How often you should pump depends on your situation. If your baby is not nursing well or you are away from your baby, pumping about 8 times in 24 hours can help build and protect your milk supply, including one overnight session.
Frequent pumping helps because milk supply responds to regular milk removal. In the first days after birth, pumping early and often may help milk come in and support a stronger supply. Some parents may still do well with fewer sessions, but long gaps can make it harder to keep up supply.
A common goal is to pump every 2 to 3 hours when you are mostly relying on pumping. Try not to skip the overnight stretch, especially in the early weeks. The exact schedule can vary based on your baby’s feeding, your supply, and whether you are also breastfeeding.
If pumping is painful, your supply is dropping, or your baby is not gaining weight well, speak with a lactation consultant, pediatrician, or OB-GYN. Do not use medications or supplements to increase milk without medical guidance.