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How to increase supply when EP

aimlessoneaimlessone member
in Breastfeeding
I EP, every 3 hours and get about 3-4 ounces total each time.  I want to try to increase the amount I get to build up a stash for when I go back to work and won't have time to pump as much (probably only once during an 8 hour shift =(  ).  How can I increase my supply?  I just started today trying to add a session, pumping every 2.5 hours during the day, every 3 at night, but I don't seem to get as much as if I were doing it every 3 hours.  Am I going about this the right way?  How long would it take my body to realize it needs to produce more?  Thanks.
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Re: How to increase supply when EP

  • sarabostonsaraboston
    For one, you have to make sure you're emptying completely to encourage milk production. Otherwise, there are the common suggestions: oatmeal, fenugreek, lots of water, etc. Pumping more often will increase your supply, you're not getting as much because you're pumping more often, but your overall production for the day will be more than when you pump fewer times.
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  • blondie42107blondie42107 member

    I would pump like you are - every 2.5-3hrs and also take fenugreek (or other supplement).  It took me a few days of doing this before my output increased.

    Good luck! 


     
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  • Accounting ChickAccounting Chick
    In addition to what others have said, here are a few more tips:
    - pump at least 5 minutes past the last drop - this is telling your body that "baby" needs more
    - try and cause a second let down - for some women, this happens automatically, for me, I have to actually go back to the let down phase on the pump
    - drink a TON of water - I see an almost immediate decrease if I'm not drinking enough
    - keep doing what you are doing (more sessions) - it may take your body a little while to realize that "baby" wants more. 

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  • mamababyrnmamababyrn member
    Pump for a few minutes after the last drops and the hand express.
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  • carmengcarmeng

    imageAccounting Chick:
    In addition to what others have said, here are a few more tips:
    - pump at least 5 minutes past the last drop - this is telling your body that "baby" needs more
    - try and cause a second let down - for some women, this happens automatically, for me, I have to actually go back to the let down phase on the pump
    - drink a TON of water - I see an almost immediate decrease if I'm not drinking enough
    - keep doing what you are doing (more sessions) - it may take your body a little while to realize that "baby" wants more. 

    This has helped me a ton! I actually pump 25-30. My supply recently took a dip and so I added an extra pump session and I pump longer (I used to pump 20 min). I also cause an additional let down and it has helped increase my supply. I now pump from 4 - 5 ounces every 3 - 4 hours.

    Good luck!

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