Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedules for a Newborn

Last Updated on July 23, 2023 by Jada Glover

As you navigate the beautiful journey of motherhood, understanding what your feeding schedule should look like can help you establish a healthy and comfortable rhythm for you and your newborn. That’s why I put together some sample breastfeeding and pumping schedules for a newborn!

These schedules will give you an idea of what a breastfeeding routine may look like during the newborn phase. Let’s dive into this article filled with tips and tricks for successful breastfeeding and pumping.

How Much Breast Milk Does a Newborn Need?

Before we dive into the sample breastfeeding and pumping schedules for a newborn, I want to share a helpful tool to better understand how much your newborn baby actually needs to eat.

I created the below graphic for new moms to help determine how much milk in ounces a newborn needs. If you want the printable PDF version of this graphic you can visit my Etsy store listing.

Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedules for a Newborn

Remember, each baby is unique. It’s important to be flexible and adapt your schedule as needed. Whether you choose to exclusively breastfeed or incorporate pumping into your routine, finding what works best for you and your baby is key.

Follow your motherly intuition and your baby’s feeding cues. Offer the breast if you think your baby is hungry. Your baby might be cluster feeding, going through a growth spurt, feeling sick, teething, or just needing mama time.

Sample Newborn Breastfeeding Schedule

Remember that these timings are just general guidelines and babies’ appetites can vary throughout growth spurts or developmental milestones. So don’t stress if your little one deviates from this schedule occasionally!

7:00 AM – Rise and shine! This is usually when babies are hungriest – after a longer stretch of sleep. Start the day off right with a cozy nursing session.

9:30 AM – By now, your baby may be starting to get hungry again. Offer another breastfeeding session or top-off if needed.

11:30 AM – It’s time for another feeding! Babies tend to have shorter awake periods in the mornings, so they may want more frequent feedings during this time.

2:00 PM – Around this time of day, your little one might need another boost of milk (and likely a nap). Snuggle up together for a peaceful afternoon nursing session.

4:30 PM – As evening approaches, babies often become fussier and hungrier. Prepare yourself for a longer nursing session as babies may start to cluster feed during this time.

7:00 PM – Ahh, bedtime is creeping closer! Give your baby some comfort with a soothing breastfeeding session before settling him down for the night.

Nighttime/Dream Feed(s):
10:00 PM & 3:00 AM (approximately) – Your baby may wake up during the night for feeds at varying times (middle of the night feedings are a good thing to build your milk supply). These nighttime sessions are usually quicker and less stimulating to encourage them back into dreamland swiftly. Your milk also contains extra melatonin during this time of night to help with sleeping.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that breastfeeding isn’t just about feeding – it’s also about bonding with your baby. So take these moments to enjoy the closeness and connection that nursing brings.

Sample Newborn Exclusive Pumping Schedule

The general guideline for establishing an exclusive pumping schedule for a newborn is to ensure you’re replacing the milk that your baby is drinking. In other words, your goal is to pump based on the number of times your baby drinks a bottle of breast milk (or more).

Exclusive pumpers need to pump as often as their baby feeds. This is at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period.

You will have to pump more often initially if you’re trying to build a small freezer stash. But remember feed your baby, not the freezer.

While every baby is unique, here’s a sample newborn exclusive pumping schedule with times that can serve as a starting point.

6:00 AM– Time to rise and shine! Start off by expressing milk using a breast pump first thing. This will help establish your milk supply and ensure you have enough for the day ahead.

8:00 AM– Feed time for your little one! Warm up some previously expressed breast milk or use freshly pumped milk if needed. Remember to burp your baby after each feeding session.

10:30 AM– It’s pumping time again! Take a break from all those adorable baby cuddles and express some more milk using your trusty breast pump.

12:30 PM– Lunchtime for your little munchkin! Offer him another bottle of warmed up expressed breastmilk, while ensuring he is comfortable in an upright position during feeding.

3:00 PM– Pumping round three is up next! Grab your pump, find a cozy spot, and express some more liquid gold for later feedings.

5:30 PM– Dinner time already? Your cutie pie deserves another warm bottle of expressed breast milk. Don’t forget to make eye contact during this bonding moment!

8:00 PM– Pumping session number four awaits! Find relaxation in expressing milk while catching up on your favorite TV show or chatting with loved ones (hands-free pumps are great for multitasking).

10:30 PM– Nighttime routine begins – give yourself a pat on the back. You made it through another busy day! Prepare a bedtime bottle filled with expressed milk and enjoy some quality snuggle time with your little one.

2:00 AM– Midnight snacks aren’t just for adults! Wake up, pump out some more milk, and have a bottle ready for those nighttime feedings.

Of course, this schedule is just a starting point. Your baby’s needs may vary, so feel free to adjust the timing based on how often they take a bottle.

