Newborn Feeding Plan: The Best Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for New Moms
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I didn't know you could find a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule for a newborn online.
If you struggle with your decision to breastfeed, you aren't the only mom to think this way.
When I first became a mom, my doula and doctor wanted me to try breastfeeding. Since I would be a prime candidate.
While I didn't know everything that would go into a breastfeeding schedule at the time, as a new mom, I wanted to try it.
My journey ended at the one-month mark, but many moms go on to breastfeed for years with their little ones.
You will also discover that some moms will give you their experiences of why breastfeeding may not always be the best option for new moms.
Take their advice with a grain of salt. Do what you know will be best for you and your family.
Below is a general guideline. The number of times you must pump or breastfeed your baby will vary.
This is to give you an example of how to get liquid gold for your new baby.
New parents and new babies all have different needs, and the goal is to provide you with a sample schedule of something that I did in the few weeks that I was a pumping and breastfeeding mom.
I have a list of the best hospital bags for moms that you should check out since some are pre-packed and have dual uses.
Empowering Your Feeding Journey
Key Takeaways:
- Personalized Approach: Adapt breastfeeding and pumping to fit your and your baby's unique needs.
- Milk Supply Management: Understand milk production and storage essentials for peace of mind.
- Support Systems: To navigate your feeding journey, lean on lactation consultants and supportive communities.
The Basics of Creating a Breastfeeding Schedule
As a new mom, embarking on the breastfeeding journey with your newborn might feel like navigating uncharted waters.
The cornerstone of a successful breastfeeding and pumping regimen is understanding that there is no one-size-fits-all schedule; it's about finding what works uniquely for you and your baby.
Embrace that newborns and older babies have different needs, impacting how much milk they require and when.
It's paramount to be flexible, adapting your breastfeeding and pumping sessions to align with your baby's hunger cues and your body's milk production patterns.
Remember, the overarching goal isn't just ensuring your baby gets enough milk throughout each 24-hour period but also maintaining your milk supply through regular, effective milk removal.
Whether exclusively breastfeeding, combining breastfeeding and pumping, or an exclusive pumping mama, grasping the basics of milk production—like the significance of the early morning hours when prolactin levels peak—will serve as your guide.
Incorporating power pumping sessions might become your strategy for boosting supply, akin to laying a solid foundation for a freezer stash or meeting your baby's immediate needs.
So, keep an open mind, listen to your body and your baby, and let these insights shape a breastfeeding schedule that harmonizes with the rhythm of your new life.
Understanding Milk Production
Understanding milk production is pivotal. For new moms, learning how our bodies produce that precious liquid gold for our newborn babies is fascinating and essential.
Here's the good news: our bodies are designed to meet our new baby's different needs.
The milk production process is heavily influenced by hormones, with prolactin playing a star role.
But the best time to pump is in the morning, mainly if you aim to build a freezer stash or want to ensure enough milk for your baby.
Milk production is typically at its highest due to these hormonal levels peaking, making it a great way to maximize your pumping routine.
Incorporating an extra pumping session during this time can be a good idea for exclusive pumpers or anyone looking to maintain a healthy milk flow.
If you're worried about not having enough milk, remember that frequent milk removal is key to encouraging more production.
So, whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, understanding these basics can help you adapt your breastfeeding or exclusive pumping schedule to better suit your baby's needs and your breast milk supply.
Here is a sample breastfeeding and pumping schedule for a newborn
Remember that you will develop a schedule based on your child's needs.
This is the one I used when I was in the early stages of trying to get my milk production to come in.
Your body will make enough milk for your child, so you don't have to work on how much you make for your baby.
Here is the sample breastfeeding schedule
2:00 am: Nurse, pump until breasts no longer feel full or your breast no longer feels hard and tender to the touch.
Sometimes, when you nurse, your baby will not empty your breast, so you must pump to get the milk out.
Your hormones (prolactin) that drive milk production are at their highest levels in the morning, which will be the ideal time to pump.
Usually, newborns nurse for 20 to 30 minutes at each breast.
Try not to nurse for longer than an hour each time, as your baby uses a lot of energy in sucking, and nursing for too long might burn more energy than the baby consumes.
