When to pump when breastfeeding to increase milk supply?

Breastfeeding may seem like the most natural thing on earth, but it doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Especially when you’re struggling with milk supply, it can be frustrating and exhausting. Fear not though! Here’s a handy guide to help you know when (and how often) to pump in order to boost your milk production.

Baby needs more milk!

Let’s start with why some mothers need to increase their supply of breastmilk. If your baby is losing weight or isn’t gaining enough weight, then there might not be enough milk for them. That’s a clear sign that you need more supply of booby juice! Another indicator could be if they are fussy after feeding or still appear hungry even with frequent feedings.

Soothe Your Bosom without Overdoing It

Pumping too frequently can have its downsides as well – so hear us out before you gear up your boobie-machinery all day long.

Overpumping produces excess amounts of foremilk while hindering the time required by mammary glands(eek)to create the protein-rich hindmilk(sigh). This suboptimal system-combo would result in weaker suckling patterns by newborns due to gas build-up within intestines resulting from sluggish digestion rates caused by excess foremilk consumption (”Butternut-squash poop-dlosions,” anyone?).

Also worth considering is nipple soreness- we’ve heard tales before; probably during silly teens days about ”high fructose corn syrup reactions” cringe. Exposing tender nipples repeatedly over-stimulates lactiferous duct openings leaving room for bacteria accumulation (gasp) causing infections such as mastitis(first-hand experience???)

While huge pumps indicate production and compliance rates (which makes sense given our obsession towards any-number above ‘average’),they unfortunately do more harm than good. So, it helps to keep a well-balanced frequency schedule aligned with the goal of allowing mammary tissues regenerate and establish essential milk production machinery.

Pumping Frequency Matters – A LOT

Now that we know why you’d want to pump- but not overdo it, let’s discuss how often (frequency) is enough when your aim is to maintain or increase your breastmilk supply.

It’s all about stimulation

Your body produces milk on demand- responding and releasing hormones oxytocin (responsible for muscle contractions during labour)and prolactin which are stimulated by suckling patterns from newborns.Resultantly,nipples’ neuroreceptors propagate physiological signals within hypothalmic glands responsible for producing anterior pituitary gland-produced ‘proctating hormone'(PRL).

Any interruption in this natural rhythm does affect supply output:longer gaps between feeding cue lower levels of PRL production resulting in less booby juice productions as one would expect(‘you snooze,you lose’- applies here too).

Therefore, frequent pumping initiates an ‘if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie’ process stimulating lactic signalling pathways involving sensory receptors locating human-mammillary surface triggering chemical-propagations translating into brain cells and eventually transitting along neural circuits down onto lumbar vertebrae portions towards sacral region(boy! That was mouthful!)

This reasoning explains why mothers having hard time lactating are encouraged by medics/professionals(insert some weird acronym)-think TLLC;to improve nursing techniques,Frequency,time duration,encouraging Direct Latch-On(DLO),Tailored Breastfeeding Positioning(TBP)yada yada yawn

Bottom line? Keeping frequest intervals of 2-3 hours without ignoring baby signals prompts steady secretion flows maximizing potential contact moments hence increased cartaking duty resumes.

NOTE: There aren’t any exact frequency rules here. Some women might produce more milk with frequent pumping every 2 to 3 hours round the clock, while some could get away with just a few lengthy pumping sessions each day.

However…Not all moms are the Same!

Some mommas (no not Fiona – our hippie neighbor who still breastfeeds her toddler) just have naturally low supply of milk- and will definitely benefit from increasing pumping frequency significantly. It’s said that first things in morning don’t lie (eyes squinting)

While at it, we thought you’d like to know about ”Power Pumping” technique(Pssttt – this somehow already sounds cool):This is where you pump for shorter length but do so frequently mimicking regular nursing hours for an instance pumpling without skipping during a popular TV programme or snacking sessions(pizza-lunch-bathroom-study-play?).So try something new mama,variance generates results

Don’t Ignore the Timing

You can’t overdo it, yet timing matters too?One bright side of motherhood being less sciencey than anything right?

If baby has fed on one side and isn’t interested in finishing off rest of your gorgeous anatomy;it helps to stick around(you’re worth it!)waiting out a little until there’s enough build-up(and hopefully you won’t fall asleep). MILKING IT TOO MUCH would trigger TRICKLING response resolving into long-term inadequate production levels.(gasp) Sounds dreadful,right?(Unfortunately totally true).

Also crucial when trying to increase supply after exhausted long days-go figure! This Vampiric surge workout should be scheduled shortly after actively breastfeeding or pumped stimulation session durations maximum short spurs running up-to fifteen minutes(pinky promise)every three-hours taken as golden ratio ensuring booby juice receptivity rates remain at their prime moments through enhanced glandular sensitivity,yielding enhanced milk secretion.

Conclusion – Keep It Simple & Steady

It’s easier said than done- trying to maintain a steady pumping schedule while being tired, stressed in face troubles when motherhood offers anything but tranquillity.However,to maximise your efforts you’ll have to try whichever approach suits best for personal requirements,and remember most-time variance generates results.There are various strategies available(could work magic):from power-pumping,tailoring breastfeeding positions(rugby hold?), improved latching techniques,Honey-ginger tea?or anything that works for reduce stress levels and not forgetting good nutrition.(not pizza?)