Wait- multiple let-downs???

LucyGoosey81

I have always quit pumping after no more milk comes on each size.  My total pumping time is about 10 minutes- 5 on each side.

I could be pumping more???

This could totally change my outlook on BFing for the better!  LOL!

Please don't flame me for not knowing this...my LCs have never mentioned anything about this!

KittenGator

I'm interested in this too. I only have one letdown per side.

mandyclaire579

I usually wait for two let downs so i don't tear my nipples off! But yeah, just wait a little longer after you think you're done.

ajanes

I was told most have 3 let-downs. Quit pumping 3-5 minutes after milk stops flowing on your last let-down.  Again everyone is different. I usually had 3.

PAGAS

I had no clue about this.  It normally takes me 10 minutes and then I am done...or so I thought.  I am getting 6 to 10 ounces per session, so I am really not wanting to go longer (I nearly overflowed one of the bottles this morning because I wasn't paying attention.)

LucyGoosey81

6-10 oz???  Color me jealous!  I was so excited yesterday that I got 3.5.

bananaQ

Yep! If you have the PISA, push the expression button (not sure if that is the right word for it), and that begins the whole process for me, where I get another letdown. I keep doing this abut 3-4 times in a pump session.

Now, I don't even have to use that button, it's become automatic for me to get at least 2 letdowns.?

PAGAS

LucyGoosey81:

6-10 oz???  Color me jealous!  I was so excited yesterday that I got 3.5.

Moooooo....lol

bananaQ

Lucy, don't feel jealous...3.5 is great for your baby's age. You would not want an oversupply, like I did at the beginning! I am now happy to get 5-7oz per breast each session.

LucyGoosey81

Hmmmm- I only use that button once on each side.  Now I want to try this...

102503Natalie

Tee hee

no worries - I didn't know about it either until a few weeks ago.  I was stopping after the first letdown (10 mins. or so). 

bananaQ

Oh, I also noticed getting more milk/letdowns when I double pump. Whenever I pump only one breast (which is when I have a clogged duct) I get less milk, and usually just 1 letdown.

Maybe it's psychological? ?

mrsfrenchy

I EP...well used to, we're trying to nurse again....and I always pump for 3-5 minutes after the milk stops coming out.  And usually, somtime in that time frame, I have another let down.

I was always told:  pump for 15 minutes or 3-5 minutes after the milk stops flowing...which ever is longer.  never shorter than 15 minutes, even if nothing is coming out.  thats how you tell your breasts to make more.

ETA:  i normally get about 9-14oz a session this way, depending up on long its been since I pumped last.

but 3.5 is good for your baby's age.  it should keep increasing with time, as long as you pump/nurse enough.

babyluv617

I paid attention to this one and noticed another letdown around 15 minutes into pumping. I could feel it and hear more milk coming when I pumped.

blondie3379

Sometimes I can force another letdown by simply closing my eyes and taking a deep breath. I am serious. If you are uber relaxed, your milk will let down again.  I usually get 2-3 letdowns. Tonight I thought I was all done, kept pumping for 2 minutes and got another half oz on one breast and 1/4 oz on another. Not a lot, but I got 5 oz total. Exactly the amount he took in a bottle tonight from my DH!!

And some girls on here have mega supply's. Don't be discouraged. My baby gets fed EXACTLY what he needs right now. Your body will regulate and produce just enough!