How often should I pump?

korvita13 · September 2015

Ive been exclusively pumping since my baby was born due to him having latching problems. I was doing it every few hours when he was born because of engorgement but now I've been pumping every 6 hours (which is how long it takes for my breasts to get full) I get about 3-4 oz. from each breast when I do. I don't see my milk supply declining. It is okay I pump every 6 hours? Will my supply decline over time if I keep doing so? My baby only eats breastmilk. I also just got my period. I hope it won't affect my supply. Thank you mommies

lwhrmomma · September 2015

I pump 5 times per day, sometimes 6 if I can fit it in. I nurse sometimes for snacks/comfort so I guess that is helping. I just can't be hooked up to a pump 8x per day, so I do it when I can. By not stressing about it, I think it helped me pump more. I can usually freeze 5oz per day, sometimes 10.

There are some great groups on Facebook for exclusive pumping. I've gotten a lot of great tips. I recommend "exclusively pumping moms private group".

heidiiwa · September 2015

We can't tell you if it is ok or not...follow your baby's cues and be careful he is gaining weight. To me it sounds dangerous to only pump every 6 hours, but I'm no expert. You need to keep up with a growing baby's needs. Isn't it better to have too much than too little, especially since your baby eats only breastmilk?

aresee · September 2015

Sounds potentially risky to me too. You know better than us, but it sounds like you're probably pumping about what your baby eats, so not a lot of wiggle room if some gets spilled, baby has a growth spurt, you have to be away, etc. You might consider calling a breastfeeding hotline if you don't have access to a lactation consultant. They could help answer supply questions and help you make sure your system will work as baby grows:

https://www.breastfeedinghelpline.com

klkonwi · September 2015

I only pump every 6 hours but I get 7-9 oz each time and I bf occasionally for snacks Inbetween

klkonwi · September 2015

Do what works for you. I know that if I had to pump every 3 hours I would despise it........

DolphinLover2002 · September 2015

My LC said to either pump or breastfeed every 3-4 hours to keep my supply up. To me, 6 hours is way too long. It's ok for a night feed, but not all day. How often does lo drink a bottle? Is it every 6 hours?

korvita13 · September 2015

He eats every 2-3 hours but it takes him up to an hour to finish a 5 oz. bottle. He's gaining weight fast.

korvita13 · September 2015

I'm on the small side so I get about 8-10 oz. together

korvita13 · September 2015

On some days I also freeze a big Baggie of milk. I also have about 100 oz. in my freezer

paige0704 · September 2015

I exclusively pump so I pump every time LO eats that's just what is recommended by my LC its to keep in cycle with baby's growth and body will adjust to their needs... Yes it's a lot (7-8) times a day but it's for the best

LoriN103 · September 2015

The LC at the breastfeeding group I attend said you should not go more than 5 hours without pumping or feeding in order to maintain your supply. An occasional longer stretch is fine but not to let that happen daily. Otherwise your body starts to think less milk is needed. Another interesting tidbit...at 1 hour after a feed/pump, your breasts are 50% full...at 2 hours they are at 75% and at 3 hours 100%. I would suggest increasing your pumping frequency to maintain your supply because it can decrease pretty quickly and can be difficult to get back.

rklinge0 · September 2015

I pump 6 times a day. I try not to go over 5 hrs, which basically only happens when I work. You also may get less at certain times of the day. My smallest amount is around lunch.
Yes it sucks but its good to know that I can still provide for my baby.

DolphinLover2002 · September 2015

Well my recommendation is that if he eats every 2-3 hours, I would pump after he finishes every bottle. I know it seems like a lot, but you're going to benefit from it. A lot of us who breastfeed already have 300+ ounces in our freezer stashes. I breastfeed my twins and pump after every feeding. You do what is best for you, but that's my suggestion.

zxxiv2 · September 2015

Every 6 hours isn't nearly enough. I've been an exclusive pumper since day 1 and I still have to pump every 3 hours. Even with that strict schedule I power pump at least once a day to get a few extra ounces to freeze. It seems like you may be a 'just enougher' which is fine now but once your LO starts eating more milk you won't have enough to feed them. You never know how precious your supply can be. I've already seen my supply tank for one day of missing a pump. The first 12 weeks are super crucial. Do what you gotta do so you won't be regretting it later. Good luck momma!

LolaMarley23 · September 2015

I pump every 3-4 hours and exclusively pump but I also supplement with formula when LO needs it. I usually pump 6 oz each session.

I guess I will ask my pumping question here! So I have plans for this Friday. I will be away from LO for 8+ hours at an event and I will not have access to electricity to plug in my pump while I am away. I don't have a manual pump and don't wish to purchase one for this isolated occasion. I also plan on having some drinks on Friday. So, my question is, what do I do about not being able to pump or breastfeed for 8+ hours? I don't want to get uncomfortable with engorgement or risk a clogged duct/mastitis… Do I just hand express while in the restroom to avoid any issues? Has anyone been in this situation or have any suggestions?

