Pumping basics

Pumping about as often as your baby drinks breast milk should help your body make about the amount your baby needs, and an extra session can help increase supply (CDC). Whether you pump now and then or exclusively, a steady rhythm, safe storage and clean parts cover most of what matters. Output varies a lot between people and from session to session, so look at the trend over days instead of any one bottle.

How often

• Pumping in place of feeds: the CDC's advice is to pump as often as your baby is drinking breast milk.
• Separated from your baby for more than a few days (for example, a hospital stay): the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends a double electric pump at least 8 times a day, along with hand expression.
• Everyone is different. The NHS notes that how often and how much you express depends on why you're doing it, and suggests talking to a breastfeeding supporter for a plan that fits you.

Chickpea's pump reminder uses the interval you set, or your usual gap between sessions. Only people who pump see it.

Storing milk

From the CDC:

Guidance differs slightly by country: the NHS, for example, allows fresh milk at the back of a fridge at 4°C or lower for up to 8 days. Follow one source consistently, and label bottles with the date.

Keeping parts clean

From the CDC:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water before pumping.
2. Clean the pump parts that touch milk as soon as you can after every use.
3. Let parts, the wash basin and the bottle brush air-dry completely before storing them.
4. Tubing that never touches milk doesn't need routine washing. Throw it away if milk or mold gets inside.
5. Sanitize the parts at least once a day if your baby is under 2 months old, was born early, or has a weakened immune system. For older, healthy babies, daily sanitizing may not be needed if parts are cleaned carefully after each use.

When to get help

• Breast pain that doesn't ease, cracked skin, a red, hot or hard area, or feeling feverish and unwell: call your doctor or midwife.
• Output drops sharply and stays low for several days.
• You'd like a plan for exclusive pumping, building supply, or stopping: an IBCLC (lactation consultant) can help.