How much to pump?

[CiCi04]

I almost exclusively BF my 5 week old. I try to keep a bottle of breast milk in the fridge for Dad to feed if I have to run out of the house or something.

Usually, I'll just pump only about 3-4 ounces for this. Is it really necessary to empty the breast each time I pump? Will the amount I pump now affect the milk I feed her with later?

[whitnessforhim]

If you EBF and you still get 3-4oz when you pump I think thats a fantastic amount.

Milk is supply and demand...you will make what you demand from your body. Keep in mind that the emptier the breast is the more milk it will later make. So if you are pumping in addition to (not in place of) feedings then you'll just always produce this extra milk until you stop demanding it....does this make sense?

I hope i've answered you questions.