How to start pumping and track feeds without feeling overwhelmed

MakeMeJuno · 2026-06-11T20:14:18+00:00

Sure this has been done to death but wanted to get opinions on how to start pumping? Do people have a resource they can recommend for how/when/how much to pump? Is there a way to track it like you can with sleep (although not sure how useful that actually is...?) feeling a bit overwhelmed! TIA🍼

Supperlite · 11/06/2026 21:24

Bless you OP it is hard to get your head around anything when the kids are little. You’re doing great.

Can you give more info - are you breastfeeding currently or formula feeding? Are you wanting to combo feed or move to exclusive pumping? How old is your baby?

Original poster

MakeMeJuno · 11/06/2026 21:33

Thanks @Supperlite ! I'm looking to build up a bit of a stash for when I go back to work/ would like to be able to hand over responsibility of feeding occasionally as LO is EBF (although we did do some formula in the very early days once established bf has gone so well). I used a manual pump to help with some engorgement very early on but now I'm wondering how to manage pumping to build a stash alongside bf? Do I add in a pumping session or pump after every feed? Is there a good way to track to see if there's a pattern when I can get the most expressed etc... I'm probably way overthinking it and I know google exists but love to hear real experiences :)

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Supperlite · 11/06/2026 22:09

Oh ok that makes sense! So in the nicest possible way, I think you’re overthinking it… My experience is EBF until going back to work, then I breastfed my DS breakfast and supper and pumped twice in the day. He is obviously eating food and we top him up with formula too. I’m now pumping once in the day and reducing down to stop eventually. My boy is 1.

You will know that the more you pump the more you will produce so you need to keep in mind not over doing it, but also not being frightened about that! I would maybe start with a pump a day and see how you get on. I think the best time to do it is by finding a time that suits you so it’s as easy as possible.

How much you produce depends on you. I used to get about 200mls over 30 mins, now since I’ve been reducing pumping it’s more like 150mls. I don’t worry about that as my body will do what it does and I will top up with formula.

I would definitely invest in an electric pump though. I have a lanisoh hands free one from Amazon that is fine and easy to use and clean.

PShelp · 11/06/2026 22:25

I would also recommend getting an electric pump. Does baby take a bottle at all? I built up a great stash which was chucked out bag by bag as he refused it 🤣 My suggestion would be to not stress too much about it and just try and find a time in the day to try and pump once. If it doesn't work it doesn't work, what you need as a minimum is enough for your first day away from baby and then during that day you'll pump for the next day and so on. That's how I did it and it was absolutely fine. Also get baby drinking water if possible just in case!

Richtea67 · 11/06/2026 22:28

I really recommend giving La Leche League a ring for advice. I found them really helpful.

ExplodingSmittens · 12/06/2026 06:59

If it’s just to build up a stash, I’d pump once in the morning after or during a feed. I’d try and pump at the same time each day so that your body gets used to the extra demand at this time.

Don’t forget that if LO is having pumped milk they will only need around 2 to 3 Floz. BF babies take an average of 25 Floz a day so they simply don’t need the huge quantities that a FF baby will need.

I’d also have a think about cup feeding instead of using a bottle.

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Original poster

MakeMeJuno · 13/06/2026 10:31

ExplodingSmittens · 12/06/2026 06:59

If it’s just to build up a stash, I’d pump once in the morning after or during a feed. I’d try and pump at the same time each day so that your body gets used to the extra demand at this time.

Don’t forget that if LO is having pumped milk they will only need around 2 to 3 Floz. BF babies take an average of 25 Floz a day so they simply don’t need the huge quantities that a FF baby will need.

I’d also have a think about cup feeding instead of using a bottle.

