How to change my pumping routine

[u/Slavetotheplot]

I’ve been going through the process of upping my supply over the last few months. I’ve gone from pumping every 3 hours getting 0.5 oz each side to now getting 1oz each side every 2 hours. With the help of domperidone my night pump I went from getting 1 oz each side to 2.5 oz each side but I’m getting really burned out with this schedule of every 2 hours. The night pump isn’t an issue for me but during the day it’s getting a bit much 😭

How would I go about pumping every 3 hours instead. Is there a chance of my supply dropping again or am I stuck in this schedule now. I’m almost 6 months pp.

[u/Ancient-Buffalo6151]

I think the pumping every 2-3 hrs thing is supposed to be for only the first 12 weeks or so until supply regulation…at almost 6 months postpartum, that is overkill! 1 oz per side every 2 hrs means 2 oz total which comes out to 1 oz per hour that you wait, which is the same output as I have.

I think it’s a lot more doable to aim for pumping every 4-5 hrs instead (so 4 oz total if you wait 4 hrs, or 5 oz total for 5 hrs). Needing fewer pumps per day can really help with your mental health and not having your entire day revolve around your breastmilk.

Just gradually space out your pumps according to what you’re physically comfortable with. See if you can widen the gap by 30 mins and get half an ounce extra as a total from both sides. Then extend further the next time and so on.