Not getting what I need so far after six days pumping at work. I currently pump for 15 minutes twice at 10 and 2 to replace feelings when I was on leave.
Would you lengthen pumping sessions to 20-25 minutes or add another 15 minute session?
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I would pump longer for 20 to 30 minutes (whenever possible) a session.
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I would do both? I currently pump 3 times a day for roughly 20 minutes each time. I found I could sometimes get a third letdown around 18 minutes.
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I guess it depends on your body...I EP and have never had this magical second letdown that people talk about. So I only pump for 10-12 mins. But adding in extra sessions has always helped to boost my supply. Power Pumping is really effective - pump 10 min on, 10 min off and repeat for an hour. I notice results the next day after I do that
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@MamaCate: How many bottles is baby taking? You should pump to replace each feeding, so if baby is only taking 2 bottles that may be enough. But my baby usually ate more like every 3 hours so I had to pump at like 9, 12 and 3.
Also, 15 minutes wasn't ever enough for me. If I could get to 20 or even better 22-25 minutes, I could get a second let down and get half an ounce to a full ounce more.
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I would also hand-express after pumping.
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It's not possible for me to pump 3x at work, and I've had great luck with 2 longer sessions. I pump for 25-30 minutes twice a day. Good luck--you got this!
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Pump more often. I was told by multiple LC's that pumping longer will not help.
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@T.H.O.U.: he takes two bottles at 10 and 2. I know it is unusual to go so long between feelings but he has this long midday nap so that is the routine he established. Thanks!
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I vote pump more often too. I already pumped for a long time (20-30 min) and I don't think getting another let down really got me that much more.
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http://www.nancymohrbacher.com/blog/2012/6/27/to-pump-more-milk-use-hands-on-pumping.html
I've had good success with this method! It's a pain in the butt, though
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@blackbird: thanks! I had been doing that but not consistently. That is a good reminder.
I will have to see if I can move my day around to fit in an extra pump or I might do one at night before I go to bed.
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I would kind of do both. After I felt like I had emptied both breasts, I would keep the pump going for another 5-7 min and would generally get another letdown. If I had the time, I would sneak in and get one more short session in there so that I could make my body know that I needed more milk.
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While I pretty much hate it, I would never have enough milk if I didn't pump at night. It sucks because I'd so much rather go to sleep, but so far it's been working.
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My schedule during the work week is:
6:00am: BF
9:30am: pump
12:30pm: pump
3:30pm: pump
7:00pm: BF
11:30pm: pumpIf I didn't get that late night pump in, I would be miserable in the morning due to engorgement and I wouldn't quite have enough milk. This way, I'm making slightly over what I need (prob 10-15oz per week surplus).
If you're pumping or feeding 6 times a day and not making enough, I would try to up it to 7 times a day until your supply shows some results. Hope it gets better for you!
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Good luck with adding the third pump!
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@smocks: I usually feed at 7 before work and then twice after I get home (4:30/5 and 7) so I am not sure if I can fit in a third pump during the day. We do 6 feedings and one is overnight. I might try a night pumping and see how it goes. Thanks!
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oops double post!
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Another vote for both. I pump 20-30 minutes, every 2-3 hours. Well, less these days, but my supply is very established.
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18 comments