Pumping mums - advice???

Question

Hi,

I've just bought an electric breast pump to increase my supply but I'm a little confused about the timings. When is the best time to pump in the morning - after the baby feeds from both b*****s? At the moment my baby feeds every two hours - how often should I pump? Thanks :)

Answer 1

I was told by a lactation consultant to pump after I feed the baby. I would call a local lactation consultant, most hospitals have them, they can tell you what is best for your situation.

Answer 2

You know, when I first started pumping I asked the same question, and with each person it was different. I tried what each person said until I found what worked for me. Some pumping after your baby eats, some say  pumping 3 day in the morn. It all just depends on when your body has a let down. What works for me is pumping while my son is eating. I get any where from 1-3 ozs while my son is eating. I use the "football" pose so that the cords don't get wrapped on him and he can still have his own space on his boob he is feeding on. On the weekends, I try to pump every time he eats and by the end of the weekend I have 4-5 5oz bottles to freeze or use for the week. To get extra milk as well, it is an old wives tale, but it works for me, eat oatmeal everyday. Something about the yeast or something fills your b***s with milk. Once again, different stroke for different folks. Try what works for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Here is the thing with milk supply.  Your body will work to produce what it expels so by pumping in between feedings, you'll actually train your body to "let down" in between feedings and either save it for babysitter/dad/ whatever or hold it for the next feeding at which time your body will already know to let down your millk, so there will be double.  

I do not think you should pump when baby is feeding, she needs what you've got in there right now, which is why your body made what it did,when it did....but you might try pumping right after she feeds and is full...even tho you are empty, the "sucking" will stimulate your body to let down again and after a week or so you might have that full supply at the one feeding.  

hmmm i'm not sure any of that made sense...maybe google that.  =)  ooh wait, i have a book on breastfeeding moms, a guide to breastfeeding, maybe i'll locate it it might actually address that.