Breastfeeding

Pumping ? re: multiple let downs

I have been pumping 3x per day for the past two weeks, while at work.  I was curious about how to know that I am done pumping for the session.  I can get 1-2 ozs. within the first couple of mins. and then nothing.  Yesterday and today I noticed that right about the 10-minute mark, I had another let down and got at least another 1/2 oz.  Was I stopping too soon on the other days?  I technically only get a 15 minute break, but have been taking about 20 mins. and I still feel rushed.  Do you think maybe my supply is increasing?  Do you stop pumping once the dripping stops, no matter how long it has been, or do you wait for a least a minimum amount of time (like 10 mins.)? TIA
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Re: Pumping ? re: multiple let downs

  • I always pump for 15 minutes.  You do get a second let down.  Sometimes mine happens after pumping 10 minutes, sometimes 15.  But you do get a significant enough amount in the second let down to do it.  Also, pumping longer can get your body to produce more.  So, though your breaks are short, I would say pump as long as you can in those breaks!
  • Yes, pump for about 15 minutes. I was making your same mistake and stopping too soon and it was decreasing my supply. I take a book with me now and just try and relax for those 15 minutes
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  • I pump long enough to make one 6-7oz bottle.  Sometimes it takes 4 minutes, other times 10 minutes.  The later in the day, the longer it takes.

    Can you feel yourself let down to the pump?  Sometimes when I'm super engorged, but am other wise distracted, I won't let down and I'll pump and pump and pump and only end up with a couple ounces.

    Ethan Michael - 12/21/09
    Norah Jewel - 2/26/14

  • imageC12H22O11:

    I pump long enough to make one 6-7oz bottle.  Sometimes it takes 4 minutes, other times 10 minutes.  The later in the day, the longer it takes.

    Can you feel yourself let down to the pump?  Sometimes when I'm super engorged, but am other wise distracted, I won't let down and I'll pump and pump and pump and only end up with a couple ounces.

    I don't have difficulty getting the initial let down, but I have only recently noticed the subsequent one.  I have never gotten more than 3 ozs from one side, but I have been keeping up with DS and still putting some in my stash.  Would power pumping over the weekends help boost my supply?  How often should I try?  I feel like I get nothing if I pump after feeding LO and I feel like if I pump before feeding him there won't be anything left.

    Also, I don't get engorged throughout the day, but I have a tingly feeling at the 3-hour mark, so that is how often I pump (LO eats every 3 hours also).  Should I wait to pump until I am more full feeling? *Sorry, this is my first time and I'm still working out the kinks - obviously.  Thanks again for any advice.

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