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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Stopping Breastfeeding For 3 Days ~ How Much To Pump To Keep Supply Up?

40 replies

QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 17:28

Hiya,
Im not sure how much & how often I need to pump to keep my supply up. Its been 24 hours now since I BFed, and having my first pump, but hardy anything is coming out. My boobs are rock hard and quite balloon like ~ is it too late? I gave one nipples a tweak, and got a squirt so there's milk there... and im sure I saw it come out while pumping, but one is nearly empty and the other has only about 1oz in it...

Do I aim for a certain oz, or go a certain length of time... & how often?

Many Thanks xxx xxx

OP posts:
JackieNoHoHo · 17/12/2006 17:38

Hi Quootiepie - not sure I can help much on the how much/how long to pump for, but you need to do it whenever your lo would normally be feeding. So every time they have a bottle, you would need to pump.

Best of luck with it.

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 17:40

bugger ~ so much for my sleep then!

OP posts:
JackieNoHoHo · 17/12/2006 17:46

I guess so . But you might be able to get away with just pumping once in the night (how often does your LO usually feed at night?).

Some info on Kellymom (plus more if you search on 'expressing'), which might be helpful. I'm not an expert on this at all (although I did pump when my DD was tiny), so hopefully someone who knows more will be along soon....

JackieNoHoHo · 17/12/2006 17:47

sorry - meant to say that the pumping as often as your LO feeds/would bf will help to ensure that you keep up the production of breastmilk as much as possible.

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 17/12/2006 17:49

I remember TikTok querying the length of time not to bf because of medication for on another thread (different circumstances to yours though). Maybe the whole 3 days isn't necessary?

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 19:26

DS feeds 3-6 times from 7-7... Just pumped 6 more oz in the car when I went out and its a green colour??!? I wonder if thats the diazepam?

OP posts:
DoesntChristmasDragOn · 17/12/2006 19:28

Green-green or a tinge? I didn't think what you eat etc changed the colour though.

mears · 17/12/2006 19:29

Quootiepie - how old is your baby? Why are you having to stop for 3 days?

mears · 17/12/2006 19:31

Green colour is normal in the evening and at night. Changes colour throughout the day.

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 17/12/2006 19:34

Blimey - I never knew that about the colour!

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 19:37

Took an overdose of diazepam ~ the doctor from NHS direct (the one who rings back) said I could BF again in 3 days.

Its greeny tinge... like its been mixed with washing up liquid

OP posts:
Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 19:38

DS - nearly 9 months. 9 months December 27th

OP posts:
mears · 17/12/2006 19:41

Sorry quootie - just did a search and realise why you have been advised 3 days. Just continue pumping until you feel comforrtable. Best to switch from breast to breast each time the milk flow slows. Also massage your breast down towards the nipple prior to expressing. Hand expressing can also start the milk flowing before you go on the pump. It is best to express at least 6-8 times in the day if you can. I think sleep is important for you so express last thing before you go to bed and first thing when you get up. HTH

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 20:14

Thanks xxx So the green is normal, not the diazepam? x

OP posts:
mears · 17/12/2006 23:00

Yes, green is normal - had it myself

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 23:02

Phew! Just pumped another 3oz... is that enough for a session? Or should I be aiming for more?

OP posts:
Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 23:02

Phew! Just pumped another 3oz... is that enough for a session? Or should I be aiming for more?

OP posts:
PrettyCandlesAndTinselToo · 17/12/2006 23:05

Q - can you be near your LO when you express? Or at least have a photo to look at and maybe a used babygro or vest to hold? These things help you to respond better to the pump's stimulation. I also find that music can help (particularly Abba ).

mears · 17/12/2006 23:05

Did you switch sides more than once when the milk slowed? Have your breast softened?
If they feel comfortable then that is fine. When you start feeding again your baby will boost your supply better than the pump.

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 17/12/2006 23:17

They feel normal and soft now... I pumped until one side seemed pretty empty, then swapped.

OP posts:
mears · 17/12/2006 23:23

If they feel fine then that is OK. The reason I said to switch sides is because it is much faster to express that way and you usually get more. That is because you let down milk from the opposiate breast when you are pumping. When the milk flow slows, swap breasts and then that side will let down again as you express the opposite side. Carry on like that till the milk flow really slows. Try it next time and see if you find a difference.

Original poster
QuootiepiesChristmasName · 18/12/2006 00:32

Thanks alot xXx

OP posts:
Quootiepie · 18/12/2006 09:06

my milk is still very green looking...

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2006 09:17

Does it matter if it's green? If you have to dump the milk anyway it won't matter. I guess you never get to see it really do you?

How are you today?

DoesntChristmasDragOn · 18/12/2006 09:18

FWIW, I could never express if I could see my babies or hear them. Put me off completely. I got my best results pumping whilst, say, MNing and not paying attention to the milk!