When starting out you want to pump at least 8 times in 24 hours or about every 2-3 hours for at least 15-20 minutes. It is possible that over time you can test pumping less often but it could affect your milk supply. Keeping track of output and making a change if a decrease is noted is encouraged.
Use the massage button on your pump to speed up let downs. When no milk is flowing push the massage button to stimulate another let-down.
Make sure you have the correct flange size. See blog post here.
Babies need about 19-30 ounces a day from 1-6 months of age. If you divide this amount by the number of bottles in a day you can figure out about how much is needed in each bottle. Baby’s milk needs tend to decrease around 6 months or when you start to offer solid food.
Helping a baby to take the bottle slowly, perhaps over 20 minutes, should help them feel more satisfied. Paced bottle feeding is encouraged.
Buy a hands-free pumping bra and occasionally massage your breasts while pumping to help empty more milk. Performing some hand expression before and perhaps after pumping may increase milk output.
Try not to bottle watch, exclusively pumping can be stressful and constantly watching how much milk is coming out will not help. Your body’s stress hormones can impede milk flow. Put on a cover or put baby socks over the bottles.
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