Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply controlling supply

OK, I'm pumping at least 30 oz a day, 6-7 times, one of those pumpings at night. What I want to know is how to go into a holding pattern of producing as little milk as possible, without losing the hope to make a full supply when the baby comes. I didn't really expect to make so much milk, and I'm running out of freezer space. I'd like to make half as much and kick it into high gear when a baby is imminent, if possible. Am I pushing my luck?

Hi
Sounds like a good plan. You have plenty to spare. I'll let the experts tell you how to down shift. Good luck and hope you become a Mom real soon!

You can down shift by reducing your pumping sessions slowly until your desired supply is reached. Do it slowly so that you don't become engorged say reduce one pumping session every few days. Then plan on enough time to increase your supply when the time comes. You'll need to pump every 2 hours to get your supply going again. It may be easier to purchase a freezer and keep it in your basement. That's what I did. I bought 2 in fact. Ethan is 2 years old and I'm still using my stash along with that of some helpful donors.

Best,

So, would that be pumping less time? Or, fewer pumping sessions during the day? I have been pumping until I quit squirting (20 min or so) each time, in hopes of preventing any blockages, thus leading to infections, so I'm thinking fewer sessions...hmmm


My MIL has offered her freezer to help store milk, since they have more room. We have gotten into buying large quantities of good meat since buying this freezer for milk with our first dd, so it's not as available as it was the first time around. I'll start there and see where we end up. I'm signing up for a five unit class this term to keep my teaching license current (I'm a SAHM), so a baby will probably come in the middle of the class <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> I'm looking forward to a baby partially just to quit pumping and storing milk. I have e-mailed Nona, but I haven't heard back yet.

You can control your supply by not pumping completely and by reducing the sessions but like I said, freezer space would be the best alternative so you don't compromise all your hard work. And your freezer stash will come in handy once your baby is here and you need to take a break....after the first 6 weeks of course. You want to be the principle feeder until then.

Best,

When my dd was born (we adopted her at birth) I was pumping 30 ounces a day also. I donated it to another adoptive mom through Nona. I would keep pumping and try to get ahold of Nona again. Of course you would want to keep some in your freezer for your little one. CONGRATUALTIONS on your supply. Your baby will greatly benefit from all your hard work!
Julie

Check under "Related Issues" there is someone there looking for a donor maybe you 2 could hook up.
Julie

Yeah, Nona posted that her email crashed and she lost all info from people. Please email her again so she knows you have milk to donate.

If you're interested in donating, my three week old daughter could use the milk. Please email me at momofmykids@hotmail.com

Thanks!

Thank you all for your suggestions. I posted on the Mothering boards last night and I'll probably be donating milk to a baby born drug addicted here in Eugene. I love the Mothering boards for networking <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />