Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Why keep pumping?

I mean when baby is nursing, why does one have to keep pumping after every feed? Isn't the nursing alone enough for milk supply to increase?

I thought a baby nursing would empty the mother's breast and so there'd be no need for pumping.

Correct me if I'm wrong please.

You don't have to pump after every feed. Pumping a couple times a day though after feeds in the beginning just helps to make sure breast is being emptied. The emptying of the breast and the extra stimulation helps your supply get established.

I see. So it's only to be sure the breast is empty in case baby didn't empty it. Ok. fair enough. then I'll keep pumping occasionally once baby is here.

thanks for the explanation Laurie.

It's also for the extra stimulation. The more you stimulate the breast, the more it will produce. I pumped after several feeds a day for several months to increase supply.
Jennifer

Hmm...how did you guys find the time.

I feel like once baby is here I won't even have time to scratch my ears. I am not sure I'll be able to pump unless baby falls asleep after every feed. I'll do my best to pump though, if it helps, then I'm all for it.

Oh and Hapi you only have to pump for 10 minutes with a double pump after feeds. No where near the time you are spending doing it now. So once you feed baby and put him/her down then pump for 10 and you are done.

Thanks Laurie. That even makes it easier :-)