sample pumping schedules for EPers

Leysin97 · December 2014

So I'm EPing and getting a little discouraged. I know my output was kinda low to begin with but on average I get 2.5 oz a pump. I pump for 20 minutes every time LO eats which is 6 times a day. I know I will probably have to increase the number of pumps but it's really hard to do with taking care of baby. What are some of your schedules like and how did you increase supply whole pumping? I already take fenugreek.

swise22 · December 2014

I have an oversupply issue so I'm able to pump only 4 times a day. I pump when I first get up in the morning, at 11, 4, and then before bed which is usually around 10. At the beginning though to get my supply up I nursed him from one side and pumped the other every time. I was pumping every 2-3 hours. I think, unfortunately, you'll have to increase the number of pumping sessions until your supply is up and can then start tapering back.

persephonerose · December 2014

Is there any reason you are only pumping for 20 minutes? You should pump/massage until your breast are dry. For me this takes an hour.

pushgal84 · December 2014

Are the flanges properly sized for your nipples? Have you tried different suction and speed settings? If you're supply has been low from the get go, have you checked to see if your insurance covers the rental of a hospital grade pump (assuming you're not shady using one)? From what I've read, you should pump for at least 5 min after you stop getting any milk. Like @persephonerose‌ said, it might take longer than 20 min. I think most importantly, you'll need to pump more than 6x a day to increase your supply. Also, have you seen a lactation consultant?

Make sure you drink plenty of water, eat enough (producing BM uses a lot of calories!), and try to reduce stress as much as possible.

Leysin97 · December 2014

I saw a LC and the flanges are right. I only produce for about 10 minutes so 10 minutes it's dry. My left only produces 0.5 each time.

MrsSinner402 · December 2014

I started out pumping for 15 minutes, every 2-3 hours. I now have a bit of an oversupply issue. I produce anywhere from 40-45 ounces a day. I just recently cut out my MOTN pumping session. So now I pump 4 times a day. DD is usually up at 4am or 6-7ish. So based on when she wakes up, I pump then. Then I spread them out every 5-6 hours from there. If I pump at 4am, then I pump again at 10am, then 4pm, then 10pm. If I pump at 7am, then I pump at noon, 5pm, and 10pm. I know I have never pumped until dry because I'd be on the pump forever. The longest I've pumped is 45 minutes and I had to stop because my nipples were screaming at me at that point. My normal session is about half an hour and I pump on average 10 ounces.

Aurora1181 · December 2014

I would rent a hospital grade pump, if you haven't already. I have the Medela Symphony and it is soo much better than the Medela PISA I got from my insurance company. I would also pump 8+ times a day... Or as often as you can. The LC told me that 20-30 min is a good amount of time to pump so you don't get too sore, but to keep pumping until you stop spraying (sounds like you are doing that already). Have you upped your calories? I would try upping your protein and seeing if that helps. I eat a lot of oatmeal and try I drink 3 liters of water a day. Good luck! This ish is hard. :-)

Leysin97 · December 2014

Thanks ladies! I think I'm gonna aim for pumping every 2 hours during the day and whenever she wakes up at night. How long once your supply goes up can you start tapering back?

JessAnnJ · December 2014

Drinking poweraid and making sure I was properly hydrated caused me to see an increase with DD1. You can also try power pumping.

Aurora1181 · December 2014

Leysin97 said:
Thanks ladies! I think I'm gonna aim for pumping every 2 hours during the day and whenever she wakes up at night. How long once your supply goes up can you start tapering back?

I've read online before that it takes 12-14 weeks to establish the supply, and then after that you might be able to pump fewer times and get similar amounts. I've been pumping exclusively for 4 months now and when I skip a pump I usually come close to making up for it at the next pump. I dropped from 8 to 7 pumps when I went back to work two weeks ago, and my output is now a little lower overall but only by a few ounces.

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