Why is YOUR pumping duration unique

Are you a breastfeeding mother constantly worried about the clock? Do you wonder if you are pumping long enough, or if you could be more efficient? To address these pressing questions and more, we need to zoom in on the key characteristics of how milk flows from the breast. For practical insights into the science behind milk flow, we turned to Dr. Danielle Prime, a human milk and lactation researcher at Medela. 

‘Your pumping and feeding duration are driven by what is called the maternal milk ejection pattern. It is worth investing some time to understand how your body releases milk, not only to discover why some mothers take longer to remove similar milk volumes but also to unlock new ways to maximize your pumping by personalizing your breastfeeding journey.’ – starts Dr Prime. 

What is the milk ejection pattern? 

Each milk ejection or ‘let-down’ is triggered by the release of oxytocin, a hormone that not only causes milk to flow but also fosters feelings of love, connection, and bonding.¹ Throughout a single feeding or pumping session, mothers experience alternating periods when milk is flowing and when it is not. The number and length of these milk ejections and breaks are unique to each mother, much like fingerprints. These patterns characterize your milk flow profile. This means every mother's feeding (or pumping) session looks different in terms of: 

• How long it takes to remove the available milk. 
• How many minutes of stimulation are needed before milk starts to flow. 
• Whether milk flows continuously or with breaks . 
• Even what mothers feel in their breasts. 

Here is an important insight: your maternal milk flow pattern remains consistent whether you're pumping or breastfeeding. It is also consistent throughout lactation (both pumping and breastfeeding) and subsequent lactations, as well as between your left and right breasts.^2-5

Why learn about your milk flow? 

While it might sound too scientific at first glance, understanding your unique milk flow patterns has practical implications and benefits that can make pumping more personalized and efficient. Here are five reasons why it is worth exploring: 

• Set your benchmark: It helps you establish an individual reference for your pumping (or feeding) duration, rather than comparing yourself to other mothers. Some mothers simply need more time to remove similar milk volumes. 
• Maximize your pumping outcome: You will know the ideal time to switch your pump from stimulation to expressionmode. You can also identify the best moment to increase the vacuum to reach your personal peak level, the Maximum Comfort Vacuum - for truly effective milk removal. 
• Manage your time effectively: You will be able to optimize your session duration to maximize milk outcome. In some cases, this can even mean reducing your pumping time. 
• Boost your confidence: You will be equipped with evidence-based science to feel secure and confident in your personalized routine. 
• It is fun to discover! Last but not least, it is fascinating to learn how your breasts work! 

How can you find out your pattern? 

You can learn about your milk removal profile by observing when and how milk ejects and flows during a session. There is no need to put extra pressure on yourself; this should be a fun, fresh way to connect with your body and explore how it works.  If you're ready to try this or want to boost your pumping efficiency, we've collected some practical tips. 

Start observing after the second week of your breastfeeding journey. By this time, your milk production has begun to stabilize, and there is usually enough milk to recognize patterns. Watch a couple of complete pumping sessions; this is usually enough to give you a good understanding of your milk flow pattern. 

• Step 1: Track when milk starts to flow. Note the number of minutes it takes for milk to begin flowing; this indicates how much stimulation time your body needs. 
• Step 2: Mark the first milk ejection. This is often the most productive phase, when the largest amount of milk can be removed, and this is the ideal time to hit your Maximum Comfort Vacuum.  
• Step 3: Record any pauses when milk stops flowing. These breaks help you identify the natural rhythm of your session. 
• Step 4: Count the number of milk ejections. You will begin to see how many letdowns typically occur during a single session. 

After repeating this a few times, you will know how your breasts work and understand when it is time to stop. If you only have early milk ejections you may have removed most of your milk within 10 minutes. If you have many or late occurring milk ejections you may want to pump for 15 minutes or longer to drain the breast thoroughly. This means your pumping duration may be shorter or longer than someone else's, and that is perfectly normal. Keep in mind that frequency is more important than duration: studies show that pumping frequently and regularly is more effective for milk output than simply extending the length of a session. Depending on your unique flow pattern, longer sessions do not necessarily result in more milk.⁶

We hope that understanding this unique aspect of your body helps you feel more confident and empowered in your pumping routine, whether you are concerned with time or milk supply. Since the pattern is the same whether pumping or feeding, watching your breastfeeding baby's behavior can give you clues about how your breasts work and may help explain why some babies spend longer at the breast than others.⁷ Ultimately, knowing your personal milk flow pattern can make a big difference in the success of your entire breastfeeding journey. 

At Medela, we're dedicated to making your breastfeeding experience as effective and convenient as possible, continuously integrating the latest scientific findings into our products to ensure you and your baby receive the very best. Empower your breastfeeding experience by discovering our innovative solutions designed with your needs in mind, and learn more about the science behind how our products can benefit you and your baby.