Pumping Schedule & Baby Feeding Needs

(MamaMacros Guide for New Moms)

Breastfeeding looks different for every mama. Some babies latch easily, while others thrive on bottles of pumped breast milk. If you’re exclusively pumping, you’re not alone — and you’re giving your baby everything they need to grow strong and healthy.

Here’s a practical guide to exclusive pumping, baby feeding needs, and a healthy mama meal that can help keep your milk supply strong.

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Exclusive Pumping Schedule

0–3 Months (Newborn Stage)

• Goal: Build and protect supply while baby’s intake grows.
• Sessions per day: 8–10 (every 2–3 hours).
• Sample Schedule: 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM, 12 AM, 3 AM.

Babies at this stage usually drink 16–24 oz per day. Your pumping sessions may yield 2–4 oz at first, but supply increases as your body adjusts.

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3–6 Months

• Goal: Maintain strong supply and start building a freezer stash.
• Sessions per day: 6–7.
• Sample Schedule: 6 AM (biggest pump), 10 AM, 2 PM, 6 PM, 10 PM, 2 AM.

Babies often drink 24–32 oz daily. Freeze extra milk in 3–5 oz portions for future bottles.

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6–12 Months

• Goal: Keep supply steady as solids begin.
• Sessions per day: 4–6 (every 4–5 hours).
• Sample Schedule: 6 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 8 PM (optional 12 AM if needed).

Babies begin solids but still need 20–28 oz of breast milk daily.

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Freezer Stash Tips

• Store in 3–5 oz bags to avoid waste.
• Lay flat to save freezer space.
• Label with date and use oldest first.
• Breast milk lasts 4 days in the fridge and 6 months in the freezer (12 months if deep frozen).

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Mama Meal for Milk Supply: Oatmeal Almond Smoothie

This nutrient-dense smoothie is packed with galactagogues (foods that may support milk production).

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ½ cup rolled oats (soaked overnight for smoother texture)
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 Tbsp almond butter
• 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
• Ice cubes for thickness

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until creamy.
2. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy as a breakfast or snack.

Nutritional Boost:

• Oats & flaxseed → support milk supply.
• Banana → energy from natural carbs.
• Almond butter → healthy fats + protein for sustained energy.

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MamaMacros Takeaway

Exclusive pumping takes dedication, but with a consistent schedule and nourishing meals, you’ll keep your milk supply strong while meeting your baby’s needs. Remember — whether breastfed directly or bottle-fed pumped milk, your baby is thriving because of your hard work.