The breastfeeding process presents different challenges for every mother. However, by understanding the tips and the pumping schedule to increase breast milk supply, everything becomes easier. This is especially true for working mothers who cannot always breastfeed their little ones directly throughout the day. You don't need to worry about your little one's intake during their growth and development period if you can apply these appropriate steps.
Preparation and Pumping Schedule to Increase Breast Milk Supply
In addition to direct breastfeeding, a mother should also express breast milk after feeding the baby. This will effectively stimulate an increase in breast milk production. Especially for working mothers, pumping breast milk becomes an obligation that should not be missed in daily life.
There is nothing special to prepare other than providing a breast pump and maintaining cleanliness before and after expressing milk. The most important thing is to understand the right pumping schedule so that breast milk production is always high and abundant. Here is the pumping schedule that you can apply.
- Prioritize pumping breast milk in the morning. This is because, at that time, the breast milk supply is quite abundant.
- You can pump breast milk before or after breastfeeding your little one. Start pumping 30 to 60 minutes after breastfeeding or 1 hour before feeding your little one.
- For working mothers, schedule to pump 8 to 10 times a day. Aim to express milk until you get 750 - 1,035 ml per 24 hours.
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Maintain the pumping schedule above regularly to ensure your little one's breast milk needs are always met.
Read also: Don't Worry, Here Are 4 Ways to Get Breast Milk Flowing Quickly After Birth
Tips for Pumping to Increase Breast Milk Supply
Actually, even pumping breast milk is not an easy matter. You might still feel it's difficult and feel unaccustomed to it at first. However, with practice and consistency in breastfeeding your little one, this will gradually become a trivial matter.
There are two ways that can be applied when pumping breast milk, namely by using hand massage or a breast pump. Choose the one that you find easy and comfortable so that the process runs smoothly. Here are various tips for pumping breast milk by hand or with a breast pump that you can try.
1. How to Pump Using Hand Massage
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before expressing breast milk.
- Position your hand on the breast, with your thumb at the top and the other 4 fingers at the bottom, forming a C shape.
- Massage the breast gently and stroke towards the nipple. Do this calmly and consistently until the milk comes out.
- If the milk stops flowing, rotate your fingers around the breast to try another area.
Read also: Choose the Best Baby Bottle with These 4 Right Steps!
2. How to Pump Using a Breast Pump
- Even though you are using a tool, you are still required to wash your hands with soap first.
- Compress your breast with a warm towel while massaging the breast in a circular motion from the outside to the inside. Avoid touching the nipple area.
- There are two types of breast pumps you can choose from: manual and electric. If using a manual type, place the pump funnel on the breast and press the handle continuously. Move to the other breast if the milk stops flowing.
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If you want something more practical and easier, you can use an electric breast pump. You just need to turn on the pump machine, then place the pump funnel on the breast without needing to press a handle as in the manual type.
- It is recommended to pump for 5 to 15 minutes and do not exceed 20 minutes.
- Stop the pumping process if the nipple feels sore.
Read also: How to Store Breast Milk in the Refrigerator So It Stays Fresh and Quality Is Maintained
Product Recommendations: Breast Pump from Hegen

When choosing a breast pump, you should certainly consider quality products like the best breast pump from Hegen. There are 2 product options available: manual and electric, which can be chosen according to the mother's needs and comfort.
The Hegen Breast Pump is made from the best PPSU material which is lightweight, eco-friendly, and BPA-free, ensuring that the expressed breast milk remains safe, hygienic, and retains its nutrients because it is not contaminated with harmful substances.
Additionally, Hegen breast pumps are equipped with the PCTO™ feature, which allows the pumping device to be perfectly sealed so that not a single drop of milk spilled.
Not only that, the Hegen electric breast pump also has a massage feature that serves to calm the body before, during, and after the pumping process. This gentle massage effectively helps the mother's body relax, thereby stimulating smoother breast milk production. Click here to get the product right now!
References:
- WebMD. "Pump and Dump": What Is It?. https://www.webmd.com/baby/pump-and-dump-what-is-it
- KidsHealth. Breastfeeding FAQs: Pumping. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/breastfeed-pump.html