I am pumping every two hours to increase my milk supply, how long till I notice an increase in my supply?

Question

Breastfeeding questions.

Answer 1

Usually within 4-7 days. But everyone is different.

You didn't mention why you are pumping. Breastfeeding is a *much* more effective means than pumping of increasing your milk supply, if that is an option.

If pumping every 2 hours (is that day *and* night--or daytime only?) doesn't work, try every hour and a half. It will help a *lot* if you include at least 2 nighttime pumpings. In addition, be sure you are using the most effective pump--a hospital-grade rental pump that pumps both breasts at the same time. It's a pity to do all that work and get less than the best results. Every time you pump, continue pumping about 5 minutes after you are getting *no* more milk. (Your breasts are *never* empty, but they will stop flowing when pumping.)

If you have tried all of the above for at least a full week, then it might help to add a galactagogue (substance that increases milk production). These will *only* work if you are also pumping or nursing at least 10-12 times a day, so try that first.

The only herbal galactagogue with scientific evidence of effectiveness is fenugreek. Take 1 capsule 3 times a day for the first 3-4 days, then increase to 2 capsules 3 times a day for several more days. Continue to increase this way until you are taking an effective dose for you; this will usually be 2-4 capsules per dose. You will recognize this when your sweat and urine have a maple syrup smell. Fenugreek is not recommended if you have diabetes or asthma, and if you see an allergic reaction in you or baby, discontinue. Otherwise, it can be used indefinitely.

If you prefer a prescription galactagogue, you can ask your doctor for domperidone. It is the medical galactagogue with the fewest nasty side effects. It may have to be made specially for you at a compounding pharmacy or ordered from outside the US. Some women also use metoclopromide (Reglan), but it can cause stomach upset, nausea, and depression.

I hope this helps...

Answer 2

Pumping To Increase Supply

Answer 3

How long have you been lactating? When I had my son I had to pump for almost two straight weeks because he was in the icnu for a week, and then the second week just to make sure that milk was coming in strong. I think pumping every three hours is fine if your baby isn't eating all of it. If you don't need more than he is eating, then don't worry about it. Once your milk comein fully you will be swolen and sore, then your body will regulate itself and whatever you baby needs or you pump for it will supply. You can e-mail me if you have another question or need clarification on something. Good luck!

Answer 4

With me, I would keep pumping even after I thought all the milk was out. For about five minutes or so. Its been two years now since I have breastfed, so I don't remember how long it took, but I eventually started feeling the milk come down even after pumping for 15 minutes or so. And that helped increase my milk production. And my son didn't eat everything I made, so I just put it in the freezer for times when I might be away from him for long periods of time.

Answer 5

I'm not sure. I actually read that pumping too much would overproduce milk that makes the baby overwhelmed. Or something like that. It was in american baby magazine. I thought about doing that, pumping, I mean, to increase the supply, but I got worried that my baby wouldn't have enough when she wants to drink. So I didn't. But she'll be 4 months old on
july 10th, and so far, so good with the milk thing.

Answer 6

You should notice in the next couple of days or so. Drink lots of water and milk. You need to keep hydrated if you are producing more. The best help that you can get to build your supply, though, is the baby. Allow your baby to nurse on demand and that should build it up better than manual expression. With manual expression you get only the 'top' milk, a baby gets the bottom, too.

Answer 7

Milk is produced by supply and demand. The more you extract the milk the more milk your body will produce. A great way to increase milk production is to switch nurse. Nurse baby on one side then the second side then back to the first side at each feeding- your milk should increase within a day or so by switch nursing.

Answer 8

When I had my first child, I thought I wasn't producing enough...I pumped and got next to nothing. Went to a lactation specialist, she explained that a nursing child will extract MUCH more milk than even the best pump. If your baby seems content, don't worry too much, but if you do, please see a specialist, just for your peace of mind. Also, it takes a few days for your milk production to come in, at first it is just colostrum. Believe me, your breasts will let you know (get very full)!

Answer 9

You should also increase the amount your child feeds, because a woman's body knows the difference between the pump & her child; if you pump more than you feed you will actually start to produce less. It should only take at most a week to produce more if the feedings are increased. If that doesn't work ask your doc. about Reglan.

Answer 10

It may take 24 hours or so...However, if you still don't notice it, and you don't seem to be producing milk, you can go to GNC and buy Fenugreek pills, they are all herbal, and WILL NOT AFFECT THE BABY IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER, the only thing is it will make your sweat, urine, and breast milk smell like maple syrup.I had the same problem, and I called the Le Leche League, and they recommended it.I also spoke with my daughters pediatrician and she agreed..It works!!!!My milk seriously came down in less then 24 hours..
Good Luck to you..