I express milk every 3-4 hrs, which means I'm only pumping twice a day while at work. My question is whether I should focus on the 3-4hr interval (even when I don't feel "full") or should I pump when I feel "full". The issue is that I try to pump as much as I can in each session and sometimes when I stick to the interval, I do not get as much milk as I need to leave for my baby the next day.
I seldomly pump in the evenings or at night because it is when my supply is the lowest, and I'm often nursing my daughter at that time. She isn't having trouble with her weight or anything, I'm more so concerned about getting the most milk out of a pump session so that I'll be able to leave enough behind for her when I'm away during the day.
Hi A.! You should keep up with the intervals because even though you don't pump as much now you will start producing more...I didn't do that and that's exactly how I dried up! Good luck to you!
Here is what i did when i pumped while working. we were successful in feeding only breast milk for over a year.
before work, after my ds nursed, i pumped until empty. This would normally yeild 4-6 oz.
at work, i'd pump 2 x, i'd try to keep the itervals like you every three to four hours.
at home we'd nurse again, and if i felt not empty and had the time, i'd pump.
on weekends (especially on sunday) I'd try to pump once, just to increase my supply for the following week.
I also had a double pump and found when i did both breasts at the same time, it gave best results.
I hope this helps.
does your baby wake up through the night. if so you can do what i do as well and pump after you put your daughter to sleep it wont seem like much at first but after the second night of pumping you will make more. i pump after i put my son down for the night and after i put him back to sleep at night. I heard that you make the most milk inbetween 2 and 6 in the morning. the more you pump the more you make! hope this helps.
My lactation consultant told me that the key to getting a bigger supply is to pump or nurse more often. So I would shorten the time between the pumping sessions to 2 to 3 hours. When your supply is back up, then start to gradually increase the time between. If you go too long between sessions you're likely to decrease your supply even more.
If you plan on breastfeeding for a little while longer, it is best to continue to pump even if your not getting a lot of milk. The reason you should keep pumping is because if you wait until your breast are full then your body will assue you dont need as much and eventually will stop producing the milk. I breast fed all 3 of my children for at least a yr. I also froze my milk for those rare nights out on the town. If you also want more info. on breastfeeding you can also call your local hospitals maternity ward and ask to speak to a lactating consultant. I hope this helps.
It is more often the frequency of pumping as opposed to the length of pumping. Pumping more frequently and continuing to pump a few minutes after the flow stops may help to increase your supply. Is it possible to pump after the first feeding of the day when your supply might be more? If your goal is to increase production, pumping after feedings might help as well. Just a few little techniques:
Using some warm compresses before pumping with gentle massage is sometimes effective. Doing relaxation breathing along with imagery can help. Create a soothing environment as much as you can at work. Good luck!
Yeah! to breastfeeding!! That is so wonderful that you are breastfeeding your baby. Nature's perfect food for our babies!
I would contact my local la leche league and they should have lots and lots of advice that will show you all of your options; check out their website at: www.llli.org
Happy pumping! T. Schiebel
Apprentice Midwife
Postpartum Assistant
You will lose that "full" feeling as the baby gets older. Is it possible to fit in 3 pump sessions per work day? Maybe once before you leave? The more you pump, the more milk you will produce, generally speaking. Just like if your baby breast feeds a lot, like he/she is in a growth spurt, you will notice after the growth spurt is over, that you will have that full feeling again, because the feeding levels are down. HTH!
