Let’s talk about breast milk volume, what’s a normal amount?

Breastfeeding is not a linear and looks different for each woman. It may be exclusive breastfeeding or pumping or a combination of the two. Among the myriad of questions and concerns that arise, one common topic is about pumping: "How much milk should I be pumping?" As a doctor, midwife and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I’m here to provide clarity on this often misunderstood aspect of breastfeeding that gets twisted on social media often.

Understanding Normal Pumping Volumes

First and foremost, it’s essential to recognize that breastfeeding and pumping are not always directly comparable. When a baby effectively nurses directly at the breast, they are usually more efficient at removing milk than a breast pump. Therefore, the amount of milk you pump can vary significantly and may not reflect your overall milk supply.

It’s important to take into consideration that when a baby nurses at the breast the act of nursing itself stimulates oxytocin to flow, whereas a breast pump does not.

Pumping is also a learned behavior and it may take a few tries to get your body comfortable to release oxytocin and let down milk while pumping.

Establishing Milk Supply & Pumping

In the first few days postpartum, colostrum, which is the nutrient-rich first milk, is produced in small quantities. It’s common to pump only a few milliliters at a time during this period. A newborns stomach is the size of a cherry and averages about 1 teaspoon per feeding in the first 24 hours. As your milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk (usually around days 2-5 postpartum), volumes typically increase.

By the time your baby is about two weeks old, your milk supply will have increased and regulated to meet your baby’s needs. At this time, pumping volumes can range widely but generally fall between 1-3 ounces (30-90 milliliters) per session, especially if you are also nursing regularly.

The average rate of production is about 1-1.5 ounces per hour. This can also vary depending on maternal anatomy and breast storage capacity. But nevertheless the average is 1-1.5 ounces per hour.

This means, in the 2-3 hours between feeding or pumping the breast produces 2-4 ounces of milks. This is normal milk volume. Most breastfed infants take between 2-4 ounces every 2-3 hours, biologically.

General Pumping Guides

After the first month, once your supply is established, average pumping sessions might yield around 2-4 ounces (60-120 milliliters) per session. Remember, these volumes are averages and can be influenced by factors such as:

Frequency of Pumping: Regular and consistent pumping can help maintain and even increase milk supply.

Time of Day: Many mothers find they pump more milk in the morning compared to later in the day. This is due to the normal rhythm of prolactin. It is higher in the early morning and drops in the late evening.

Baby’s Age and Needs: As your baby grows, their nursing patterns and milk intake will evolve, which may affect how much milk you pump. As your baby begins to consume more solids and nurses or feeds less often, the decrease in milk removal will naturally decrease your supply.

Your Body's Response to the Pump: Some women respond better to pumps than others. Using the right pump and ensuring a proper fit can make a significant difference. This means properly sized flanges and inserts for your unique breast anatomy.

Factors Affecting Pumping Volumes

Several factors can influence how much milk you pump, and it’s crucial to consider these when assessing your pumping volumes:

1. Breastfeeding Frequency: If you’re nursing frequently, you might pump smaller volumes since your baby is effectively draining the breast. If you are pumping AFTER nursing at the breast it is normal to remove between 0.5-2 ounces combined.

2. Pumping Technique: Ensuring proper flange size and using effective pumping techniques can optimize milk expression.

3. Hydration and Nutrition: Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet support healthy milk production. Your breast milk is directly made from your blood, so dehydration is a common cause of decreased milk supply.

4. Stress: Stress can inhibit the let-down reflex, reducing milk flow. This can lead to a lower volume of expressed milk and down the line lead to lowered milk regulation.

5. Baby’s Growth Spurts: During growth spurts, your baby may nurse more frequently, which could temporarily decrease pumping volumes as your body adjusts to increased demand. Again, 0.5-2 ounces combined is normal output after nursing.

If you are predominantly breastfeeding it may take a few pumping sessions, combining milk, to create one feeding.

Remember, every mother’s breastfeeding journey is unique, and pumping volumes can vary widely. What’s most important is that your baby is growing well and meeting developmental milestones. You don’t need a giant freezer stash, your goal is to feed your baby and not your freezer. Understanding the factors that influence pumping volumes and adopting effective strategies can help you navigate your pumping journey and continue to provide the best nourishment for your baby.

You got this, Mama!