Community› The Bump Message Boards› Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
New Discussion

Pumping help needed!!

Cathyr1003Cathyr1003 member
in Breastfeeding

My baby is 5 days old.  I have decided to exclusively pump for now since we were having latching problems.  I rented an electric double pump from ameda.  My question is how many times a day should I be pumping and for how long?  It seems like I will be having a lot of extra milk which I really dont need since I am a SAHM.  I am so confused and also read that I need to make sure I am emptying my breasts each time?  Is that true?? Please help!  This is all so new to me & i really want this to work.  Thanks in advance

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
Report Reply to Post

Re: Pumping help needed!!

  • blu-eyedwifeblu-eyedwife member

    Deep breath and good luck mama! I personally have such respect for EPers  - I think it's the hardest feeding route and requires the most dedication, which mean you're a rockstar!

    You're going to need to pump everytime your baby eats in order to build your supply.  Unfortunately, that's going to mean every 2 hours or so these first few weeks.  

    As for how long, I'd go by how long you get milk for, and then a couple extra minutes.  I don't EP, but when I do pump sometimes I pump for 20 minutes before nothing comes out, sometimes it's more like 40.  You do want to empty the breast, because that helps your body know how much to produce.   

    June '15 January Siggy Challenge.  Pinterest Fails
    image

     Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers
    BabyFruit Ticker
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • EveryNameIWantIsTakenEveryNameIWantIsTaken member
    I ep and if I'd pumped until my breasts emptied each time in the beginning, I would have been pumping for an hour each time because I was so engorged until my supply regulated a bit.  The LC at the hospital recommended to me at first to pump each time she ate for 15 minutes.  I did this, and once my supply regulated it was just barely on the low side and she had one week where she had one formula bottle each day until I got my supply back up.  Now I only pump 5 or 6 times a day for about 15-20 minutes each time depending on how long it takes to empty, and have an extra 8 or so oz to store each day in the freezer.
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
    Report Reply
  • ejagkejagk member

    In the beginning you need to pump every time your baby eats, so every 2-3 hours (day AND night). When I first started EPing, my lactation consultant had me pumping at least 8 times per day, for 10 minutes total. When you pump, pump until no more milk comes out, then continue to pump for 3-5 minutes after that. This will make sure you're empty, plus signal your body to make more for the baby.

    I would meet with a IBCLC if you can, just to talk to them and make sure you're on the right track. They'll be able to help you set up a plan to get your baby to latch, if that is what you ultimately would like to do. 


    If you plan on EPing, invest in a hands-free bustier. I recommend the one from Simple Wishes; I've found that it stays up better and it is easier to custom fit to your body. You'll be able to pump both sides at the same time, cutting your pumping in time in half and allowing your hands to be free. Well worth every penny!!

    When you're ready to buy a pump, check out your local Burlington Coat Factory- Baby Depot. I signed up for their emails and got a 20% off coupon which I used on my pump. I got a Medela Pump in Style Advanced- Metro Bag for approx. $200 ($380 at BRU).

    PM me if you have any questions or want to see what my pumping schedule has been like for the past 6 months. GL!

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"