BFing and baby sleeping

DS is 8 weeks old and is pretty good about sleeping long stretches at night. Right now he's been sleeping 6 hours. When this happens I don't want to wake him and end up pumping bc I get super uncomfortable. I feed him on demand so I wonder other than helping my stash do I need to pump now or will my body start to regulate if I don't. I don't want to mess with my supply but I'd also like to sleep.
Thoughts? Thanks

Re: BFing and baby sleeping

I never pumped that hour. I had an oversupply and I found that pumping made it worse. I slept with a towel on my chest and would hand express in the morning so the flow wouldnt be too strong for her. My body adjusted for the most part. My supply hasnt been affected.

BFing and baby sleeping

My DS is 9 weeks and has been sleeping 5-7 hour stretches for 3 weeks. I have never woken up to pump although I am sometimes quite full. If you pump then you'll make your body think it needs to have milk available at that time and it will not self regulate. I would hand express a little if you are very uncomfortable.

My supply has not been affected by not pumping in the middle of the night. After DS 2 month shots, he woke up every 2-3 hours and there was always milk there for him to drink.

Message edited 6/30/2014 7:35:09 AM.

Re: BFing and baby sleeping

I wouldn't pump during that time if he's not getting up. Your body will adjust and you won't be as full. If you wake up extremely full I'd probably pump (or hand express a little) and then nurse him; then pump to completely empty each boob. I think i read once that signals the production too; emptying the boob. Your body will produce more when you've emptied the milk rather than letting it sit there.