Breastfeeding... and pumping?

I have a question.. I am extremely confused by this.

I'm currently bf-ing... and my mom and MIL are on my case about the fact that I MUST pump or I will lose my milk. I've NEVER heard of this before..and I'm confused. WHY do I have to pump if I'm BF-ing? Unless my chest is engorged, I don't see a reason to. My DD eats 8-10 times a day, and poops and pees more then I can count.. so why pump???

Please help!

I tried pumping last night after my feeding, and I HATE IT!!!!!!! As soon as I was done pumping, I had to feed again.. which is so annoying! How does this work???

Re: Breastfeeding... and pumping?

I dont think you have to pump - your supply will be based on her demand.

Re: Breastfeeding... and pumping?

That's what I thought also.

These women are nuts.

Re: Breastfeeding... and pumping?

As long as the baby is nursing regularly, your supply should be fine. You can pump to have extra milk to store.

Re: Breastfeeding... and pumping?

Only reason I pump is to have a freezer stash so that if I need to, I can go out to dinner etc and if I am in pain. Otherwise...no reason to pump.

Re: Breastfeeding... and pumping?

You definitely don't have to pump to keep up your supply. I only pump to make a bottle for DD or to create a freezer supply. I never pumped to boost my supply.