6:00 am: Nurse, then pump if needed
8:00 am: Nurse, then pump if needed
Noon: Nurse, then pump if needed
2:00 pm: Nurse, then pump if needed
4:00 pm: Nurse, then pump if needed
Newborns may sleep during the day and not wake up for feeds every 2 hours. This is okay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics or the (AAP) recommends waking your baby if they sleep more than four hours for the first two weeks.
6:00 pm – 10.00 pm: Nurse, then pump if needed
Some babies are unsettled around this time, from early evening to nighttime.
The only thing that works is to cuddle them, feed or even cluster feed, and wait for it to pass.
Morning hours of breastfeeding
1:00 am: Nurse, then pump right after. For many, your milk production is at its highest between 1 am and 6 am, and this will be the best time to pump.
Power pumping at this time will also be great, as it's the best way to get the most milk out at a time.
4:00 am: Nurse, then pump if needed
Also, you can try these tips below if you would like to increase your milk supply (it may not work, but this is a natural way of getting your body to do the work for you without taking supplements):
- Pump the opposite breast while your baby is feeding to take advantage of the letdown from your baby's stimulation
- Pump for 5 or 10 minutes beyond the last drops you produce
- Finish off with a few minutes of hand expression on both breasts.
I'm not going to sugarcoat it. Nursing a newborn on demand and fitting pumping sessions into your day is challenging.
With cluster feeding and newborn day/night confusion, you have no sleep, no rest, and no time to do anything but have a baby or a machine attached to your breasts all day and night.
So please be kind to yourself.
You are doing your best, and that's enough. You're an excellent mother, and you deserve to feel that way.
Sample exclusive pumping schedule
Suppose you are looking for an example of an exclusive pumping schedule.
In that case, you can do the same as breastfeeding; instead of nursing, you would express your milk.
2:00 am: Pump
6:00 am: Pump
8:00 am: Pump
Noon: Pump
2:00 pm: Pump
4:00 pm: Pump
6:00 pm – 10.00 pm: Pump, if needed.
1:00 am: Pump; as mentioned with breastfeeding, milk production is at its highest between 1 am and 6 am, and this will be the best time to pump.
If you can pump, go as long as you can to ensure to get the adequate supply needed for your baby's needs
4:00 am: Pump
Pumping also gives you much-needed rest on days you don't have the energy to do anything.
This allows other family members and loved ones to help so you can rest, which will benefit your physical and mental health.
Tips for Success this Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for a Newborn
Embarking on your breastfeeding journey might initially feel daunting, but with a few practical tips, you can confidently navigate this new terrain.
First and foremost, staying hydrated and well-nourished is critical to maintaining a healthy milk supply.
Remember, much of your milk production hinges on your body's ability to produce, so feeding yourself is just as important as feeding your baby.
Establishing a regular pumping schedule can also help stimulate and maintain milk production, especially in the early days.
For instance, power pumping is a great way to boost your supply if you notice it's dwindling or are trying to build a freezer stash for future needs.
Whether you're an exclusive pumper or nursing and pumping, finding the right pump for your lifestyle is crucial.
A hospital-grade pump can make all the difference in ease and efficiency, particularly for working moms.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help.
If you're struggling, reach out to a lactation consultant; they can offer invaluable support and guidance tailored to your and your baby's needs.
Challenges and Solutions with this Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for Newborn
Embarking on the breastfeeding journey, you may encounter bumps like low milk supply or your baby developing allergies to breast milk. Before you let frustration set in, remember that it's familiar and manageable.
Addressing a low milk supply can begin with power pumping to mimic cluster feeding, potentially increasing milk production.
For those midnight feeds, please don't overlook the importance of a hospital-grade pump, both for its efficiency and its effect on your milk stash.
When dealing with allergies, consultation with a lactation consultant can provide alternative feeding strategies to meet your baby's nutritional needs, emphasizing that a fed baby is always the goal.
Remember, each breastfeeding session is a step towards finding the perfect balance in your feeding journey.
Nowadays, there is pressure to breastfeed your baby, and it can be very overwhelming, especially for first-time moms.
You can read about my first-time mom postpartum journey in this blog post for more context.
Support and Resources for a Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for a Newborn
Embarking on your breastfeeding journey, you'll quickly realize it's both a beautiful and complex process.
Knowing where to turn for support can truly make a world of difference. This is where lactation consultants come into play.
