Do I Have to Pump? Let’s Talk About When (and If) You Need a Breast Pump

Ileana Berrios, MS, IBCLC

If you’re a new parent trying to figure out infant feeding, there’s a good chance social media has left you feeling overwhelmed. One day you're told to pump after every feed to build your stash. The next, someone says not to introduce a bottle before six weeks—or that you're doing it all wrong if you haven’t started pumping already.

Here’s the truth:
Pumping is an incredible tool—but it’s just that: a tool. Not a requirement.

In the push to normalize pumping (which is so important!), many parents are left unsure whether it's something they have to do, or just one of many feeding options. So let’s clear it up:

When to Use a Breast Pump (or Not):

1. Never.
Yes, you read that right. Some breastfeeding parents never need to pump—and that’s perfectly okay. If nursing is going well, your baby is feeding effectively at the breast, and you're not separated often, there may be no need to pump at all.

2. If your baby has difficulty latching or doesn’t finish feeding at the breast.
Pumping can help ensure your body still gets the message to produce milk, and it can provide milk to feed your baby when breastfeeding isn’t going as planned.

3. Around 3–4 weeks to start saving a little milk for bottle introduction.
If you plan to eventually bottle-feed expressed milk, pumping once a day around this time can help you build a small stash and get your baby used to taking a bottle occasionally.

4. 4–5 weeks before returning to work to begin milk storage.
If you're returning to work and want to provide breast milk while you're away, this is a good time to begin freezing small amounts. No need for an overflowing freezer—just a modest stash to get you started.

5. NEVER (again, for emphasis!)
Seriously. If you and your baby are happy nursing and you're not separated often, there is no rule that says you have to pump. You are not doing it wrong if you’re not using a breast pump.

6. If your breasts are too engorged and baby can’t latch.
Pumping (or hand expressing, which is often better in this situation) can soften the breast just enough to help your baby latch more easily.

7. If your baby is sleeping long stretches overnight and is under 12 weeks old.
Some parents choose to pump if they’re uncomfortably full or worried about supply in the early weeks, especially if baby skips a usual feed.

8. If you are away from your baby.
Whether it’s work, an appointment, or just a little time for yourself—pumping while you’re apart helps maintain your milk supply and ensures baby still has milk when you're not there.

Bottom Line:

You do not need to pump just because you're breastfeeding. You don’t need to pump after every feed. You don’t need to build a massive freezer stash. And you definitely don’t need to keep up with someone else's pumping routine you saw online.

The breast pump will be there when and if you need it.
Use it when it supports your feeding goals—and skip it when it doesn’t. You’ve got this.

💛 Need more support or personalized guidance?
Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, combo-feeding, or just figuring out what works best for you—you’re not alone.

Visit  www.ThePumpingSolution.com for trusted resources, expert tips, and a community that truly understands the ups and downs of infant feeding.

Your journey matters—and we're here to support you every step of the way. 💪🏽🍼🌼