Cluster feeding and pumping

[@llli*kass.love]

Hi. I have been pumping after each nursing session under the advisement of my LC. The last few days my LO has decided to inform me she wanted to nurse more, starting a cluster feeding session, just as I am half way through pumping. Additionally, I never know if I should pump after her cluster feeding session, because it often ends up that this was not the end but just an intermission in the nursing. Any suggestions on how to handle this and when I should pump in these situations?

[@llli*scienceteachermommy]

As a first question, why are you pumping? That will help with suggestions.

[@llli*kass.love]

I am pumping so that I have enough milk to put into the SNS (supplemental nursing system) we are currently using, and also because I am using only 1 breast at half the feedings. Plus I am getting enough milk to store for when I go back to work.

[@llli*mommal]

So do you feel like you have a supply problem? Is that why you're pumping? If so, you definitely don't want to be feeding on just one breast per feeding. Or do you have nipple damage, and that's why you're using just one breast?

[@llli*kass.love]

Nipple damage. It is healing pretty well but I am taking it slow so that I can ensure it doesn't get damaged again. Don't want to ruin the healing progress.

[@llli*scienceteachermommy]

Could you pump on the damaged side while you are feeding on the other side? If the main reason is to allow your damaged nipple to heal, this seems like it would solve your problems.

[@llli*kass.love]

The LC has suggested using both breasts when my dd is cluster feeding. Hopefully we will be off the SNS soon and this will no longer be an issue.

[@llli*auderey]

How old is your dd?

[@llli*kass.love]

She is 5 weeks

[@llli*auderey]

so you're pumping to increase your supply? or because DD isn't transferring well? how are her wets & poops - how many per 24 hours?