🍼 Blog #1: How to Stop Pumping at Night Without Losing Your Milk Supply

By Alexia Hack, Pediatric Sleep Consultant & Newborn Care Specialist
LittleDreamers LLC

If your baby is starting to sleep longer stretches—hooray! But if you’re still waking up to pump in the middle of the night, you might be asking: Can I stop pumping at night without losing my milk supply?

The short answer is: yes, but it’s important to transition gradually and monitor how your body responds.

Here’s how to safely wean off night pumping:

1. Pump Right Before Bed

Draining your breasts before you sleep gives your body the signal that nighttime demand is decreasing. Bonus: evening milk is rich in melatonin, which can actually help your baby sleep better.

2. Only Pump at Night if You’re Uncomfortable—But Don’t Fully Drain

If you wake up feeling engorged, pump just enough to relieve discomfort. Don’t fully empty your breasts, or your body will think it still needs to produce milk during the night.

3. Gradually Reduce Night Pumping

Start by skipping a pumping session once or twice a week, especially on nights when your baby naturally sleeps longer or when you have extra support at home. You can also reduce the length of your pumping session by 5 minutes every few nights. Your body will slowly adjust and begin producing more milk during the day instead.

4. Take Advantage of Your Doula or Night Support

If you have a postpartum doula or overnight support, this is the perfect time to experiment with skipping a pumping session. When you know your baby is in trusted hands, it can be easier to prioritize rest and allow your body time to adjust.
Try skipping one overnight session a couple of times a week when your doula is caring for the baby—especially if you’re not feeling overly full or uncomfortable. This gives your body time to ease into the change without going “cold turkey.”

Remember: support is meant to give you rest, and that includes your feeding journey, too.

5. Watch for Supply Changes

If you notice a dip in milk supply, consider adding in a power pumping session during the day (pump 20 min, rest 10, pump 10, rest 10, pump 10). This mimics cluster feeding and can help boost production.

6. Listen to Your Body

Some people can drop night pumps easily. Others may be more sensitive. If you feel uncomfortably full or start getting clogged ducts, slow down the process or adjust your schedule. Your comfort matters too.

The Bottom Line:

You don’t have to choose between sleep and breastfeeding. With a gentle, responsive approach—and the right support—you can protect your supply and get the rest you need.

Need help building a schedule or deciding when to drop night feeds? That’s what I’m here for. Let’s work together to create a plan that supports your body, your baby, and your breastfeeding goals.