How often should I pump?

[stacey0276]

I have a 3 week old who refuses to latch without a nipple shield. Even with the shield he will only latch sometimes and when does will only suckle for 3-5 minutes. So I have been pumpimp every three hours and getting about 3oz between both breast. Should I continue this, increase, or decrease. I am not sure what I should do.

[Marsha_Bearden]

I am so glad you have continued to express your milk for your baby. I would continue what you are doing if it is working well. Your supply does seem to be adequate. Most moms average pumping about an ounce per hour.

If you feel like your baby is requiring more than you are pumping, I will be happy to email you my instruction sheet on Increasing Your Milk Supply. Email me at marsha@motheringfromtheheart.com and request the file and I'll reply back and attach it.

Do not give up trying to get your baby back to the breast. The Nipple shield is a good idea if nursing at the breast isn't working well. Do you know why your baby had problems latching? Do you have flat or inverted nipples?

You may want to try expressing milk using breast compression while the baby is nursing with the nipple shield to keep the flow going in case this might be a reason for stopping after a few minutes.

See a LC locally and she may be able to help you with getting your baby back to the breast. I've seen in happen in many babies much older than your son.

If you continue pumping only, I would strongly recommend using a good breastpump that will be compatible with the Easy Expression Bustier. This hands free pumping bra will help so much if you are pumping only. You can multitask and possibly get in more pumping time.

http://www.motheringfromtheheart.com/catalog/76Expression%20Bustier.htm

Here is another website with info on latching problems that might be helpful.
http://www.kellymom.com/newman/26baby_refuses_to_latch.html

[adominguez09]

Hi!!! my daughter aviyahna was born 2 weeks ago with gastroschisis so i am unable to breastfeed her. Instead i pump throughout the day to provide milk for her. Within the past few days iv'e only been able to pump 2-3 times a day due to a busy schedule. I have noticed that my supply is extremly low i only get about an ounce each breast everytime i pump now (before i was pumping 4-6oz in each breast during a session). I was wondering if it is still possible to increase the supply to what it use to be? and what could i do to increase if possible?

[Marsha_Bearden]

I see your question has been started on another thread.