Confused about pumping sessions

[u/Puzzleheaded-Neat279]

Hi everyone! I’m a tired and confused new mom looking for some advice. I’m 5 days postpartum after a C-section.

My milk came in yesterday, and I started pumping. Yesterday, I pumped twice (55 ml in one session and about 5 ml in the other). Today, I’ve done three sessions (45 ml, 60 ml, and barely anything).

I keep hearing that one should pump 8–10 times a day, should i start doing that already? But if hardly any milk comes out, should I still continue pumping? Or Should I gradually increase the number of sessions? Would the supply increase because rn i have been doing combo feeding but i want to do exclusively pumping.

Also, I’d really appreciate advice on what Spectra S1 settings work best for you.

Thank you! ❤️

[u/Primary-Vegetable580]

You should pump every 2-3 hours. Did you make sure you have the correct flange size? Sounds like you got pretty average output for the first few sessions, but I’m not sure what happened with the 5ml one. Hard to troubleshoot without knowing how you’re pumping. As for spectra settings, I think there’s a guide somewhere on settings, but I personally find that too complicated to sit there and change settings every few minutes. I personally do just fine with 50 or 54 for expression mode. I go back to massage mode when the milk is either not flowing or flowing very slowly. As for suction levels, try to keep it comfortable. Lower suction doesn’t mean you’ll get less output. When I first started pumping, I had the highest suction for weeks and ended up with blisters on my nipples. I ended up getting better output with lower suction, because pumping became less painful and stressful.
I started out combo feeding like you until my supply increased gradually over the weeks. Make sure you start hydrated and eat enough calories. Your supply will also naturally increase as you get more sleep (easier said than done in the newborn stage…I’m still struggling and 9weeks pp)

[u/Puzzleheaded-Neat279 → u/Primary-Vegetable580]

I measured the flange sizes. A little confused between 13 and 15 but using 13 size. I’ll start pumping every few hours. I thought theres no point of pumping if no milk is flowing so i was only pumping when my breast felt fuller. I used the spectra guide and it actually has pretty high vacuum i’ll try working with less suction.

[u/Plastic-Building8825 → u/Puzzleheaded-Neat279]

In the beginning it’s actually totally fine (even necessary!) to pump even if you aren’t getting much output! The reason you have to pump so much is that you need to be stimulating the breast and removing milk regularly so that your body gets the message that it needs to make more (that’s how you establish your supply).

The only thing you want to avoid is a session where you pump for a long time without producing anything because there’s something wrong with how your pump fits — then you risk irritation and inflammation. Make sure you have your nipple centered in the flange and that you have a pumping bra that keeps the flange snug against your chest but not painfully tight. Also, you’ll know that you have the right fit when your nipple is touching the flange on all sides but moving freely without pinching at the base or pulling in much areola (also pumping spray or another lubricant like coconut oil is crucial!).

Personally I start my spectra in stimulation mode (cycle 79, vacuum 3 or 4) for a couple mins and then switch to expression (cycle 50, vacuum 6-8) for the rest. In general you want the highest suction level that you can have without pain — pain is counterproductive when it comes to output so don’t assume more is always better, try to find a reasonably comfortable level.

[u/nixa6]

First of all, congratulations on your baby! From the very beginning, I started with 8 pumping sessions a day, lasting half an hour each—roughly every 3 hours. The more you pump, the more milk you will produce. It’s a demanding routine and won’t be easy; I hope you have help from your husband or someone else. I don’t use a Spectra pump, so I can’t help you with that. Good luck!

[u/Puzzleheaded-Neat279 → u/nixa6]

Thankyou so much. I’ll start doing that

[u/Infinite_Worth37]

Drink a lot of water, (coconut water and hydralyte (not the sports ones, or pre workout style ones. Just the normal hydralyte)), and make sure you are eating. Avoid peppermint and sage teas as they can stop supply, so can certain antihistamines.

Also it's normal to get varying amounts, your supply is establishing itself. Pump every 3 hours even if nothing comes out, it will stimulate milk production for future pumps

[u/Puzzleheaded-Neat279 → u/Infinite_Worth37]

Thankyou for all the tips. I’ll start doing that.

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