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Ask A Doula
Questions and Answer

Q. I was wondering how long I need to wait after I feed my daughter before I can pump breastmilk. I feed her about every 3 hours. I have an electric double breast pump by Medela. Also, how can I get more milk to come out while I am pumping?

A. You can try pumping as soon after breastfeeding as you like. The longer you wait, the more milk you will have. The more frequently you pump, the more milk you will have. Earlier in the day, when you are less tired, you will have more milk. The more relaxed you are, the more easily the milk will flow.

Can you sit comfortably and sip some herbal tea and listen to some music or look at your baby sleeping while pumping (if you find those things relaxing, if not, pick something that does relax you)? Coffee, chocolate, and soda, tend to inhibit the milk supply. Foods rich in B vitamins tend to increase the milk supply. A dietary supplement of Brewer's Yeast might help you get all the B vitamins you need, and it will increase your milk supply. Hope this helps.

Ilana Stein has been working professionally with pregnant women since 1983 as a childbirth educator, labor assistant and breastfeeding consultant. She was originally certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method), The Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE), and Doulas of North America (DONA). She teachs the ALACE Labor Assistant training workshop nationwide. She has spoken at conferences and at the New York University Graduate Program in Midwifery about labor support. She is a Positive Pregnancy and Parenting Fitness (PPPF) instructor and La Leche League Leader. She is also a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor at the local YMCA. She volunteers as the coordinator of the annual New York Area YM-YWCA Women’s Wellness Weekend.