DolphinLover2002 · September 2015

Steph0727 said:
I pump every 3-4 hours and exclusively pump but I also supplement with formula when LO needs it. I usually pump 6 oz each session.

I guess I will ask my pumping question here! So I have plans for this Friday. I will be away from LO for 8+ hours at an event and I will not have access to electricity to plug in my pump while I am away. I don't have a manual pump and don't wish to purchase one for this isolated occasion. I also plan on having some drinks on Friday. So, my question is, what do I do about not being able to pump or breastfeed for 8+ hours? I don't want to get uncomfortable with engorgement or risk a clogged duct/mastitis… Do I just hand express while in the restroom to avoid any issues? Has anyone been in this situation or have any suggestions?

Did your pump not come with a battery pack? Most do! If not, do you know anyone that possibly has one you can borrow? I think going 8 hours is way too long. If your body is used to pumping every 3 hours or so, it could really hurt your supply. Do you have a car adapter? If you don't have either one, you might want to look into them.

LolaMarley23 · September 2015

DolphinLover2002 said:

I pump every 3-4 hours and exclusively pump but I also supplement with formula when LO needs it. I usually pump 6 oz each session.

I guess I will ask my pumping question here! So I have plans for this Friday. I will be away from LO for 8+ hours at an event and I will not have access to electricity to plug in my pump while I am away. I don't have a manual pump and don't wish to purchase one for this isolated occasion. I also plan on having some drinks on Friday. So, my question is, what do I do about not being able to pump or breastfeed for 8+ hours? I don't want to get uncomfortable with engorgement or risk a clogged duct/mastitis… Do I just hand express while in the restroom to avoid any issues? Has anyone been in this situation or have any suggestions?
Did your pump not come with a battery pack? Most do! If not, do you know anyone that possibly has one you can borrow? I think going 8 hours is way too long. If your body is used to pumping every 3 hours or so, it could really hurt your supply. Do you have a car adapter? If you don't have either one, you might want to look into them.

It didn't come with one. I didn't even know it could adapt to that! I just looked it up and looks like I can get one for my pump! I think that is what I will do! Thank you for the help. I really didn't want to hurt my supply!!

KonaCoffeeBean · September 2015

Meh, I think this probably differs for each person. When I'm away from my baby I usually go 5 to 7 hours without pumping. I just don't have the type of job that is compatible with it. But I was freezing 20oz a day before going back to work, so I'm not worried about a moderate supply adjustment. For women with different factors, this approach may be far too casual. I really think only you can say for sure.

DolphinLover2002 · September 2015

Steph0727 said:

DolphinLover2002 said:

Steph0727 said:
I pump every 3-4 hours and exclusively pump but I also supplement with formula when LO needs it. I usually pump 6 oz each session.

I guess I will ask my pumping question here! So I have plans for this Friday. I will be away from LO for 8+ hours at an event and I will not have access to electricity to plug in my pump while I am away. I don't have a manual pump and don't wish to purchase one for this isolated occasion. I also plan on having some drinks on Friday. So, my question is, what do I do about not being able to pump or breastfeed for 8+ hours? I don't want to get uncomfortable with engorgement or risk a clogged duct/mastitis… Do I just hand express while in the restroom to avoid any issues? Has anyone been in this situation or have any suggestions?
Did your pump not come with a battery pack? Most do! If not, do you know anyone that possibly has one you can borrow? I think going 8 hours is way too long. If your body is used to pumping every 3 hours or so, it could really hurt your supply. Do you have a car adapter? If you don't have either one, you might want to look into them.

It didn't come with one. I didn't even know it could adapt to that! I just looked it up and looks like I can get one for my pump! I think that is what I will do! Thank you for the help. I really didn't want to hurt my supply!!

I've never personally used them, but they do sell alcohol test strips too. It tells you if your milk is safe for lo to drink if you're drinking. I know Walmart sells them in the infant department. I've had family members use them and loved them on a special occasion. Then you're not guessing if it's safe for lo.

kendalrw · September 2015

Your question has probably been answered, but I have been exclusively pumping since LO was born. I started pumping every 2 hours, but after I got ahold of it I pumped every 3-4. Now, I am headed back to work in 1.5 weeks and have decided to stop pumping. I just can't do it while at work and I want every second with my little man as possible and pumping would take that away. I am now pumping every 6 hours and my supply has defintely taken a hit. I never had to supplement, but now I have to supplement 2-3 bottles a day.

If you make enough to feed your LO while pumping every 6 hours, I'd say go for it! But from personal experience, it won't work. I hope it works out for you, EPing is hard work and congrats on making it this far! (:

MaliKaela · September 2015

I would just keep track of your output. If you see a decline then you know you need to start pumping more. It's not like it's irreversible.

klkonwi · September 2015

I think we need to step back and not scare the poor OP. She needs to do what works for her body.
Everyone's body is different.
Also one wedding going 8 hours will not torch your supply forever. It's an isolated incident.
Bah.

klkonwi · September 2015

The most important part is your nutrition, water intake etc......

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