If you need help tracking your milk output and want a printable schedule as an exclusive pumping mom, check out this printable bundle of pumping schedules and logs. It can make a huge difference in maximizing your breast milk output!

Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Combined Schedule For a Newborn

Here’s a sample schedule if you are pumping and nursing at the breast. This may look a little different if you’re a working mom (keep reading for a sample schedule for that purpose).

You can also pump after every nursing session if you’re trying to increase your milk supply. Or, you can use a Haakaa silicone pump to catch milk on the side that your baby already nursed on.

7:00 AM – Nurse

9:00 AM – Pump

11:30 AM – Nurse

1:30 PM – Pump

4:00 PM – Nurse

6:30 PM – Pump

8:30 PM – Nurse: before bedtime rituals begin, engage in a final nursing session to ensure your baby is full and content.

10:00 PM – Pump before you go to bed

Overnight – if your baby wakes up to feed, my suggestion is to master the side-lying nursing position so you can get some sleep while you nurse in a safe sleeping arrangement. Between 2-5 AM, your body’s prolactin levels are the highest which makes this the best time to increase milk production by pumping or nursing.

Do I Need To Pump for My Newborn?

You may not need to pump for your newborn, if you’re nursing them at the breast. If you’re planning to only nurse your baby at the breast and not be away from your baby for any reason, after birth or beyond, you don’t need to use a breast pump (manual or electric).

However, there are reasons why pumping may be beneficial for you depending on your situation.

• Pumping breast milk allows you to provide your baby with all the goodness and nutrients they need even when you can’t be right there in person.
• Life happens – appointments, errands, or maybe just taking a well-deserved break. By pumping and storing breast milk, someone else (like your partner or babysitter) can feed your little one while you’re away.
• Pumping not only gives you a little freedom if you choose to do it, but it can also help to build your milk supply if needed. Check out how to use cluster pumping to increase your milk supply to learn more.
• Sometimes moms are separated from their babies at birth for medical reasons. In this case, you will want to pump to preserve your milk supply for when your baby can nurse at the breast or so you can continue on your pumping journey.
• After your baby is delivered, it is important to start pumping right away if your baby isn’t available to nurse at the breast. This will tell your body to begin the milk-making process so that your milk can start regulating to meet your newborn baby’s needs.
• You can begin pumping in the hospital or birthing center by hand expressing, using your breast pump, or borrowing a hospital pump. Be your own advocate and ask for help if you need it!
• If you are pumping, be careful not to pump too much in the early days to avoid engorgement and oversupply especially if you are also nursing your baby at the breast. This can stimulate extra milk production, leading to engorgement and potentially mastitis.

Paced Bottle Feeding

If you are planning to pump and give your baby bottles, paced bottle feeding is important. This helps ensure your baby is getting the right amount of milk and you are able to keep up with your baby’s demand.

Tilt the bottle so your baby has to actively suckle like he/she would at the breast. Use the slowest flow nipple possible to mimic an at the breast experience, especially if you plan to alternate between breast and bottle.

Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedules for Working Moms

When my son was born, and after my maternity leave was over, I was working full-time out of the home which required me to use my breast pump at work and nurse him when I was home in the mornings, evenings, and overnight.

Pumping is hard work, mama! I know firsthand.

Whether you’ve just returned to work or are preparing for the transition, finding the right balance between your career and breastfeeding can feel overwhelming. Here’s a sample schedule you can use that will help it seem a little easier (I hope).

Working Mom Sample Breastfeeding and Pumping Schedule For a Newborn

If you will be working in the early days after your baby is born, here is a sample combined breastfeeding and pumping schedule for a newborn I created just for you! Remember, every mom and baby is unique, so feel free to adjust this schedule to fit your needs.

Morning:
6:00 AM– Start your day by nursing your little one before heading off to work. This morning feeding is a great way to bond and ensure they’re well-fed before you leave.

8:30 AM – Time for your first pumping session at work. Find a quiet and comfortable spot where you can relax and let down those milk ducts! Make sure you have all your pumping supplies handy. If two pumping sessions aren’t practical in the morning, try to nurse right before you leave for work, and then pump mid-morning and at lunchtime.

10:30 AM – If possible, take a quick break from work to squeeze in another pumping session. This will help maintain your milk supply and prevent engorgement. Don’t forget to grab some water or a healthy snack while you’re at it!

Afternoon:
12:00 PM – Lunchtime! Enjoy some well-deserved me time while nursing or bottle feeding during lunch break if you can swing it. It’s an excellent opportunity for both nourishing your baby and giving yourself a breather.

3:30 PM – Time for another pumping session at work. Pumping every few hours helps keep up milk production while also relieving any discomfort caused by full breasts.

