Tips For Surrogates: Pumping Breastmilk for Intended Parents
Pumping as a surrogate is an incredibly generous and thoughtful gift to the baby and their (no longer intended – actual!) parents. Whether you're pumping for a short time postpartum or planning an extended pumping journey, here are some helpful tips and guidance specifically for surrogates.
Discuss your plans early, if possible. Ensure your surrogacy contract covers pumping, including duration, compensation, shipping logistics, and equipment costs. Ensure that you set clear expectations with the intended parents regarding how long you plan to pump and whether it will be exclusive or supplemental.
Request a breast pump do your research and make sure it’s a high-quality double electric pump; some common ones are the Spectra S1/S2 or Medela Symphony. Usually, your health insurance will cover a basic breast pump but may be willing to upgrade models for an additional cost. If you plan on going back to work or live a busy life with lots of kid’s activities, it may be a good idea to look into a hands-free pump. These are great for pumping on the go, such as in the car. Make sure you have it ready before delivery! Ask for backup supplies: extra flanges, bottles, storage bags, and cleaning tools. Ensure you are using the right size flange size. This can and will change the amount of milk that you are pumping. Getting a lactation consultant can help in this area.
Start pumping early! Try to pump within 1–3 hours after birth to encourage milk production. In most cases, you won’t be able to breastfeed the baby so pumping right away will help get that milk in. In the first few days, you’ll express colostrum—every drop counts.
Pump frequently, aim for every 2–3 hours (8–10 times a day) to mimic a newborn's feeding schedule. Night pumping (at least once) is important to maintain supply, but also to get some sleep, and finally, now that you're not getting up every few hours to pee.
Maintaining supply is the next thing. Some tips are to stay hydrated & nourished. This means lots of water and eating balanced meals/snacks. Oats, flaxseed, and brewer’s yeast have shown to help maintain and increase milk supply. Use hands-on pumping massage and compresses on your breasts while pumping to increase output. Use a lubricant (coconut oil works well) to help with the soreness of pumping.
Proper storage is important to ensure that all the hard work is not wasted. Freeze milk in labeled bags (date/time, ounces). Lay bags flat in the freezer for easy and more efficient shipping. Store milk in a deep freezer for a longer shelf life (up to 12 months optimal).
Shipping milk is stressful, but so important to get your milk to where it needs to go if the baby’s parents are not local. The best strategy is to use overnight shipping with dry ice or specialty cooling/ice sheets in insulated containers. Companies such as Milk Stork can help with logistics if you want to use them. Coordinate regular shipments with the parents. Using the UPS or FedEx app help with tracking the package for peace of mind. Some companies such Pirate Ship or Shippo may help you get the best rate to ship milk as well.
Know your limits! Pumping is time-consuming and physically demanding. It's okay to stop when you’re ready. Find support through online communities (like surrogate groups on Facebook or Reddit) that offer tips and encouragement. Also, use your agency to lean on. Here at Bright Futures Families, almost all employees have been surrogates, and most of them have pumped breast milk. Honor your effort, whether you pump for a week or a year, you're providing a gift that has real impact.