How Often Should you pump?

How often should you pump? My work is starting to throw a fit because I've been going downstairs to pump every 2 hours. Now I'm going to try every 3 hours. If I went and pumped every 4 hours would that lower my supply??

[PamelaBee]

That's unfortunate your workplace is being so uncooperative.  Personally, I would tell them to "shove it" : )...what ever happened to Worklife"??  How old is your baby?  How often is his/her feedings?  If your baby eats every 2hrs, then yes, you should be pumping every 2hrs.  If your baby is going every 3/4hrs between each feeding, that's when you should pump as well.  In otherwards, anytime your baby would feed, but is not with you, that's when you should pump.  Best of luck!

[Hol739]

I know they are being butt heads..!! I just went off..!! My son is nursing every 3 hours and is eating about 7 1/2 ounces,. He will be 4 months this Sunday.

[tiredbuthappy]

it may not lower your supply. since your baby is older, you can try it. everybody is different, but I actually produced much more when i pumped every 4 hours. if it does affect your supply, you should be able to boost it back up by increasing frequency again.

[NicMom]

Same here I pump every 4 hours now and 6 hours for one stretch at night. My supply didn't go down, but I did have to get bigger bottles since I get more milk at each pumping.

[lmc2132]

Try reducing the number of pumps but increasing the time at pump.  I did this and my supple actually increased.  Good luck.

[sweetangel7]

I'm going through a similar time...I can only pump once from 8 to 3 and it has DEFINITELY affected my supply =(  AND I can only pump for about 10 min.  I would pump as much as I could get away with if I were you...My son was 4months when I returned to work and I have slowly watched my pumpings decrease =(  He will be 7months at the end of this month.  Good luck!

[Super_sally888]

You could also add in manual expression of say 1 oz or so per side each time you go to the toilet.  This woudn't take more than a few minutes but the stimulation will help your supply keep up.

Just an idea.