Pumping?

For the last day or two I feel like I'm engorged even if i just pumped 2 hours prior. I'm not running a fever or anything and it does feel better after pumping. I feel like I'm on a "bad" schedule and screwed myself up somewhere along the way (I'm 5w pp).

For those who are pumping/have pumped...what was your schedule and how long did/do you pump for?

My DS is up to a 4 oz bottle every 3-4 hours.

Re: Pumping?

I'm not on a consistent pumping schedule because I find bf'ing so much easier. I'm returning to work in 3 weeks and need to start one though.

When I do pump, it's generally for 15 mins, 20 max. I also have never gotten more than 4 ozs from one session. I'm worried about being able to pump enough for DD to have while I'm at work. We'll see what happens. One day at a time.

Re: Pumping?

I don't have a strict pumping schedule, but I normally try to pump around 6 am, 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm, and midnight. But some days I only pump 4 times & occasionally only 3 times. I get the most during the first pump of the day. Some nights I pump in the middle of the night when DS wakes up for a feeding, I'll just stay up & pump if I feel like I need to, or if I'm leaking. I typically pump anywhere from 25 - 45 minutes each time. I usually get close to 30 ounces for the whole day, and anywhere from 5 to 10 ounces total during each session, depending how long it's been since the last time.

ETA: DS is 9.5 weeks old, and I give him 4.5 - 5 ounces approx. every 3.5 - 4 hours. He usually has 6 or 7 bottles per day.

Message edited 10/14/2013 11:07:44 PM.

Re: Pumping?

Are you exclusively pumping?
There's usually a growth spurt ~6weeks so maybe your body is preparing for that by increasing your milk production to be ready for baby's growth spurt? Sounds weird, but your body will make what your baby needs.

I never ep'd at 5wks PP, but I started pumping for them all before then (I have three DCs). I would pump first thing in the AM (around 5:30/6), then around naptime (2pm) and then at night after the baby went down for the night if I could. I usually pumped for 15min. I would even sometimes wake up in the middle of the night to pump if the baby started sleeping for longer stretches. Listen to your body - I think if I were you I would pump more to relieve the engorgement.