As a breastfeeding mom, you may ask, "Can I go 8 hours without pumping at night?" While it's possible, it depends on factors like your milk supply, your baby’s needs, and how your body responds to longer gaps between sessions.
This article will provide you with all the answers. Discover whether it's safe to go 8 hours without pumping at night and how your body may respond. Also, learn essential tips on managing engorgement, maintaining your milk supply, and adjusting your nighttime pumping routine.
Do I Need to Pump at Night?
When your baby starts sleeping through the night, you may find yourself waking up uncomfortable due to engorgement. In this case, you have a few options. You can continue pumping at night to build up a freezer stash, although this isn't necessary for everyone. If you're feeling too uncomfortable, it’s okay to pump once or twice at night to relieve the pressure and take advantage of higher prolactin levels.
Alternatively, give your body time to adjust to the new routine—while it may feel uncomfortable at first, your body will eventually adapt to the lack of nighttime stimulation. If the discomfort is manageable, you can use a Haakaa or manual pump to express just enough milk for relief without fully emptying your breasts, which helps prevent stimulating more milk production. Over time, your supply will naturally decrease, and you’ll feel more comfortable.
Do I Need To Pump at Night if the Baby is Sleeping?
If your baby is sleeping through the night, you may wonder if you need to pump. The answer depends on your comfort level and your milk supply. If you're feeling engorged or uncomfortable, pumping once or twice at night can help relieve the pressure and prevent discomfort.
However, if you're not overly uncomfortable, you can give your body time to adjust and let your milk supply naturally decrease during nighttime hours. It's not necessary to pump if you're not feeling full, as your body will adapt to your baby's new sleep schedule over time.
Can You Go 8 Hours Without Pumping at Night?
If you go 8 hours without pumping or breastfeeding, you may experience breast engorgement and discomfort. For those who exclusively pump or are away from their baby for extended periods, it's recommended to pump as often as your baby would typically feed. This helps prevent discomfort, maintain your milk supply, and avoid issues like clogged ducts or a decrease in production.
What are the Benefits of Pumping at Night?
Nighttime feedings play a crucial role in ensuring that your baby receives the necessary nutrients and calories for optimal growth and development. These feedings foster a deep emotional connection between mother and baby through intimate skin-to-skin contact. Additionally, they help establish the baby’s circadian rhythm, which can promote longer sleep stretches as they grow.
For the mother, nighttime feedings help regulate the release of prolactin and oxytocin—hormones vital for milk production and overall maternal health—contributing to a smoother breastfeeding experience and enhanced well-being.
How to Pump at Night
If you’re exclusively pumping, nighttime sessions are key to maintaining your milk supply. Wondering how often to pump or how to make it easier? Here are 9 tips to help!
Make sure your pump is ready before bedtime.
Getting up to pump at night isn’t fun, but it’s crucial in the first 10 weeks while building your milk supply. To make it easier, ensure your breast pump is ready to go before bed. If it’s rechargeable, charge it fully; if not, plug it in ahead of time so you’re not fumbling in the dark when it’s time to pump!
Ensure your Pump Parts are Clean and Prepared.
Have your pump parts clean and ready before bed. Wash them ahead of time and let them air dry, so you’re not stuck cleaning in the middle of the night. For extra convenience, pre-assemble your pump kit to save time when you wake up to pump.
Have Snacks and Water Ready for Night Time Pumping.
Set yourself up for nighttime pumping success by prepping snacks and a water bottle at your pumping station before bed. Having everything within reach makes those late-night sessions smoother and less stressful. The easier you make it for yourself, the more manageable those midnight pumps will feel.
Use a Hands-Free Pump with Auto Shutoff
For easier nighttime pumping, consider using an electric breast pump with an automatic shutoff feature, like the Momcozy M9. This compact, hands-free pump ensures convenience and prevents over-pumping if you drift off during your session. Its efficient design makes those late-night pumps less of a hassle.
Set Alarms Ahead of Time for Easy Nighttime Pumping
If you have a consistent routine, setting alarms on your phone or calendar can be a game changer for nighttime pumping. You can even set reminders during the day to stay on schedule. While it’s best not to obsess over the clock, having alarms as gentle reminders can help you stay on track without the stress of constantly checking the time.
Automating this simple task takes one more thing off your plate, making your nighttime pumping sessions a little smoother.
Leave Milk Out to Save Time
Instead of refrigerating your milk right away, leave it out if you're pumping late at night. Breast milk stays good for up to four hours, so you can use it for your baby’s next feeding, saving time and hassle.
Tune In While Pumping
Listen to a podcast or audiobook while you pump to stay entertained without disrupting your sleep cycle. Avoid using your phone if possible, as the blue light can interfere with melatonin production. If you must use it, lower the brightness to help you fall back asleep faster.
Pre-label Storage Bags for Quick Use
Label your breastmilk storage bags with the date and time in advance, so they're ready when you're done pumping and can get back to bed faster.
When Can You Stop Pumping at Night?
You can stop pumping at night when your baby starts eating lots of solids. During their first 12 weeks, do not consider stopping your night-pumping sessions. Continue pumping at night even if your baby snoozes through feeding times. That’s because at this stage, your baby is still establishing your milk supply. If your body detects there’s still milk in your breasts, it will stop producing more. Over time, this will decrease your milk supply.
Other Facts You Should Know About Pumping at Night
Here are the other facts you should know about pumping at night:
1. Should Milk Pumped at Night be Given at Night?
No, milk pumped at night can be given the next day. Breast milk can stay at room temperature for up to four hours, so if you pump at night and your baby is likely to wake up soon, you can use that milk for their next feeding. However, if it's stored properly in the fridge, it can be used later or on the next day.
2. Does Pumping at Night Increase Milk Supply?
Yes, pumping at night can help increase milk supply, especially in the early weeks of breastfeeding when your body is establishing milk production. Nighttime pumping can trigger the release of prolactin, a hormone that helps with milk production.
3. Will my milk dry up if I only nurse at night?
Nighttime breastfeeding is essential for maintaining a healthy milk supply and ensuring newborns get the nourishment they need. The more milk removed, the more your body produces, supporting growth and supply.
4. Does 10pm breast milk have melatonin?
Breast milk expressed at night contains higher levels of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and nucleotides that may promote rest. In contrast, milk pumped in the morning has more cortisol, a stress hormone that helps keep babies more alert.
5. Will I get mastitis if I don't pump at night?
Mastitis can occur if you don’t breastfeed or pump regularly, and it is most common during the first three months of lactation. However, breastfeeding women aren't the only ones at risk—non-breastfeeding individuals can develop mastitis from a cracked nipple or a nipple piercing.
Conclusion
Going 8 hours without pumping at night is possible, but it depends on your milk supply, your baby’s needs, and how your body adjusts. If you're uncomfortable, use a manual pump to relieve pressure without boosting milk production.
If your baby sleeps through the night, you may not need to pump unless you're full. Maintaining a routine helps regulate supply and prevent mastitis. With strategies like pre-labeling storage bags or setting alarms, you can manage nighttime pumping while getting better rest.