Thank you so much! I think LO will take a bottle (I hope! as I said we had to do a little in the early days) but definitely worth considering this. Did you find pumping in the morning to be best in terms of the amount you get? I think for our routine evenings would be best but tried it last night and didn't get much

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ExplodingSmittens · 13/06/2026 10:51

MakeMeJuno · 13/06/2026 10:31

Thank you so much! I think LO will take a bottle (I hope! as I said we had to do a little in the early days) but definitely worth considering this. Did you find pumping in the morning to be best in terms of the amount you get? I think for our routine evenings would be best but tried it last night and didn't get much

Show quote history

When you say you didn’t get much, how much are you talking? I think in the evening an ounce would be a decent amount, especially if it’s your first time.

Dont forget that by this age your body will be very much in tune with what your baby usually takes so there wont be a lot of extra milk being produced. Hence the recommendation to pump at the same time every day

Having said that though, you might find mornings or before the afternoon nap easier? Are you pumping whilst you’re feeding to save time?

SowWhatNow · 13/06/2026 11:13

I went back to work when LO was 11m old. I BF in the morning normal and as soon as reunited after pick up then a big feed before bedtime and a couple of others overnight. Pumping, I managed to collect only 2 oz in total to send in to nursery with LO each day! 90% of which was returned home to me as little one refused it (minus what they tried to feed). They tried bottles, cups, off spoons, name it they tried it but LO wouldn't accept. So I stopped pumping. I persevered for approximately 2 months! I tried pumping at the same time as BF but LO was too distracted and kept pulling at the pump on the other side. I found pumping in the evening after a shower when I used to do a dream feed was most productive and I was most relaxed. Morning pumping I didnt have much left in the tank after BF little one before work. I still have a couple of bags in my freezer that I can't bring myself to poour away after all the effort!

Same happened with my other EBF baby, that one was 13m when I went back to work.

I continued EBF until 2y11m and 2y2m respectively. I miss it and I don't miss it at the same time!

MagnesiumBathSalts · 13/06/2026 11:15

I use an app called huckleberry to track everything. I have used it for all of my children and it’s great!

Original poster

MakeMeJuno · 14/06/2026 14:55

SowWhatNow · 13/06/2026 11:13

I went back to work when LO was 11m old. I BF in the morning normal and as soon as reunited after pick up then a big feed before bedtime and a couple of others overnight. Pumping, I managed to collect only 2 oz in total to send in to nursery with LO each day! 90% of which was returned home to me as little one refused it (minus what they tried to feed). They tried bottles, cups, off spoons, name it they tried it but LO wouldn't accept. So I stopped pumping. I persevered for approximately 2 months! I tried pumping at the same time as BF but LO was too distracted and kept pulling at the pump on the other side. I found pumping in the evening after a shower when I used to do a dream feed was most productive and I was most relaxed. Morning pumping I didnt have much left in the tank after BF little one before work. I still have a couple of bags in my freezer that I can't bring myself to poour away after all the effort!

Same happened with my other EBF baby, that one was 13m when I went back to work.

I continued EBF until 2y11m and 2y2m respectively. I miss it and I don't miss it at the same time!

Edited

That's great to know that LO managed to wait for you to be fed and well done you! Bottle refusal sounds so stressful! Was it just trial and error to find when pumping worked best for you?

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Original poster

MakeMeJuno · 14/06/2026 14:56

MagnesiumBathSalts · 13/06/2026 11:15

I use an app called huckleberry to track everything. I have used it for all of my children and it’s great!

Yes love huckleberry for sleep! I know you can log feeds on there but I couldn't see a way to get it to recommend a schedule for pumping feeding etc if I am missing something? We pay for sweetspot so hoping it can do this...

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Imenti · 14/06/2026 16:52

If your baby took a bottle early on, but you aren't using one now I'd suggest trying again asap - they forget they used to take a bottle and I hear from so many mums through my volunteering that they bottle refuse after a few months if it's not something that's done regularly. I'd start with one pump a day, I used to do about 2 hours after first feed, 60-90 mins before second feed. Don't stress about how much you get - I fully breast fed 2 babies and didn't get loads from pumping - other people I know had an over supply! Definitely get an electric pump, it's much more time effective and efficient. Good luck!