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pumping to increase supply

7 replies

newmummyagain · 02/06/2016 08:18

I want to increase my supply. Has anyone got any tips regarding pumping to increase supply? What's worked for you?

My son feeds quite regularly and usually off both sides. So any recommendations in terms of how long for. Perhaps pumping from the first side whilst he's feeding from the second side?

I'm not concerned with how much milk I express but more just want to stimulate the supply. If I get enough then I might feed him it, not convince I will though! Or perhaps I'll freeze for using when he weans.

Thanks in advance!

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beginnersewer · 02/06/2016 11:19

Personally I never did a lot of pumping but maybe it might help others to make some useful suggestions if you could explain why you would like to increase your supply eg is baby not gaining weight very well or seeming impatient when feeding?
Hope you find a way that works for you.

suspiciousofgoldfish · 02/06/2016 12:39

Pumped like a cow over here Smile

So, if he is feeding from both sides, let him have as much as he wants first and then pump. You may not get a huge amount at first but pumping should stimulate more milk production, in theory.

I used to express more at night, because my DS would often wake up, (or not, we were very lucky) and only have 'one boob' then fall back asleep. So that meant my other boob was enormous and uncomfortable, so I would express to let it down a bit.

Ideally what you want to see in your expressed milk bottle once done is a layer of cream on top - this shows you have expressed the fatty and nutritious 'hind milk' and not just the watery foremilk.

The more you pump, the more milk you make. Drink loads of water, because if you are dehydrated it definitely affects your supply IME.

Take breastfeeding vits too because bfing is quite draining on the body (IMO) and my skin and hair suffered.

Good luck Smile. Hope it works out for you, as an extra bonus you'll probably lose your baby weight quickly (if indeed you have any! )

There are loads of foods you can eat to increase supply, spinach, eggs, avocados ...... Can't remember exactly what else but it's easy to find on google.

If you go to work/out for the evening/etc and leave your baby, make sure you take your breast pump and express at what would be his usual feeding times.

newmummyagain · 02/06/2016 17:38

Baby hasn't been gaining weight well. We've had a number of issues and have had lots of help from IBCLC and just want to see if this helps. Not getting much at the moment but expecting that. Not pumping to get much just to stimulate more milk.

I don't leave him yet and he just feeds from me. Don't usually have much time between feeds but trying to just pump for 15 minutes or so.

Really need to pump once he goes down in the evening but usually just fall asleep on sofa!

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newmummyagain · 02/06/2016 17:38

Sorry forgot to say - thanks for the replies x

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Heirhelp · 02/06/2016 19:17

I had low supply after illness and the breast feeding advisor at hospital suggested 15 on each boob after feeding. It might be worth ringing a national helpline eg ntc.

newmummyagain · 03/06/2016 09:50

Thank you. Don't worry I've been seeing breastfeeding supporter and also infant feeding specialist midwife almost every week at the breastfeeding cafe for a couple of months now as well as getting him weighed each week. So we are getting lots of advice. Just wanted first hand experience of pumping and how it worked for others to increase supply.

Got about an ounce yesterday over 3 sessions as I was out for most of the day.

Hopefully more today.

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vroc81 · 04/06/2016 08:29

Try fenugreek and oats.. Porridge or flapjack. They will boost the amount of milk you are getting. Make sure you are getting a pump in between 12 - 5am as this helps boost supply when your hormones peak.

You're feeding as well but if exclusively pumping you would need to pump every two to three hours to start with to keep supply so that is worth thinking about when you can pump around feeding.

Pump until the milk stops and then carry on for a few more minutes as this tells your body you want more and may stimulate another let down.

I haven't tried it but you can also try a power pump on an evening, pump for ten minutes, stop for ten pump for ten and so on for an hour or so..

There is loads of information out there especially on American websites about pumping as they aren't as fortunate as us with maternity leave - Kellysmom is a good starting place for you.

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