Can pumping actually DECREASE your supply?

Re: Can pumping actually DECREASE your supply?

• tokenhoser member

  September 2011

  Lacking engorgment or leaking does NOT mean you have a low supply.

  Around 3 months is when supply regulates to meet baby's needs. It's normal to feel like you have less milk about then.

  I can't access it now, but go to kellymom.com and search "low supply". It will explain that you're fine.
  

  
  
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• BostonMama2011

  September 2011

  Thanks!  I had heard before that not leaking doesn't mean low supply, but why then would they start leaking after 9 hours when they are more full?  Does that make sense, or am I overthinking this?

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• CNAMamaof2

  September 2011

  BostonMama2011:

  When I don't pump at all, my breasts are fuller and LO seems more content throughout the day after she eats.  Whereas, even if I add just one pumping session (usually around 2 AM, when I have the most milk) it seems to screw my supply the rest of the day, and I have to compress a lot more to get enough milk out when LO is eating.  It never seems like pumping increases my supply at all, even days later (I have tried pumping more times throughout the day, and power pumping, but both seem to make things worse, and LO has to struggle to get enough to eat all day).  

   I believe I do have a low supply, as my breasts are never sore or leak.  One time LO slept 9 hours straight and my right breast starting leaking.  I think my breasts just take a really long time to fill up.   I have tried Mother's Milk supplement, tea, oatmeal, Fenugreek, and acupuncture but none seem to increase my milk.  

   Has anyone else experienced this or have any advice?  Right now it's not too much of a problem since I'm not working, but I would like to pump at least 1x a day to stockpile.  

   PS.  My LO is 12 weeks, I have to figure out how to add that to my siggy  

  That is because you are emptying your breast! I actually have to pump 2 x daily or I do get engorged, but I am also building a freezer stash for  a return to work. Consider yourself lucky you don't get engorged or leak, its uncomfortable and can leave you in an embarassing situation (a huge wet spot on my shirt during story time at the library today ) Also, you don't have to compress your breast to make sure LO is getting enough, they will, all compressing does is increase the speed and flow to keep them interested. They will get all the milk they need without any help.
  

  It sounds like you are putting a lot of work into increasing your supply, but did you know stress can cause your supply to decrease? IE, the more you stress about your supply, the less you may be supplying? Just relax, if LO is wetting, pooping and growing normally you are making enough milk. Hang in there
  

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• mum2jack&littleb

  September 2011

  BostonMama2011:

  Thanks!  I had heard before that not leaking doesn't mean low supply, but why then would they start leaking after 9 hours when they are more full?  Does that make sense, or am I overthinking this?

  This is because they are used to milk being requested at some point during that 9 hours - either by baby or pumping.  The bewbies make milk at the times they anticipate it being needed.   So, when your LO sleeps through, the milk accumulates.    Skip those feedings/pumping sessions for a few nights in a row and you'll not have the filling during that time.

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