01/09/2026
It’s not your fault, you are doing the best you can with the information you had! Hope this helps someone at the right time
1. My experience has been to get sufficient breast emptying during a pump session you want to aim for about 25-30mins. If you are pumping 10-15mins, or stop pumping when you stop seeing milk, you are sabotaging your milk supply. Emptying frequently and efficiently is how we tell our bodies to continue making more milk!
2. Buckle up for this one! I strongly believe that all babies who are feeding from a bottle, whether it is formula or breastmilk should be utilizing paced bottle feeding. Babies are hardwired to eat small meals frequently to feel their best. We want to make sure that they take their time eating, allowing their stomach to send the signal to their brain that they are full. Think of 2-4oz feedings rather than 4-7oz feedings. The slowly they are swallowing, the more they are digesting, just like when you and I chew our food properly and take our time. What does this have to do with milk supply sabotage you ask? If your baby is used to being fed large meals it stretches their bellies to their fullest capacity, making them want that very full feeling after every meal. Since 7oz pump sessions are very uncommon, you will start to fall behind in having enough supply to meet your baby’s needs.
3. Dude, there is nothing as torturous as those early days of broken sleep! Having a support person being able to help with nighttime feeds sounds like such a dream. At the risk of sounding like a broken record....this can lead to milk sabotage. Breastfed babies typically feed frequently through the night, so to maintain a full supply some middle of the night pumping is required. Don’t shoot the messenger!
