..After how many hours...

[@llli*ishah2124]

So how often do you pump then?
I pump every 3 hours normally.. sometimes I stretch to 6 (I don't intend to) it's just happen when iv'e not been able to pump..

Will this make a difference in my production. People say you have to pump more to increase your supply so if your already pumping every 2-3 hours.. how more often can you pump and will it make a difference to your supply.

[@llli*juno]

If you are exclusively pumping and plan to provide your baby with breast milk for a significant amount of time, you can not go six hours between pumping sessions. Have you heard of power pumping? I know you didn't ask this but have you tried to put baby back to breast anymore?

[@llli*ishah2124]

If you are exclusively pumping and plan to provide your baby with breast milk for a significant amount of time, you can not go six hours between pumping sessions. Have you heard of power pumping? I know you didn't ask this but have you tried to put baby back to breast anymore?

No I haven't as he got confused the last time and he had taking the bottle. I'm going to express for a while untill I want to put him to the breast again I know it wont be easy but my sister in law has put her baby to breastfeeding after 6 months, so when I feel more confident doing it when he is a bit older, I will do then

I have heard of it but don't know much about it lol, what happens if i left it 6 hours wont the milk just be in my boobs until I take it out..

[@llli*juno]

It will tell your body that the baby didn't need that much milk and to slow down production. Also you risk a plugged duct and mastitis, which is an infection in the breast. Both are very painful.

[@llli*ishah2124]

It will tell your body that the baby didn't need that much milk and to slow down production. Also you risk a plugged duct and mastitis, which is an infection in the breast. Both are very painful.

Ahhhh I see, I didn't think it worked that way but thanks

[@llli*MagnoliaHoney]

Yes this is exactly how your body works.

Some people think that your body just stops making milk once your breast are full, but that's not how it works.

Your body makes milk constantly as long as you are lactating. It never stops.

The more often you extract milk from your breast the body gets the signal to make milk faster, the less often it gets the signal to make it slower.

So if you go from every 3 and all the sudden wait 6, your body was still making milk at the speed of it being extracted every 3 hours, and there is no where for the extra milk to go if you don't extract it and that is why you are risking infection.

Also I am not trying to discourage you, but just because your SIL was able to get her baby back to breast at 6 months doesn't mean your baby will respond the same way. The more often and sooner you put baby to the breast the more likely you will have success, and the other is also true the less often and longer you wait the less likely baby will take to it. I would put baby to breast every day. The only way to get more confidence is by just doing it, the longer you wait to do something more then likely the more confidence will go down. Like with every thing the more you practice something and get better at it the more confidence you get in it, the more you don't do it and dont' practice it the less you will have in it.

[@llli*aprilsmagic]

Exactly. Thisnisnwhy the first 12 weeks of EPing are HARD. Harder than BFing.

It is NO guarantee that your baby will return to the breast. NONE at all. Im trying myself, now that my baby might be able to nurse, but the odds are completely against it. Sorry to burst your bubble.myoud be better off just nursing...the practice will build your confidence

[@llli*joe.s.mom]

Yeah, your body produces milk on demand, so if it's not coming out, your body figures it's not needed and doesn't make as much the next day.

Six hours is a really long time - for EP'ing, I'd say a 4-5 hour stretch at night is probably the most you should try to do. During the day, pump every 2-3 hours.

I agree that actually, it's usually a lot easier to get a baby back on the breast earlier, rather than later. It's possible at any age, but as they get older and more set in their habits, it generally gets harder. I would definitely try to keep it low key, though. When you're both in a good mood, and baby is not TOO hungry, just give it a shot. It probably won't work, and that's okay. The key is to keep your expectations nice and low, but keep trying - you might get a pleasant surprise!

[@llli*ishah2124]

Thanks for the advice girls.