Exclusively pumping?

Question

Does anyone have experience with exclusively pumping? I'm looking for general advice on how to keep my supply up and what the expect once my little man gets older. My little man is now 9 days old and I'm currently pumping every 2 - 3 hours. I would love to breastfeed him but he's had a few medical issues and it doesnt seem like it's going to be possible. I'm all ears for any and all advice.

Answer

I exclusively pumped for twins from 8 weeks until they were 6 months old. I did start losing my supply once they started sleeping through the night (I could not get myself out of bed just to pump) and took fewer naps (would typically pump as soon as I laid them down). Some women can get away with pumping 4-5 times a day. I probably would have been able to had I had only one baby. As previous commenter said, I think if you pump at least as many times as baby feeds, you will be golden up until that 6 month range where some babies take as much milk througu the day but only in 4 feeds? At that point you may have to pump more often than baby eats. I found I could empty MUCH better and produce so much more if I massaged and compressed breasts as I pumped, so I rarely used a hands free device bra or device. My other recommendation is as you build a milk stash, take one out after afew weeks or a month or two, thaw it, and sniff/taste it. My milk had excess lipase in it which would cause the milk to taste/smell soapy if frozen in certain containers. Its totally safe for baby but useless if they won't take it!! I ended up dumping half that small stash i had. So just double check that your freezing is working fine for your milk so you dont have to dump!

Answer

I pumped for 5 and half months with my first, I just couldn't get the hang of feeding. I found if I pumped when my son fed (when possible) I never had a problem with flow. I intend to do it again

Answer

I pump every 2-3 hours or when my breast start to feel full, which ever one comes first.  Drink lots and lots of water!  Eat healthy snacks.  I am also trying this out and it seems to be helping.  My daughter is only 6 days old but I’ve been getting about 4-5oz every time I pump!  Hope this helps and best of luck!  I also exclusively pumped with my middle child and water intake is a big help!!

Exclusively pumping?

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