I think I've messed up BF

lizal

My baby boy was born last week and he is premature so I've been pumping.  I've been pumping every 3-4 hours and am concerned that is not enough.  At the hospital they told me to pump every three hours or so but they told me not to stress if I can't pump every three hours.  My breasts seem less engorged now and I'm not pumping as much.  I am reading online that you should pump every 2 hours and I haven't been.  If I start pumping more again will my supply increase or is it too late?

ncbelle

It's not too late!  You can definitely up your pumping and do things like drink more water, eat more protein, eat oatmeal.  Your breasts start to settle a bit after the initial period of your milk coming in.

 Is your baby home yet?  If not, I hope he can join you soon.

Hopefully, someone with more pumping experience will chime in with more suggestions.

lizal

Thanks ncbelle.  LO won't be home for a long time because he was ony a little over 31 weeks when born.  I appreciate the encouragement and will try the water and diet suggestions.

katie2shoes

Its definitely not too late! I've heard of something called power pumping that can help increase your supply.  There were some posts about it a few days ago so you might try to find those.  You could also google it and there might be some information.  GL!

MrsEvans2Be

Not being engorged just means your supply is regulating.....

I EP and go every three hours-four at night. There are times its not exact (like I may do it sooner or later), but my body makes what my son is eating, many times more. I EPed with DD and overpumped so I don't want to do that.

KittyFX

It's definitely not too late. Try pumping every 2 hours or just pump as much as you can. Everyone is different. I tried every 2 hours but it didn't really help me. Every 3 hours should be typical though. Your breasts being less engorged is normal. At night your prolactin levels should be higher and you should make more milk at night. So try not to sleep too long and wake up and pump. Look at a picture or think about baby when you pump.

ryemo

Pump more often, you still have a week or so to build your supply to the level you want long-term. Also, call a LLL leader or someone who will be more supportive. The hospital is telling you not to stress over pumping more often, but that isn't the support you need right now...you need someone to tell you that the next few weeks will be tough but you have to stick with it and pump every 2-3 hours. This is extra important for your little earlybird so you need to be strong and get through this pumping. You will be BFing him at home before you know it!