How&When to pump when EPing?

yssej7 · December 2011

I did the first 2 1/2 weeks BFing but it just wasnt working out well, she had issues latching and staying on (I have large breasts & nipples) and we would both get really aggravated,her because she wasn't getting anything due to poor latch and me because she was mad and she was hurting me. So now we are bottle feeding and I'm so glad we are, it has been wonderful for both her and I.. I no longer dread feeding time..

So my question is..... When & how should I pump to A:get more milk in storage? Right now I have 2 in the fridge one for the next feeding and one extra.. after a feeding I pump to replace that bottle..and B:to increase my supply so I can get more milk out of a pumping session.. Right now I only get about 3oz, I want to get like 6oz to make tow bottles.. In the AM after not pumping at night I can get about 6 but the rest of the day its 3 or less.. I need the extra milk so I can leave her with DH for a few hrs or so..

Thanks Ladies

mrsmikey · December 2011

You probably just need to pump more often.

WeWearCombatBoots · December 2011

When starting out you need to pump every 2-3 hours, on the dot. Day and night to build your supply. Its very hard work to EP, but I have been doing it from almost the beginning and I have made it almost 4 months and I'm not slowing down at all. You can also look into fenugreek and other herbal supplements. When I was trying to build my supply I was taking fenugreek, alfalfa, and blessed thistle(not milk thistle). I also did power pumps where you pump every 10 minutes for 10 minutes, off and on for at least an hour. Also make sure where you pump is comfortable and you have some things to occupy you. I have a little station set up where I put LO in his carseat if I am alone, and then I have my pump, phone, and laptop beside me. I make sure I have snacks and water, and I also turn on the tv. Sometimes it doesn't work with LO, but I make it work. At this stage you should be expecting about 20-30 ounces a day from pumping. I am up to almost 40 per day now. Sometimes I get ahead of LO, sometimes his appetite catches up to me. Don't listen when people tell you that you will fail and lose your supply if you EP. Definitely not true. Like I said, I show no signs of slowing down. I know I will make it to at least 6 months and beyond.

nic326 · December 2011

It's all about supply and demand. Like PP said, keep pumping. Pump as much as you can to get more of a supply going. Also keep pumping for a few mins. after your session ends and massage your breast as you pump. All of this should signal your body to make more milk. I have a good supply going and I still do all these things. I'm sure you know to pump for each bottle you give too. Having good pump helps too. What kind do you have?

ETA. Your body is still establishing a supply at 3 weeks so it's normal to not get a lot of milk right now so don't be discouraged by the amount youre getting right now.

BeetleLinz1125 · December 2011

I think what would be most beneficial is that you get on a pumping schedule, and pump whether you need the milk or not. If I ever have more than 24 hours worth of milk in the fridge then I freeze the extra. I try to get one full feeding (4oz) in the bags that I freeze. You will want to make sure you have some in the freezer because your LO is going to go through growth spurts, and just from experience, my body did not respond to the growth spurts until they were done...So I had worked to increase my supply, and it took a day or so to respond, then I had an oversupply. So its going to be something that you will constantly have to change...but it's not as hard as it sounds. We (usually) do a EP check in on Wednesdays, so check in there for some tips and encouragement. EP'ing is very hard, but you can do it. I'm working on 9 months now..it takes hard work and dedication, but it can be done. Just also know that EP'ing makes you more prone to clogged ducts and mastitis, so make sure that you try to empty your breast completely.

Any other questions feel free to reach out to any of us :-)

yssej7 · December 2011

Thanks this is very helpful.. How do I know when I'm "empty"? Can there be more then 2 let downs in one session? I usually pump after she eats which is 2-3hrs so my pumping can be between 3-4hrs..should I add one in between? Will I always have to pump so often or can I cut back as she gets older?

WeWearCombatBoots · December 2011

yssej7:
Thanks this is very helpful.. How do I know when I'm "empty"? Can there be more then 2 let downs in one session? I usually pump after she eats which is 2-3hrs so my pumping can be between 3-4hrs..should I add one in between? Will I always have to pump so often or can I cut back as she gets older?

When your breast is soft and nothing else is coming out, then you are empty. You can have several letdowns in one session. I usually have at least 3, sometimes more. Another tip when pumping, play with the speed and also hit the button to go back to stage 1 pumping every once in a while. If I slow down this usually triggers another letdown. You should be completely emptying your breast every 2-3 hours. If LO eats, you should immediately pump after she eats to empty your breast, even if it feels empty, still pump afterwards. However it is done whether her eating or you pumping, the breast needs to be emptied every 3 hours maximum. You won't always have to pump this often. I pump every 5-6 hours now. Usually at about 12 weeks your supply has been established and you can start playing with time and see how it works out for you. Try to keep up the 2-3 hours, but don't freak out if you go over every once in a while, just as long as its not habitual.