They're not just professionals; they're like navigators in the often tricky waters of breastfeeding and pumping.
You can tackle challenges from low milk supply to mastering the perfect latch with their expertise.
They are the unsung heroes for new moms, exclusive pumpers, and everyone in between.
They help ensure you have enough milk to build a freezer stash or get through the day.
But the support doesn’t end there. Joining a breastfeeding or pumping group can be incredibly uplifting.
Sharing stories, tips, and sometimes even laughs with those who understand the midnight pumping sessions.
The quest for the best breast pump, and the struggle to maintain a good milk supply can be comforting and empowering.
In these groups, the term liquid gold hits home as you realize you're part of a community that gets it, truly gets every drop of effort, love, and sometimes tears that go into feeding our newborn babies.
Milk protein allergy in infants
By the time you enter your 3rd trimester, you will probably hear almost every appointment about breastfeeding.
Sometimes, like in my case, your baby will let you know when it's time to feed them, so you don't have to waste time trying to figure it out.
But what the doctors don't tell you is that there are reasons why a mommy can't or shouldn't breastfeed.
After discovering that my son had a milk protein allergy, my husband and I had a choice regarding how to proceed with feedings.
After looking at all the options, we had already given him Nutramigen, which is given to babies with gas or allergies.
Since he was doing well, we decided to go with that. If you want great bottles, this post is about Dr. Brown's Bottles and their many products, including bottle warmers and sterilizers.
We were using the powder. But noticed my son was still gassy and not comfortable after feeding.
We switched to the liquid and have used it ever since. Nutramigen is an Enfamil company, so if you use Simalic, the Alimentum would be the same for that company and brand.
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My Breastfeeding Story
The story is funny about how my breastfeeding journey began. The pediatrician noticed that my one-day-old son was crying.
That's because he hadn't eaten in 12 hours when he was firstborn. Hey, I didn't know.
Because my milk hadn't come, which can take 3-5 days, I didn't realize we could supplement with formula for the first few days until my milk entered.
This was when the expression started, and for the first month, I expressed along with formula until we became exclusively formula-fed.
If you want the best breast pump, I used the SPECTRA S2 Plus Electric Breast Pump. It was perfect for my needs.
This hospital-grade breast pump comes with two bottles and a portable pump (which could have been more robust but is still suitable for quick pumps).
It was effortless to clean, quiet for the most part and had a light in case you needed to see in the dark. I highly recommend it for new moms, and it has a two-year shelf life.
Final Thoughts on the Best Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule for Newborns.
When I first entered motherhood, I quickly learned that feeding my newborn was about much more than just sustenance; it was a journey of love, challenges, and learning to trust my instincts.
Whether you're a new mom figuring out a breastfeeding schedule, a night owl managing pumping sessions in the early morning hours, or an exclusive pumper building a freezer stash, remember, you're doing an incredible job.
Nursing or pumping, every drop of liquid gold you provide your baby is a testament to your dedication and love.
Don't get swayed by the sea of opinions; focus on what feels suitable for you and your baby. If you're worried about milk production or finding the best breast pump for your needs, know these concerns are typical.
Seeking support from a lactation consultant or connecting with other exclusive pumpers can offer guidance and reassurance.
Feeding your newborn, whether by breast, bottle, or combination, isn't just about the amount of milk—they're moments of bonding and love.
Exclusive breastfeeding is possible.
So, give yourself grace if things don't go as planned. From adjusting your pumping time to accommodate a growing baby's needs to embracing a hybrid approach of breastfeeding and formula feeding for extra flexibility, you're navigating this journey with resilience.
Remember, your care and commitment make you a great mom, not just how much milk you can pump in 24 hours.
Lastly, as you venture through the early stages of motherhood, crafting your schedule and witnessing the first year of your baby's life unfold, let empowerment be your guide.
Advocating for your needs and those of your baby is paramount.
Every decision, from opting for a hospital-grade pump to scheduling those extra pumping sessions for much-needed rest, is part of your unique story.
Trust in yourself, your body, and your love for your baby. You are exactly what your baby needs; together, you'll find your way on this beautiful journey.
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Samantha | Seasons in Parenting
July 2, 2023Wish I would have had all of this information when I nursed my baby. I was clueless. Very helpful article!
April Knight-Copeland
July 3, 2023Glad it was helpful!