Does pumping take away from baby?

[londonsmommy]

I have been trying to pump to save up milk for when I go back to work next week and I was wondering if pumping decreases the amount of milk my baby will get in a day? I started pumping yesterday and got a little over 2 ounces total pumping 3 times between feedings (I've been feeding about every 3 hours). When I put my baby on, it's been an hour or more since I"ve pumped, but does she still get enough milk for her to go another 3 hours or do I need to feed her more frequently when I'm pumping? She has been waking up only once in the night for a couple weeks (she is 6 weeks old) and last night she was waking up every hour-and-a-half to 2 hours, which is not normal for her, and I am worried that she didn't get enough to eat yesterday and that's why she was up so much in the night?? Any thoughts on this? How long does it take for your body to replenish what was there? Does it take a few weeks for your body to kick in and make more? I don't want 3 weeks of nights like last night if that is the problem! Thanks for any advice!

[maabell]

Welcome to the boards!!!

It really shouldn't take from your baby when you pump, it actually makes your body think your baby is eating more often. It is more likely that your baby is going through a growth spurt and just needs more to eat. Your body should adjust in making more milk over a couple days. I am sure someone else will chime in, but I will try and find you some links to get you better answers.

[maabell]

Here is a link:
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/04enough_milk.html

also, just look around kellymom, I am sure there are more answers there.

[KaraJ]

Maabell is right. What I actually have started to do, when I want to increase my milk, is pump, than immediately put the baby to the breast. He's better at getting the milk out than the pump.

[ashtonsmom]

They are both right. And if you have just pumped, and baby is ready to eat, that is when milk comes down the fastest...on demand. So epmtying your breasts with a pump, does not mean there is no milk for baby to nurse.

[Tufftitty]

It's probably a growth spurt. Six weeks is prime time for one. Just keep putting baby to the breast every time she squeaks. This will bump up your supply for her. Things should level out in 2-3 days.