How do I make extra breastmilk?

puhorst03

I realize this sounds like a really stupid question...

The entire time I nursed my daughter, I was never able to figure out how to feed her AND pump to store up milk in my freezer. I only was ever able to pump JUST enough for the next feeding if we were going out, IF THAT! I always thought it was the pump, but now I realize I was probably just going about the whole process wrong.

Those of you who nursed full time AND pumped extra to store up milk, how did you do it? 

I was nursing my DD every 3 hours or so until she was 4 months... I could never figure out how to add in an extra session of pumping.

kjlrs

try pumping in the morning right after you feed her! for some reason your supply is highest in the am. also do it consistently so that your body gets used to producing more and more at that time. i would consistently get 1-2 bottles extra AFTER feeding DD in the morning.

MrsStubbs

My LC told me it was supply and demand. If you pump 1.5 hours after you feed her, you should be able to build up a supply. The more you pump, the more you will produce.

puhorst03

MrsStubbs:

My LC told me it was supply and demand. If you pump 1.5 hours after you feed her, you should be able to build up a supply. The more you pump, the more you will produce.

Ok, but there's where I can't figure things out. If I pump or feed EVERY 1.5 hours, I'm going to be EXHAUSTED and tethered by my boobs to something all day and night! Do you mean pump once or maybe twice during the day 1.5 hours after I've fed the baby?

Thanks also to the poster who advised pumping once a feeding was over in the AM. I'll keep that in mind as a start, but worry that I wouldn't have enough left (which is what would happen with my DD and was super frustrating).

dawnc78

ditto mrsstubbs...I pumped as soon as dc was done eating to get whatever was left and then again an hr or so later in the beginning...after a while I didn't have to do it in between feedings...just when they were done, I'd pump the leftovers

 

marrymemylove

I never got any when I pumped AFTER feeding. DS was too efficient. On the other hand you can pump before feeding because the baby (unlike the pump) will stimulate more production during a feed. It might take longer to feed them but they won't be hungry.

I got a stash by getting up an hour before the first morning feed, and pumping when engorged. I used to get about 5-7oz each side! Then I'd have a shower and 30 mins to myself then DS would wake and I'd feed him and start the long weary day.?

UGAbride

I do what others have mentioned, pump once in the morning.  Obviously, you'll have to get in a daily routine and not use it right in the beginning in order to build up a stash.  I nurse the baby around 7:30 and then pump at 9am.  Ready to go for the next feeding around 11.  Or, if I know I want to give him a bottle for the 11ish feeding (instead of nursing), then I'll pump closer to when we are walking out the door, so my boobs won't get engorged too quickly and I can make it to the afternoon feeding without having to pump again.  It's all about getting in a routine so your body expects to give out more at that time each day. 

Also, for example last weekend I had a really busy day, so I nursed at 7:30, pumped at 9, and then we were out and about through the next two feedings so he got bottles.  But when I was done with my tennis match I was majorly engorged so I went ahead and pumped for the missed feedings at 3:30 and was still able to nurse him again at 5pm. 

MrsSledge

I think I tried to pump for about 10 minutes after she ate.  Not every time, but whenever it was convenient.  Also, you can pump on one side while she eats on the other.  It's a little tricky, and kinda funny once DD starts watching your nip being sucked into the pump.