Does expressing milk using a breast pump increase breast milk supply? (Query)

Wondering if using a breast pump increases breast milk supply? Here's what a lactation expert has to say.

I am a mother of a one-month-old baby. I am planning to use a breast pump to express and store milk as I might resume work soon. While I was searching online, I came across an article that said that the use of a breast pump increases the production of breast milk. Is it true? Will using it cause excessive breast milk supply? Also, please tell me what is the right time to use a breast pump?

The query is answered by Dr Geetika Gangwani, Business Manager, Fortis Mamma Mia, Lactation Consultant at IBCLC, Member of Medela s LC Club.

A breast pump can be used in a number of ways. It is an excellent option for working mothers to maintain the supply of breast milk and feed the baby with expressed milk. As far as using it to increase milk production is concerned, most lactation experts recommend breastfeeding the baby and after an hour you can use the breast pump to store the milk. To know whether breastfeeding increases the supply of breast milk or not, you need to know how breastfeeding works.

Breastfeeding works on the principle of demand and supply. So if there s a demand, the body produces breast milk. So, the more the demand, the more is the supply of breast milk. For example, if the baby has fed at 12, you can use the breast pump an hour later, at 1 or 1:30 pm. By doing so, you are tricking your body into thinking that the baby is feeding every one and a half hour and hence, will start producing more milk. Also, read this step-by-step breastfeeding guide for new mums.

Most people don not believe in using a breast pump from day one, as the body has to adjust to the routine of feeding. It is a personal choice as you can start using it whenever you want to. However, it is recommended that mothers should breastfeed the baby as often as possible. Usually, mothers start using a breast pump when the baby is 3-4 months old, and they have to resume work.

Sometimes mothers have challenges with latching of the baby. If you have tried and still the baby does not take the milk directly, you should use the breast pump sooner to maintain the supply. If you are thinking of using a microwave to heat expressed breast milk, read this!

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