Many new mothers who are breastfeeding wonder how much milk their baby gets directly from the breast compared to how much they can pump. Pumping is often used to build up a milk supply or to allow someone else to feed the baby breastmilk in a bottle. However, some moms notice they don’t pump as much as the baby seems to eat. This leads to the question: how much more milk does a baby get than a breast pump?
There are a few key factors that impact how much milk a baby can get compared to a pump:
- Baby is more efficient at removing milk from the breast than a pump
- Pumping output does not directly correlate to breastmilk intake for baby
- Milk supply is driven by baby’s feeding patterns and needs
Understanding these factors can help explain why baby often gets more milk directly from the breast than can be pumped and provide reassurance to breastfeeding mothers.
Why Baby Gets More Milk than a Pump
There are both mechanical and biological reasons why a baby is typically more efficient at removing milk from the breast than a pump.
Baby’s Sucking Method
A baby has natural sucking instincts that aid in breastmilk removal. The baby uses both suction and compression to get milk from the breast. When latched correctly, the baby takes the nipple and large portions of the areola into their mouth. As they suck, their tongue presses the nipple and breast tissue against their hard palate. This compression along with suction allows milk to flow freely into the baby’s mouth.
In contrast, a pump only mimics suction. The suction strength depends on the settings and type of pump. But pumps do not have the ability to compress the breast tissue in the same way as an actively feeding baby. This means a pump is not usually as effective at emptying all the milk reserves from the breast.
Baby’s Feeding Patterns
A baby’s natural feeding patterns also facilitate better milk removal. Babies tend to feed frequently, often every 1-3 hours in newborns. Frequent feedings keep the breasts empty and signal the body to produce more milk to meet the baby’s needs.
Pumping sessions typically occur less frequently than breastfeeding sessions. Mothers often pump every 3-4 hours or a set number of times per day. This means there is more time between pump sessions for the breasts to refill with milk. Since the breasts are not being fully emptied, this can limit milk production over time.
Hormonal Response
There is also evidence that a mother’s hormonal response helps facilitate let-down and milk flow when feeding baby directly. The act of skin-to-skin contact and having baby latched and sucking triggers the release of oxytocin and prolactin. These hormones play key roles in milk production and milk ejection.
When pumping, mothers can utilize breast massage, warm compresses, and relaxation techniques to try to stimulate let-down. But the pump itself does not directly elicit the same hormonal response. The lack of these hormonal interactions may make the pump less efficient at milk removal.
Inconsistent Output
It is also important to keep in mind that pumping output is not always consistent or predictive of supply. Many mothers find their pumping output varies significantly even when pumping frequency and settings stay the same. Output can be influenced by factors like time of day, how hydrated the mother is, and how full the breasts are.
So while one pumping session may yield 4 ounces, another session may only yield 1 ounce. This does not mean supply has dropped. It simply reflects normal variations in pumping output that do not correlate to actual milk production capacity.
How Much More Milk Does Baby Get?
Given the mechanical and biological factors allowing babies to remove milk more efficiently, research has looked at how much more milk babies are likely to get compared to pumps. Here is an overview of what studies have found:
25-40% More Milk
One of the challenges with determining how much more milk a baby gets than a pump is actually quantifying milk intake at the breast. However, studies using test weighing have attempted to compare amounts.
Test weighing involves weighing the baby on an extremely precise scale before and after breastfeeding. The difference in weight reflects the amount of milk consumed.
When test weighing has been compared to pump output over 24 hours, research has found babies consume 25-40% more milk than mothers pump in a day.
For example, one study found babies consumed an average of 19.3 ounces, while pumping output only averaged 14.2 ounces over 24 hours.
1-3 Ounces More Per Feeding
Research has also looked at test weighing of single breastfeeding sessions compared to pumping sessions. They find babies tend to get 1-3 ounces more per feeding session than the average pumping session.
So if a mother pumps around 4 ounces on average, the baby may get around 5-7 ounces directly from the breast during a feeding.
Double Electric Pump Output
As a very general rule of thumb, some lactation consultants reference that a baby may get roughly double the milk volume per feeding as the average output from a double electric pump.
However, every mother’s milk production and pumping capability is different. So this 2x number is just an estimate and is not based on solid evidence.
When Pumping Output Aligns with Intake
While research overall does show babies get more milk than pumps, in some cases mothers find they can pump similar amounts that baby breastfeeds.
Some situations where pumping output may better align with baby’s intake volumes include:
- Pumping with a hospital grade pump multiple times per day
- Being experienced with breast massage and pumping technique
- Having an oversupply where breasts feel very full between feedings
The ability to pump volumes similar to baby’s intake is more reflective of the mother’s pumping capacity and milk storage capacity. It does not mean baby is getting less milk directly from the breast.
Tips for Increasing Pumping Output
Many mothers still wish to maximize their pumping output, even if it does not precisely match how much milk baby gets from the breast. Here are some tips:
Double Pump After Feedings
Take advantage of your breasts being emptier after a feeding session. Pump right after baby is done breastfeeding for more efficient emptying.
Massage Breasts First
Use breast massage and compression techniques to help get the milk flowing before starting to pump.
Make Sure Flange Size is Correct
Having properly fitted flanges creates a better seal for efficient milk removal. Many moms benefit from sizing up in flange size.
Use Warm Compresses Before Pumping
Applying something warm like a heating pad or washcloth helps facilitate let-down. Do this for 5-10 minutes before pumping begins.
Look at Photos of Baby
Looking at your baby or photos of them can help stimulate let-down via hormonal response.
Power Pump Occasionally
Power pumping mimics cluster feeding by pumping for 10 minutes, resting 10 minutes, then repeating. This signals your body to make more milk.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Make sure you are drinking enough fluids and getting enough sleep. This supports milk production.
The Importance of Nursing Cues
While a pump can never fully replicate everything a baby does at the breast, focusing too much on pump output volumes can lead to unnecessary stress.
Keep in mind that the best indication of milk supply is baby’s weight gain and behavior at the breast. Nursing cues like swallowing, relaxed arms and hands, and being content after feedings signal baby is transferring milk well. These cues are more important than the volume pumped.
As long as baby is gaining weight as expected and seems satisfied at the breast, rest assured your milk production is sufficient, regardless of pumping output. Let your baby be the guide when assessing if your supply meets their needs.
Conclusion
Research clearly shows that babies are often able to remove breastmilk more efficiently and consume larger volumes than breast pumps. This is due to babies’ anatomical makeup and sucking method, as well as the hormonal interactions during breastfeeding. Mothers can implement various techniques to maximize pumping output, but it is normal for pumping volumes to be lower than how much milk baby consumes directly from the breast. Focus on your baby’s cues and weight gain, not pump output, when assessing if your supply is adequate. As long as your infant is thriving, you can feel confident in your milk production.