How long should a breast pump be used each time?

The appropriate duration for using a breast pump depends mainly on the mother's milk supply and the type of breast pump being used. For mothers with abundant milk supply, the recommended pumping time is usually around 10 minutes, and they may also increase the frequency of pumping sessions as needed. For those with lower milk supply, the ideal pumping duration is generally less than 10 minutes. When using a manual breast pump, each session typically lasts 5 to 10 minutes, followed by a 10-minute break before resuming. For electric breast pumps, each pumping cycle should not exceed 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the breasts time to recover between sessions. It's best to follow the principle of frequent but short pumping sessions. Prolonged use of a breast pump may create excessive local negative pressure, leading to swelling, ischemia, or other discomforts in sensitive areas such as the nipple and areola, and in severe cases, may even cause skin damage. Therefore, when using a breast pump, it is advisable to adjust the duration and frequency according to individual circumstances to ensure both maternal comfort and effective milk expression.