Question for moms who exclusively pump

How often do you pump? Do you do it for every feeding or do you have a different schedule?
I have been pumping for every feeding but I am wondering if I can maybe skip an extra one a day? This would give me so much more freedom in the afternoon.

Message edited 5/20/2009 9:50:23 AM.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

When I was pumping, I had to pump after each feeding in order to keep up with her demand. I definately saw a dip in my supply by skipping pumping sessions. I also had a poor supply to begin with.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

It took me a few weeks but I established a 3 times a day pumping schedule, I was pumping when I woke up at about 6.30 am, then pumping again at 6 pm, and again at 11 pm.
I had a fantastic supply and I was really lucky to be able to get to this schedule. This was my saving grace while pumping. My son was never a HUGE eater.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

I pumped every 4 hours or so when I didnt have a big supply. As it went on, I could pump 3 times a day and have enough for DD, but eventually I knew she was going to eat more... so I would recommend keep pumping and freeze what you dont need that day!!

I only pumped for 6 weeks.. I stopped this week.. I just cant fathom doing it at work and it really is a lot of work. i give anyone who pumps and breastfeeds a TON of credit.... It really is hard work!!!

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

Right now, DD is 2 weeks old. At first, I was pumping every 3-4 hours, as she was eating. Then I was able to go every 4-6 hours around the clock. Now I pretty much pump about every 6-8 hours during the day. I don't get up to pump at night anymore, but I do pump in the early morning when she eats (around 5am). I'm getting about 40oz per day right now. She is only drinking about 18oz a day for now. I do know it will increase but I don't see it ever getting up to 40oz so I don't plan to increase my pumping again unless my supply begins to dip.

With DD#1 I pumped for 4 months until I had to return to work. I am planning to do the same for this DD but am not really sure if I will last that long. I am alot more uncomfortable this time than I was last time but I'm not sure why. So we'll see. For now, I'm just freezing all my extra.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

I pumped every 4-5 hours round the clock. I had to or I got engorged and that was painful.

I was able to freeze an additional 3 months for DS, so just pump and freeze and use before the three months. You will still have plenty as long as you use first in, first out.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

For the first 12 weeks, I pumped every 3 hours (nights included) to establish my supply. Then every few weeks I stretched it to every 4, 6, then 8 hours. Anything beyond 3-4 times a day caused my supply to tank and then I had to pump extra to get it back.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

At first, I was pumping every 3 hours. Gradually, I decreased it to every 4, then 5, and now I pump 4 times a day, sometimes 5 if I feel a little engorged.

I pump 8-10 oz, per session, and DS eats 3-4 oz. every 3 hours, so I have a nice stash in my freezer. And I have the freedom to go out for up to 6 hours and not have to worry about pumping.

You can try to gradually space out/eliminate pumping sessions. Your body should adjust. If you see a dip, increase it again. The key is to do it gradually, otherwise your supply will dip.

Re: Question for moms who exclusively pump

Thanks ladies I am going to try to go the 5 hours between today for all my pumping. I can do this at night so I should be able to do it during the day.