How often should I try to pump?
ByQuestion by <3 ][3.31.10][ <3: How often should I try to pump?
I just gave birth to my son on 3/31/10, after I recovered a little from the labor. It was pretty traumatic, lost a lot of blood, had no epidural. So after some of the drugs wore off and I wasn’t dizzy/lightheaded, I tried to pump there, it was a failed attempt. I did get a little of the colostrum, but I was on Percocet, out of it and dropped it. I gave up after that try. I really want to try again, but I haven’t the slightest idea how much I should pump. They are definitely engorged today. Since birth he has been on formula. Thanks for your help!
No I won’t be “breastfeeding” just pumping.
Best answer:
Answer by **
If you want your son to be on only breast milk you will need to pump every two hours. Anything less will cause your supply to decrease and eventually you will have very little to pump.
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
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4 Comments
June 18th, 2011 at 7:37 am
avoid formula if you are using breast milk. pump whenever you want cuz supply = demand. follow up with your lactation consultant to pick the right pump from the ones offered by your insurance company & for other tips. avoid all meds cuz they will make it to the milk supply. drink plenty of water.
June 18th, 2011 at 7:39 am
We have almost the same story!!! I also gave birth on 3-31, lost quite a bit of blood, and was on percocets. I ended up having a Csection at 9:39 am, and barely saw my son the whole rest of the day. I ended up being extremely week and sick. I couldn’t pump or feed him until the next day.
My lactation consultant told me to pump as if I were feeding him. Twenty minutes every three hours. She told me to do five on one breast, five on the next, and then repeat.
Good luck!
June 18th, 2011 at 7:59 am
Congratulations!
This may sound silly but try looking at your baby when you are pumping. Also hearing your babies cry can trigger the let down reflex that starts the milk coming.
I tried to describe the feeling to someone once of the let down reflex and it occurred to me that it’s like when you are about to cry but trying not to, but in your breast. I hope that makes sense. lol
I find it difficult to express milk. Just try not to over do it, 10 minutes on each breast every two or three hours, in time it will get easier.
June 18th, 2011 at 8:16 am
I would really recommend that you put baby to breast because a pump doesn’t get as much milk out as baby and doesn’t stimulate breast as much as baby. so many women have a hard time keeping up with supply. However, you should start pumping every 2 hours. even thorugh teh night you need to be pumping to stimulate supply like you’d be nursing. Again i encourage you to try the breast since once learned it’s much easier. Less hassle when you can just pop the breast out and feed rather than pump for 15-20 minutes, feed, wash bottles etc. get up heat the bottles. you’de get more rest and keep up with your supply much better