How often do I need to pump to keep milk supply?

Question

I am temporarily feeding my infant soy formula for 3 weeks. Partly to check for a milk allergy but mainly so that I may take medication for my Crohn's Disease. I plan to return to breastfeeding after I finish the meds. How often do I need to pump to maintain my milk. I have been getting about 6 pumping sessions in per day getting 4 ounces each time. My baby is almost 2 months. Is this enough pumping? My breasts seem to be keeping up so far. It's been 3 days.

Answer 1

Sounds like your doing good! When your baby starts feeding again, your milk supply will increase or decrease depending on how much she eats. May take a couple days but you sound like your doing a good job so keep it up, and good luck!

Answer 2

First off - if baby has a problem with milk, just eliminate dairy from your own diet. No reason to wean for that. It is VERY VERY VERY rare for a baby to not be able to tolerate his own mother's milk. Usually it's something in her DIET that is the problem.

Medications - Make sure any meds you need are checked by a La Leche League Leader or a Lactation Consultant in the book "Medications & Mother's Milk" by Hale. Most docs will check the PDR which does NOT have the most accurate information on this topic. The meds you need may be perfectly safe or there may be another alternative med that you can take that is safe. (PM me if you want and I can look the meds up for you.)

How often does your child usually nurse? I would suggest trying to pump as often as baby would usually nurse. At 2 mos of age, I'm guessing every 2-3 hours. I hope you are using a good quality electric pump.

After 3 weeks, you could have a struggle getting baby back on the breast if he is having bottles for that whole time.

Answer 3

As long as you are pumping you will produce milk. Keep pumping as much milk as your baby currently drinks in formula so when you switch back to the breast, your body will be able to keep up with the demand. Your breasts won't run out of milk, they will keep producing as much as baby needs. So don't worry that baby won't be getting enough, just be sure to alternate breasts and feed for the same amount of time on each side.

Answer 4

You should pump every time you feed your son. Aim for the same amount of expressed breast milk as he drinks of formula. That way when you are able to breast-feed again, you can pick it right back up!

I hope you are feeling better soon

Answer 5

You should pump as many times as you would feed your baby, around 6-8 times a day should be right.

Answer 6

pump everytime your baby eats that way your breasts are ready for teh transition when your baby is off the formula. also your baby miht have confusion and might not want to lach on at first but keep trying. i had to do somthing similar because i was hospilized but when i got out my son didnt want the breast becasue we gave him the bottle, i was too weak to fight it so i just gave him the bottle which i regret.