Am I hurting my supply?

[TheSmpsns]

I am working full time, and I pump at work. I try my best to take 3 pumping breaks during the day, but some days I only get 1-2. I feel like the suction on my pump isn't strong enough with both tubes hooked up, so I use it as a single pump because it is stronger. But since I only get 15 minute breaks, I am only pumping each breast for 7 minutes.
LO eats 5-6 oz per sitting... I am pumping 1-2.
Should I switch to double pumping even though the pump suction is lower? That way I get 15 minutes on both breasts?
I have even started to have to supplement with a bottle on my days off because he is not getting enough from the breast. I eat oatmeal in the morning and am taking fenugreek.

 

[MommyJogger]

I can't answer your actual question, but I wanted to say that even though suction is lower, when I use my pump, I get more/breast in less time when I double pump than when I single pump, so suction isn't everything. The stimulation of the "other" nipple triggers better letdowns for me.

 

[TheSmpsns]

hmmm. I will have to do double next time and see. I hope I can get more that way, I hate having to supplement so much.

 

[greenpear]

My LC told me once that using 2 breasts per BF or pumping stimulates better milk production and that certainly has been true for me so I would suggest 2 breasts but in the end you can try and see what works best for you

 

[Dk1234]

Well the answer is yes. You're requiring less milk than your LO takes so you are hurting your supply. I would double pump for sure.