Exclusively breast pumping

If one would want to just pump, when would one start? In the hospital Or once home? And would the lack of baby to the breast make one’s supply less?

I plan on trying to BF in the hospital, but once we get home I “think” I might just pump as I will be returning to work with in 2 weeks after he is here. I was told after my 2nd son was born that, I needed to BF him in order to keep a good supply?? Is that true? Is there anything I need to know about exclusively Bpumping? Is there things I would need to do different?

Thanks

[nicole179]

no i do not believe that you NEED to BF to maintain a supply, my son is 3 months, i BF in hosapital and at home for a while, but then decided to strictly pump and bottle feed.  i have an awesome supply and baby gets plenty, he's huge!  even though i was home with him up until 1 week ago he had a really hard time latching so i had to use a nipple shield, eventually it became easier for me to just pump and give the bottle.  i pumped about every 2 or 3 hours for 10-15 min.  if supply seemed to be dropping i would pump nonstop for a day every 30min to hour.  i have not ever had an issue with not enough except when my period came back, it bounced right back after 1 day though. good luck.

[tiredbuthappy]

You start in the hospital. Ask them for a pump when you get to your room. You will need to pump regularly and often. For the first 8 to 12 weeks, you need to pump every 2-3 hours, with 1 longer stretch at night. Pretty much, as often as a baby would nurse (about 8 to 10 times/day). And you need a good pump.

My first never nursed. I was able to pump for 6 1/2 months, and my supply was still going strong when I stopped. This little one is 5 months, we started out nursing, but that didn't work out. I am currently pumping only 3 or 4 times a day and making 40-42 ounces, so I am making enough and freezing some everyday.

It's hard work, and for some it doesn't work out, but it is definitely possible for many women. Don't listen to people who say it can't be done. When I did it 2 1/2 years ago, that was all I heard too. A lot has changed- I think it's becoming more common as people become more aware of the benefits of breastmilk.

[Super_sally888]

And it is also possible to both pump and Bf, even if you are working.  I pump when not home and BF directly when I'm not home.

Recommend just be flexible and see what works.

[nicole179]

i was just wondering how long you pump for each session? i pump about the same amount in a day, usually do not have much extra to freeze, my 3 month old eats 6oz per feeding, but i would love to be able to cut my sessions from 6 to 3 or 4. i pump until i am empty every session.  usually takes 5-10 minutes with pump on full blast.  i guess maybe i am just nervous if try to drop a session my supply might drop

[mamaofonetrying42]

Wow thank you so much for the infor!!

[PamelaBee]

The hospital I delivered my children at charges a fee to use their pump.  You may want to see if yours does the same...you may not even care, but I thought it was good to know.  If you have your own pump, bring it with you to the hospital.

[tiredbuthappy]

i have to pump a long time.
AM pump- 45 min to 60 min

lunch pump- 15 min (there's plenty more, just no time)
after work, i sometimes throw in a pump around 5. this is usually about 15 min

PM pump- if i do a pump after work, i can get away with 30-45 min, otherwise an hour.

I pump PAST feeling empty, and am always surprised by additional let-downs. I don't think i'm ever actually empty.  These extra let-downs are smaller, and most of the milk is expressed in the beginning. I pump longer to stimulate supply.