Question about pumping from a new mom!

My daughter Alexis Michelle was born on Monday 12/6. I haven't been successful with getting her to latch. I did try for a while but have definitely gotten lazy and been exclusively pumping for the last few days. There's just so much to balance that I don't seem to want to go through her frustration and crying and then my frustration etc.

My question is, how often should I be pumping and for how long? I was pumping every 3 hours or so for 15 minutes, around the same time she was fed. The last day or so I have been going more like every 6 hours and pumping for about 20-25. I'm not sure how to manage this. I am producing enough milk for her and have enough in the fridge for a few feedings. I am just not sure how to proceed.

Also, my breasts are so HUGE and HEAVY. Are they just going to stay this way the entire time I breast feed? They are so huge that my winter coats won't zip...it's crazy and nothing like what I imagined.

Lastly, what is that intense feeling when there is a ton of pressure in the breasts. They feel heavy all the time, but preriodically this rush of pressure happens.

Thanks for the help. I am sure I will be asking a ton more questions and will post a few pics when I have a few extra minutes.

Thanks again!

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

First off, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

I went through exactly what you're describing w/ my DS. His latch was awful, and even though I managed to BF my DD successfully for almost a year, my DS was frustrated and *I* was frustrated, too. So, I started pumping instead.

In the beginning, you'll want to pump at LEAST every 3 hours. Some will even recommend pumping every 3 hours around the clock...I was never disciplined enough to do that, I valued the precious few hours of sleep I could actually get.

Try for every 2 hours if you're looking to build a freezer stash...this way, you'll boost your supply and can start stocking some away in the freezer (This will come in SO handy for you, I can't even begin to tell you...)

That rush of pressure is probably a signal that you're getting engorged. I used to get that, along with a tingling sensation, when I had gone too long between pumping sessions. It could also be your letdown...make sure you wear nursing pads at all times, even if you think you don't need to.

Hope that helps, even a little!

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

Congrats! I exclusively pumped for just about 2 months. I just made sure to pump the same number of times that he ate that day... I kept track of how many times he ate a day and how many ozs and just made sure to pump the same number and would pump for 15 mins each session. It always gave me as much as he ate, if not more, I had a good freezer stash going. I was really full and leaking for those 2 months too but it stopped, idk if it was because I went to exclusively breastfeeding instead of pumping or my supply leveled off but now I don't leak at all.

I don't know about the pressure feeling... I know I would get weird feelings when I went too long in between pumps, maybe that's it?

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

Congratulations!!! I'm a new Mommy too and in the same situation right now. DS was born on 12/9 and was latching like a champ in the hospital before my milk really started to come in. Once it did come in, he just refuses to nurse. I think I've gotten him on the breast 3x total since then. I started pumping after every bottle, so I am essentially pumping every single time he eats... even throughout the night. My supply has increased so much!! I pump for 15-20 minutes and get 5-6oz per breast each time and have even started my freezer stash. My breasts get very heavy and porn-starrish when they get full, too. They hurt at first but don't hurt anymore. Good Luck!

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

That early on you need to be pumping every 2-3 hours, through the night (sorry) to establish your supply.
Your supply will drop if you are going 6 hours.
As for time, 15-20 minutes is fine but sometimes if you go a few minutes after milk stops flowing you will have a second let down.

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

Congrats Robyn and welcome!!! I can't wait to see pics!!

I have no advice about pumping exclusively but I will assure you that your boobs will calm down At 6 months they are starting to get closer to normal size and only really swell up if it's been a long time between pumping or feeding.

Lots of luck to you!!

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

your breasts will stop hurting once your supply is well established and your body understands what's going on. I EP'd for one year and for the first 2 months pretty much pumped every time DS ate. Then I stopped pumping in the middle of the night and just made sure I pumped extra. For a few months I pumped 6X a day, then it went to 5, then 4 and I was at 3X a day for 3 months or so. I really had no intentions of EP'ing, but I had some engorgement issues that made it very hard for DS to latch and it would make me upset when DS was screaming for milk. I do regret not giving it more of a chance though, so keep trying with the BF'ing.

Congrats

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

Congratulations!!!


I exclusively pumped for 6.5 months.

For at least the first 8 weeks I suggest pumping every 2-3 hours and try your best to be firm with that. Pump for 15 minutes on each breast, or if double pumping then 15 minutes total. You need to be consistent and do it often to really establish your supply.

Your breasts will gradually go down as your milk supply is established but it will take a little bit. It won't be this exact way the entire time but they won't be the way they were pre-pregnancy any time soon.

That intense feeling sounds like you are experience the let down...your milk is ready to be pumped.

Re: Question about pumping from a new mom!

Thank you all so much! You all have been extremely helpful. I now know what I need to do and what I can expect.

Thanks again!