Pumpers, how many let downs in a pumping session?

CDCbaby

If you EP (or pump in general I guess) How many let downs do you have per pumping session?

When I first started pumping I always tried for atleast 2 let downs.  The first one was always the longest, and then I would pump for atleast 5 or so minutes more and usually get 1 more small let down.

Now I've had to start pumping more milk b/c DS is eating more (and I was sick and had a supply drop) and now I get 3 letdowns per session!  This made me so excited.

So I'm wondering, could I maybe have even more let downs if I just keep pumping?  I know the simple answer is to just keep pumping and see what happens    But my nips are sore from all the extra pumping I've been doing to get my supply up and I don't want to try for longer sessions just yet

Anyway, any info would be appreciated!
thanks!

 

Osment

I just started pumping yesterday after he feeds, and im not getting Sh!t out of it  not even .5 oz a day!  But, i also dont know what "let Downs" mean???

So im curious to find out....What does this mean?? 

dusk42

Osment:

I just started pumping yesterday after he feeds, and im not getting Sh!t out of it  not even .5 oz a day!  But, i also dont know what "let Downs" mean???

So im curious to find out....What does this mean?? 

A let down is the "milk ejection reflex" - it basically is stimulated by nursing and it feels (to me) like a quick muscle cramp. 

https://family.go.com/parentpedia/baby/breastfeeding-basics_how-to/breastfeeding-let-down-reflex/ 

I didn't get really noticeable let-downs or more than drops when pumping (not even ounces) when DD was 1-3 weeks old.  Your body has to learn how to let down to the pump.  

I try to get through two let downs, but I need to switch back to the first phase on the PISA to do so.   

 

abrazz

I only have 2 letdowns, the initial and then one about 5-7 minutes into pumping.  I only get 10 minutes at work to pump so I'm not sure if there would be another later on if I kept pumping. 

doggylovr

I usually get 2 in a 15-20 minute session but sometimes I get a quick 3rd one right at the end.  I EP if that matters...

 

DS would never latch properly:( 

Shannonlea

I get 3- one at the beginning, one at about 10 minutes in and then another around 15- 20 minutes.

And to other poster, you almost have to train your body to let down.  I always try to drink a big glass of water and breathe deep while pumping. 

Stacyc625

The more you pump = the more you will make. however- that being said- having an 'oversupply' isn't always a great thing.

Try to keep your supply in line with what your baby's needs are- its ok if you have a little extra-

AMYfromKY

2 in 15mins of pumping after I feed him...so I guess technically 3.  I only pump once a day.

CanadianJulyBri

I never had noticeably letdowns. I've been EPing for five months... I just drip-drip-drip the whole 15 minutes of pumping time!!!

I'm not sure if that's normal... 

love22

I pump at work but I try for 2 let downs per pumping session.  When the milk flow slows I actually turn my pump off and restart it (PISA has that faster and slower pumping to activate a let down).  It made a big difference.  I would guess you would get better results from doing that than just pumping for longer.

Kiki-licioius

If I change the phase on the PISA then I can get 2 let downs and I usually stop after the second one. Let down kinda sucks actually.

kristin7701

I only get 1 per session. I can still pump a decent amount (from 4-8 oz. in the morning, less later in the day). How can I get another one?

cvillecouple

I never got more than one let down a pumping session, and I am no longer pumping.  I always stopped pumping as soon as the flow stopped as pumping time for me at work was way limited.  Am very jealous of all of your let downs!