I'm new to this! I'm seeking some advice so I can exclusively pump sucessfully

[jesslynsmommy12]

Hi! i'm so thankful i found this group. i thought i was the only one that thought this can be an option when feeding our beautiful babies. my newborn is 5 days old.

I'm seeking advice on how to maintain a good supply for her!

i've heard so many times about how when you exclusively pump it brings down your supply.

well, what can i do to keep that from happening? how often should i pump, how long should i pump for when i do pump, what are some things to avoid my milk drying up or decreasing over time, and what are some vitamins/supplements i can take to be sure i get the best results?

thank you so much! again i am so thankful to find this group

[CandiceDanielle]

You should pump every 2 hrs during the day and 3-4 at night (like baby would nurse) to establish and maintain a supply for the first 3-4 months.
Most women pump anywhere from 10-20 mins,it depends on if you're using a single or double.
Good luck!

[Angelicmom24]

I've heard eating oatmeal helps ur supply

[D520]

Make sure to drink plenty of water! I take Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle herbs every day...i take more Fenugreek than recommended on the bottle. I also heard oatmeal was good, so I eat that for breakfast as well! Good luck!! :)

[jlangdon81]

Steel cut oats, pump every 2-3 hours, lots of water, plenty of protein, more milk plus tincture, and constant reading of this message board! The last recommendation works really well when you are frustrated with the fact that you are married to the pump! Good luck! We are always here for you!

[.sp4rkl3z.]

You should never go 4 hours between pumping. It might happen but you shouldn't make a habit out of it. Pump more often than baby eats. Start small - you might only be able to save ½oz at a time, but soon you'll find you're able to save more. The first 12 weeks are critical to constantly pumping and saving. Just remember its only 12 weeks and then if you did it right you can start slowing down.

[.sp4rkl3z.]

Make sure you're using the right size flange/shield too. The one that comes with most pumps is too small for most people. Get a decent pump too. Nothing less than an Ameda PY or Medela PISA

[MommyO2-6631]

Everything that the ladies above said! I'm still pretty new so i haven't learned all the tricks! Getting an awesome pump though. That wasn't mentioned. Sit your pump near your computer because it gets boring while pumping and if you're bored you'll usually pump for less time. Aiden's doc told me ways to keep my supply up are to... pump every 3-4 hours around the clock, pump for about 5 minites past the let down phase (when it's just barely dripping into the bottles), and drink fluids! Lots of fluids! Especially if you're out and about. And i don't think just pumping means you will have a lower supply than a breast feeding woman. I can pump between 6 and 10 ounces every 3 hours and i don't take any suppliments to boost my supply at the moment. May i ask why you've chosen eping?

[Andy15]

establish a schedule for pumping. and dont defer from it. that is the biggest reason many loose supply. supplements like fenugreek, goats rue, mothers milk, the mothers milk tea, blessed thistle. Keep taking viatimines. oatmeal will help too. the real stuff, not instant.  and just pump often. 

[jesslynsmommy12]

thank you everyone! i really appreciate it. it means so much. i hope all is well.

i started exclusively pumping because for almost 2 weeks and daughter and i had really bad latching problems. my nipples were so raw, and wounded, that they were bright pink (i have really dark brown nipples) they resembled an open wound! besides that she would go long stretches with out eating because we spent so much time trying to latch. so now i just pump :) it is really hard to keep up with though!