CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Checking Milk Supply?

Can I tell how much milk my baby gets by pumping?
save article
profile picture of Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC
By Jeanne Cygnus, IBCLC, RLC, Lactation Specialist
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

No. Pumping to “check on” your milk supply serves no purpose — and it can really freak a mama out. To put it simply, babies who are breastfeeding well are more efficient than pumps (and they’re a whole lot cuter too). Most moms pump significantly less milk from a breast than their baby can suck out. If baby is thriving, your supply is fine — even if you can only pump a half-ounce in 30 minutes. Pump to collect milk, not to analyze your supply.

If you have real reason to worry about baby’s intake at the breast (if he isn’t gaining weight well), measure more accurately: Rent or buy a super-accurate baby scale and weigh baby before and after feedings.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

hands free breast pumps-hero
The 8 Best Hands-Free Breast Pumps for Multitasking Moms
By Martina Garvey
best breast pump bags
The Best Breast Pump Bags for Every Style and Need
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
Best Breast Pump: Medela Pump in Style Advanced
Best Breast Pump: Medela Pump in Style Advanced
By The Bump Editors
ADVERTISEMENT
bridesmaid pumping during wedding photos
This Photo of a Bridesmaid Pumping During Wedding Photos Is Going Viral
By Nehal Aggarwal
How to Buy a Breast Pump
How to Buy a Breast Pump
By Paula Kashtan
ashley graham pumps breast milk in an uber
Ashley Graham Is Pumping in Her Uber and She Doesn’t Care Who Knows It
By Nehal Aggarwal
many runners at the start of the new york marathon on the verrazano bridge
How One Long Island Mom Pumped During the New York City Marathon
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
drops of milk on yellow background
Try This Genius Pumping Hack if You’re Stressed Over Your Low Milk Supply
By Stephanie Grassullo
mom holding sleeping baby while on flight
Breastfeeding Mom Puts Delta on Blast for Preventing Her From Pumping in Privacy
By Stephanie Grassullo
review of medela freestyle breast pump versus medela sonata
Medela Breast Pump Review: the Freestyle vs. Sonata
By Lauren Kay
ADVERTISEMENT
ironman competition finish line in arizona
Warrior Mom Runs Ironman Triathlon While Pumping, Breaks Personal Record
By Stephanie Grassullo
model walks fashion show with breast pump in her bra
Model Wears Hidden Breast Pump at London Fashion Show
By Stephanie Grassullo
breast pump materials on kitchen counter
Pumping 101: How to Pump Breast Milk
By Celia Shatzman
ADVERTISEMENT
How to Pump When You're Back at Work
How to Pump When You're Back at Work
By Andi Silverman
breast milk pump in milk splash background
One Insurance Company Is Slashing Breast Pump Coverage—Here's What You Can Do About It
By Anisa Arsenault
chelsea peretti and jordan peele on the oscar's red carpet
Jordan Peele's Wife Chelsea Peretti Hilariously Pumped Her Way Through the Oscars
By Anisa Arsenault
breast pumping tips, milk and raspberries
21 Breast Pumping Tips to Get You Through the Day
By Anna Davies
ADVERTISEMENT
Mom doing dishes in the sink with baby sitting nearby
CDC Ramps Up Guidelines for Cleaning Your Breast Pump
By Anisa Arsenault
9 slides
Best Breast Pumps for Every Kind of Mom
Best Breast Pumps for Every Kind of Mom
By Anisa Arsenault
Pumping at Work: the Etiquette Guide Your Co-workers Need
Pumping at Work: the Etiquette Guide Your Co-workers Need
By Jessica Shortall
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List