Did all three of you pump?

I had no 'extra' supply issues with my first two sons.  I did not pump with
either.

My third son was a preemie and in the NICU for 2 weeks.  I always made way
too much milk for him.  Nicu also told me to stop bringing it in.  Once he
came home from the hospital, I went through a second engorgement as I weaned
off of the Symphony Pump.  I ended up donating a ton of milk as well.  But
it took my son until 7 months old for me to finally feel like he was
draining the whole breast!  (even though I had stopped pumping at 3 weeks)

While he was in the NICU, I pumped 6 ounces every two hours.  A baby one the
breast would of eaten an ounce or two.  So I told my body during those first
2 weeks that I needed enough milk for 3 babies.... and it complied.  

There is a little window, right after birth.  When your milk comes in, you
tell your body how much of it you need.  If you pump and feed, your body
will keep making that much.

I am sure there are also over-supply issues that do not involve pumping....
but that was my take on it.  :)  

I have also been curious to if the nutritional value decreases by the amount
you pump.  For instance, if a pumping mom pumps 6 ounces but a nursing mom's
baby only suckles 2 ounces, is the 6 ounces just more 'watered down'?  I
wonder if that makes sense to anyone.  I have a baby needing to nurse and
play with my mouse so I need to run!  :)


Christie
J (4/10/04), A (1/10/06), R (2/24/07)- born with a cleft and 100% bf.

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