it works, great! Good luck!

Marie

The Baby Expert 

Discover our videos

Subscribe to a monthly or quarterly package now to access full videos.

Massage for Pregnant Woman

Massage for Pregnant Woman

Massages can help soothe many pregnancy discomforts, including back or sciatic nerve pain. With a future mother, Geneviève Beaulieu, a
Baby's Sleep

Baby’s Sleep

Marie welcomes Evelyne Martello to talk about baby sleep from birth to one year of age. Together, they answer questions
Breastfeeding : Living the first moments

Breastfeeding : Living the first moments

Did you just give birth and the baby is searching for your breast? Along with Vicky Lefebvre, a breastfeeding consultant,
Childbirth in a Birthing Center

Childbirth in a Birthing Center

Marie attends the birth of Amy and Greg’s 4th child. The couple chose to give birth in a birthing home.