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Breastfeeding
JEMmom2012
member
Pumping...
JEMmom2012
member
When pumping to increase supply do you ladies find it more helpful to pump for a longer amount of time or more often.
When I pump, I get a let down at 5 min, 17 ish min, and 35 min. So I have been pumping for 4045 min trying to empty my breast. That makes it hard to do it every 2 hours often times it's closer to 3 or 4. Would it be better to pump for say 15 min each time but pump more often.
This also comes into play with work. I have a 30 min lunch unpaid and two 15 min breaks paid so it would be easier to pump 1015 min on breaks and 2025 at lunch and get three sessions in a 10 hour period than to try and clock out twice for longer unpaid breaks plus that would make people more annoyed.
What would you suggest?
When I pump, I get a let down at 5 min, 17 ish min, and 35 min. So I have been pumping for 4045 min trying to empty my breast. That makes it hard to do it every 2 hours often times it's closer to 3 or 4. Would it be better to pump for say 15 min each time but pump more often.
This also comes into play with work. I have a 30 min lunch unpaid and two 15 min breaks paid so it would be easier to pump 1015 min on breaks and 2025 at lunch and get three sessions in a 10 hour period than to try and clock out twice for longer unpaid breaks plus that would make people more annoyed.
What would you suggest?
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Pumping...
I would pump more often in shorter sessions. There is no such thing as completely emptying the breast since new milk is being produced all the time so there will always be another let-down. Have you tried setting the pump to the highest setting and also squeezing the breasts with your hands (while wearing a hands-free bra?)
I would love to make my letdowns faster... But I don't know how and everything I have tried has not helped. In fact, I feel like they take even longer now.
When I first started pumping, I found it very painful. Now I don't even feel anything. I think your body gets used to it after a while. I am using the Medela Freestyle pump. I know it's easier said that done, but try to get into a relaxed mindset when you pump. Stress impacts supply. Some people swear by looking at a picture of their LO when they pump. I don't do that because it just makes me feel emotional and sad that I can't be with him in person. You might want to try just zoning out, reading a fun magazine, listening to music, sitting in a darkened room, breathing deeply, whatever relaxes you and not looking at the output for 15 minutes (since looking can also be stressful!).
I turned up the pump and seem to be responding petty well. I got an oz in about 20 min which is really good for me. I was afraid to turn it up but maybe if I turn it up but don't pump for as long it will be better. 45 min just seems like a long time to pump.
Now if only this domperidone would kick in!!!! Maybe there is hope.
Thanks for the helpful advice.