Author Topic: Pumping question  (Read 1668 times)

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Offline sarahjoy

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Pumping question
« on: December 05, 2013, 17:11:49 pm »
Hello.  I just started working part time and pumping while I'm working 3 days a week.  My lo is still only nursing from one side per feeding when I'm nursing so should I only pump one side at a time or pump both sides?  Today is only my 3rd day working so I haven't noticed any engorgement issues, just wondering what others have done.

I pumped with DS1 but he was eating from both sides and was much older when I started.
Thanks!

Offline goldmom

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2013, 17:17:54 pm »
DD usually only ate from one side, but I always pumped both sides, since often I needed both sides to get a full bottle and also to save some if needed. Not sure how old you LO is, but when DD was very young and still eating 3x while I was gone, I was able to pump just 2x and have enough for all 3 bottles, and no issues on weekends (at 4 months we switched to only 2 feedings when I was gone so I was on her schedule again). I was pumping 5 days a week but never felt I had any issues when I was home with her on weekends.

Offline *Ali*

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2013, 22:19:42 pm »
I see from your other posts your DS is about 9wo.

I would pump both if you have time. It can only help your supply. The pump isn't as effective as your LO so it may take both sides to get a full feed or you can store some perhaps.
Cadan Dec 2009 and Colby Aug 2011


Offline lhurley168

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #3 on: December 18, 2013, 05:23:46 am »
I am also beginning to pump but to exclusively bottle feed my lo. I'm pumping both sides at the usual times he should eat (about 30 mind prior). My problem is that I'm using both sides to make one bottle and I can't tell if he's satisfied. He sucks down the bottle in 15 mins down to the last drop but he doesn't cry when it's gone. The next feeding he eats the same. So far I've been expressing very inconstant amounts. Sometimes 4oz combined and sometimes 6oz. When he was bf he would only nurse on one side. Now pumping both doesn't seem enough. What should I do to increase my supply to exclusively bottle feed? Do I pump more frequently?

Offline *Ali*

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #4 on: December 18, 2013, 20:11:34 pm »
How many ounces in total is he taking over 24hrs? Average is 25oz of breast milk but anything between 19-32 can be normal.

If he is going 3hrs between feeds and sleeping well then I'm sure he is getting enough.

Have you tried breast compressions? Breast compression

What about pumping the first breast again after you finish on the second?  It is normal for your lo to be more efficient than a pump so makes sense you may need both breasts when pumping even if lo only takes one. Are you pulling for a set period of time or until the flow stops?

If he isn't going down for the night until 10 then I would probably skip the df and wait for him to wake.
Cadan Dec 2009 and Colby Aug 2011


Offline lhurley168

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #5 on: December 19, 2013, 10:39:26 am »
I've done a couple things different this week. I've been waking him at 7 am and keeping him up for an hour and 35 mins for combined EA time between naps. This is also the first week for bottle feeding only with the occasional bf and have bf each time for nf. These few changes have helped get him on track for sleeping at 7:30-8 pm without being fussy or waking back up. DS has always slept well through the night waking at 1 or 2 and 5 or 6am.  It does seem he's on q to feeding every 3 hrs almost down to the minute whether by bottle or breast. On average he eats about 5 to 5 1/2 oz. Sometimes I can only express 4 or 4 1/2 oz and that's what worries me. I do compressions near the end of pumping. I have a double electric pump and usually go 15 mins. and aim for 20 mins. How do I build supply while bottle feeding. I know that's a jump a head when I'm worried I'm not producing enough as is. I've thought about pumping then feeding him the expressed milk then pumping again. Would that help?

Offline *Ali*

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #6 on: December 19, 2013, 12:29:02 pm »
This FAQ has info on getting the best from pumping. Pumping
Cadan Dec 2009 and Colby Aug 2011


Offline lhurley168

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #7 on: December 19, 2013, 13:41:34 pm »
I think I've read that over 50x lol. Thank you for your help! I did wake up with a swollen throat yesterday and again this morning. Maybe that's created one of those lows for me. Thanks again Ali!!

Offline *Ali*

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Re: Pumping question
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2013, 23:51:48 pm »
To answer your question then yes any extra pumping you can do will help stimulate your supply and lead to your body producing more milk.
Cadan Dec 2009 and Colby Aug 2011