05/18/2025
SHOULD I WAKE TO PUMP?
Sleep is so important, and has actually become the number 2 most talked about topic outside of milk supply in the breastfeeding community. For most, milk removal in the middle of the night is essential for maintaining milk supply.
Keep the breasts frequently emptied to maintain supply. The book “Making More MIlk” states, “Each skipped feeding decreases milk production by that same amount unless you compensate by pumping, preferably at about the same time”.
Prolactin, the major milk making hormone, is naturally higher at night when you sleep, and rises during your day time naps as well! Prolactin starts to rise about 90 minutes after sleep begins and peaks around 4-5 hours later and stays high for about 2 hours after waking up from sleep. The prolactin surge in response to baby sucking at the breast are also highest at night. This helps you make more milk throughout the rest of the day
MIlk always flows best when you’re rested, making it easier to empty your breasts which in turn increases milk production.
Breast storage capacity has a LOT to do with whether or not you need to wake up to pump. If you have a large breast storage capacity you may be able to go longer between pump or feedings without dropping supply or feeling uncomfortable.
Those with low supply, small breast storage capacity, or baby struggling to feed efficiently may need to take advantage of higher night time prolactin levels made during REM. Even if you feel like you have a healthy supply in the first 4-6 weeks, a sudden drop in supply can happen if insufficient milk removals start too early into your breastfeeding journey