Evening:
6:00 PM– Reunite with your little one after a long day apart by nursing as soon as you’re back home. This bonding time is precious, so savor every moment together.

8:00 PM– Before your bedtime routine starts, offer another nursing session or feed pumped milk from earlier in the day if needed.

Nighttime:
10:30 pm-ish – As you wind down for the night, squeeze in one last pumping session before heading to bed. This extra session helps maintain your milk supply and ensures you have enough stored milk if needed.

Of course, every mom’s schedule will vary depending on her work hours and her baby’s needs. Remember to listen to your body and adjust accordingly. If you find yourself needing additional pumping sessions or longer nursing periods, go with the flow!

How to Create a Breastfeeding Schedule for an Older Baby

The newborn phase will go by fast and your baby will begin eating solid foods before you know it! So, a breastfeeding schedule for your little one can be super helpful in balancing their solid food intake with mama’s milk. Here are a few tips to consider when you’re breastfeeding an older baby who is also eating solid foods (6 months+).

Tune in to Your Baby’s Cues

Babies are intuitive little beings who know exactly what they need. Pay close attention to their hunger cues and try to establish patterns in their feeding habits. Observe when they seem most eager for milk or show signs of fullness after meals.

Before your baby is one, always nurse or give your baby a bottle of breast milk before offering solid foods. Wait 15 minutes or so, and then offer them solids.

Offer Nutritious Solids at Regular Meal Times

Around six months of age (or as advised by your pediatrician), introducing solid foods becomes part of your little one’s nutritional journey alongside breast milk. Incorporate nutritious solids into their daily routine alongside regular meal times—breakfast, lunch, dinner—with breast milk still playing the main role in providing essential nutrients.

Embrace Flexibility While Maintaining Consistency

Remember that flexibility is key when creating a breastfeeding schedule for an older baby! Some days may throw curveballs due to growth spurts or teething discomfort, which might require more frequent nursing sessions than usual – that’s absolutely normal! Try not to stress about deviations.

Encourage Independent Eating

As your little one grows, they’ll naturally develop a sense of independence, new tastes, and new textures. Embrace this exciting phase by allowing them to self-feed during meals, encouraging hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills development. Offering bite-sized finger foods or using a baby-led weaning approach can help foster their new independence while enjoying nutritious meals together.

Tips for Successfully Breastfeeding and Pumping

Before I sign off, I want to share some more tips to help you be successful on your breastfeeding journey.

• Although there is more to the milk-making equation, breast milk production does work on a supply and demand theory. So the more milk you extract from your breasts, your body will replace it by making more for your baby.
• Use a double-stimulating electric breast pump for the best efficiency. You can also use a hands-free nursing bra so you can enjoy doing other things like eating, while you are pumping. For more help on choosing the best pump check out this article: Medela Pump In Style MaxFlow Vs the Spectra S2.
• Manual pumps can also come in handy too so they are worth having on hand, especially a Haakaa manual milk catcher type. Or, you can always hand express for comfort.
• Your breast milk will naturally adjust to your baby’s needs. It will be the perfect nutrition for your baby as they develop. Once your baby is eating solid foods, your baby will not want to breastfeed as often. As a result, your breast milk supply will naturally decrease.
• If you’re ever feeling engorged, hand express or use a manual pump and pump until your breasts feel comfortable. This will help your body adjust to making less milk naturally, but also give you some comfort and prevent further engorgement or mastitis.
• If you’re using your breast pump often, you’ll want to replace your pump parts every couple of months. The exact time frame will depend on how often you’re using it and your manufacturer’s recommendations. Here’s a quick reference based on the breast pump manufacturer: When to Replace Breast Pump Parts.
• If you’re having any issues while breastfeeding, make sure you seek the support of a Lactation Specialist. They can help you navigate many common issues while breastfeeding. Most issues are easy to solve when you have a knowledgeable Lactation Consultant to help you. Both of my children required a Lactation Consultant (and other specialists) to help us in our breastfeeding journeys. Fast forward five years, and my son breastfed for 3.5 years, and my daughter is still breastfeeding and she is 1.5 years old. We did a combination of nursing at the breast and pumping when I worked outside of the home.
• Eat a diet full of healthy nutrients and whole foods. Read my post on Daily Breastfeeding Meal Plan Samples to help you. Stay hydrated and add electrolytes into your day as needed. Vitamins and minerals are an important part of your postpartum recovery and milk quality.

By following these sample breastfeeding and pumping schedules for the newborn phase, you can ensure your little one receives the nourishment needed while also maintaining your own comfort as a breastfeeding mother.

With these helpful tips and sample schedules in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a happy and fulfilling breastfeeding journey. Remember, every day is an adventure in parenting, so go with the flow and trust your instincts. You’re doing great!