Pumping for time or amount

cottonlily84

How do you know when it's time to stop a pumping session?  My pumping logs have a place to record how long I pump but I usually just pump until there's no more milk coming.  So I kinda know how much to expect, about 2 oz.  But I guess that amount will change as the baby gets older and needs more?  So is it better/more natural for supply purposes to pump for a certain amount of milk or for a certain length of time?

sweetbabyrahe

I have been pumping until there is no more milk coming since the beginning. I know that I typically right now get about 5 ounces total, but if milk is still coming, I keep pumping.

ladybugpjb

I generally pump for time unless there is still milk coming. I pumpedfor a few minutes after the milk stopped coming to stimulate milk production, and it seemed to work.

mrsmikey

Sometimes one, sometimes the other.  If I've pumped at least 10 mins and gotten as much milk as I need (4 oz) then I'll stop.  If I haven't, and I have more time, I'll pump until I get 4 oz. 

mamababyrn

I pump until I have had a second let down. When I first started I pumped for time, but that doesn't work anymore. I only pump 3-4 times per day and sometimes it takes up to 45 minutes for me to empty now. I think eventually you will learn the rhythm of your body and get the hang out what you need to do.

OUKap

I do both, depending how much time I have.

cottonlily84

Pumping is so different now.  In the hospital I'd be dripping and would need two Medela bottles.  Now I nurse her on one side and pump the other so I'm not getting much at all.  I just wondered if I pumped longer would more come or is it unnecessarily wearing my nipples out and I'm stuck at 2 oz.