July 2015 Moms

Waking up to pump?

My LO is 6 weeks and just started sleeping about 5-6 hours at night (yay!). I typically feed her every 2-3 hours, so she is basically skipping one session at night. Should I be waking up and pumping while she sleeps? If I am feeding on demand during the day, would that be enough to keep up my supply or is it feeding/pumping regularly that makes the difference? I definitely don't want to loose my milk supply, but getting more than 1 hour of consecutive sleep would be fantastic.

Re: Waking up to pump?

  • I wonder the same thing...mine is sleeping 5-6 hrs at night and I don't wake to pump. I'm hoping it is not hurting my supply but I need the sleep! And in the night she only takes 1 breast so the other is really going a long stretch.
  • Loading the player...
  • Your body should regulate to LO sleeping longer so you shouldn't need to pump.
  • I wake up to pump because I get the most milk in the motn
  • What's more important- having that extra milk in storage or sleep? I think it's fine if you sleep through you just will be very full when you so get up!



    BabyFetus Ticker 
    Little dude will be here before we know it!

    image
  • My LO is sleeping one 5/6 hour stretch as well and I usually get up and lump only because I wake up from the pain of engorgement.

    Tonight LO woke after 5 hours from a loud, juicy poop and I didn't have time to pump before she woke up. She ended up gagging and spitting up on my let down and only took one breast, I am now pumping out the rest.

    I am trying to build a small stash for when I go back to work, otherwise I would try to sleep through it. Your body will regulate to what the baby needs, I wouldn't worry about supply issues. Just stay hydrated and eat plenty and you should be fine!
  • I'm guessing my body has regulated then because I'm not feeling engorged much ever and she seems to be satisfied and having good amount of pee diapers.
  • You got some great advice already, I just want to add that i always have the most milk in the morning regardless how my baby girl slept (be in 4 hour hour stints or 3 or staggered) and I will just pump after the first morning feeding and I can usually get 3oz. (The most I've ever been able to pump in 24 hour period).
  • Little man sleeps from 10-7, so I wake up at 4:00 to pump for 15 minutes. I end up with 6 ounces, which I either freeze for when I go back to work or use if I go to the gym that day and grandma needs to give him a bottle.
  • The only reason to do that is if you're trying to stock up. I had to ask this same exact question. "On demand" includes when they are sleeping, and your body will adjust to accommodate that longer stretch.
  • Thanks everyone! I have a good stash saved up already, so I am going to sleep while I can. :D
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"