Waking to pump - to sleep or not to sleep?

Your baby is finally sleeping longer stretches at night and you’re probably wondering… do I have to wake to pump?!

Not necessarily! But let me explain…

First, we need to talk about comfort.

You’re likely going to start waking up full and engorged in the middle of the night. And that can be super uncomfortable and lead to complications like mastitis.

Here are some things to consider:

• Your body may take some time to adjust to this new milk removal schedule.

• Pull out your haakaa or manual pump to keep it on your nightstand. Pump or express just enough for relief, but NOT a full session fo emptying your breasts because this would tell your body to make MORE milk during that time.

Now let’s talk about supply.

In most cases, milk supply will adjust to meet the demands and caloric needs of baby during the day allowing for those nice long stretches at night. HOWEVER, this is not the case for ALL.

If baby starts sleeping longer stretches at night and you start to notice a dip in your supply, here are some things you can try:

• Add in more nursing/pumping sessions throughout the day (when feasible)

• Add a pumping sesh once baby goes down for the evening.

• Power pump before YOU go to bed.

• Pump after your first morning nursing session.

And if nothing seems to be working or feel feasible to you, book an Ask Me Anything call with Jade!