Pumping Problems!!

Ania - posted on 06/28/2011

at this point this is a good output from the pump. Your son gets much more when he feeds, don't worry about that. you don't need a bottle anyway, soon you will try a straw cup and he wi;; be fine. milk just doesn't come out when you pump, because baby sucks harder than a pump

Jessie - posted on 06/27/2011

that is actually a pretty good amount to be getting. especially after recently nursing. and it is totally normal to get more from one side than the other. my right side usually pumped half the amount of the the left (and my son preferred the left too).

Erika - posted on 06/27/2011

Don't get discouraged, you are doing great! I saw some great advice on the other replies. I'm in the exact same situation. My baby is 6 months and I want to use breast milk for her cereal/purees. You have to remember that breast milk works on a supply=demand basis so you have to up your supply a little to have "extra" to pump for the cereal. I've had a hard time pumping lately and won't get more than 1/2oz, but when I pump while I feed my baby the 'let down' really helps and I'm usually able to get over 2oz. The only time I was able to get 5oz out of one breast was when I was engorged, so 2-3oz are actually normal (I still get less than 2oz though). I've had issues with my milk supply when I get my period so my baby seems to nurse more often and then when it's over I have to wait a day or two for my supply to go back to normal and sometimes I even have to wake her up early to feed her cause I just get engorged. Also remember that breastfeeding has a lot to do with hormones and it's really hard to get our body to release those "relaxing" hormones when we have a weird device attached to our breast, that's why sometimes looking at pictures of your baby (or in my case holding/nursing my baby) helps you relax and that's when the milk starts to flow! I have even tried to pump after she goes to sleep at night, while I'm relaxed watching tv and it still doesn't work quite as efficiently as just pumping while she nurses.

Claire - posted on 02/16/2011

Thank you everyone! This is really helpful information - I really had no idea that it worked like that - I assumed I would be able to pump around the same amount my son would be getting. I was concerned my milk was losing supply or something!
Thank you!!!

Catherine - posted on 02/16/2011

I had a similar problem, and it had nothing to do with supply, it was simply that my body didn't respond well to the pump. The trick I found worked was, when my son was cooperative, I would put him to breast and have him suck until my milk let down, and then I would be able to pump. I tried pumping on the side he wasn't nursing on, but he would just tug at it and it never worked out. I hope you're able to figure it out.

Meaghan - posted on 02/16/2011

Another trick is to pump the side he isn't nursing from while he is nursing. Take advantage of the let down :-)
Is sounds like your supply is fantastic. It is common to have to pump a couple times to get enough supply for a feeding.
There are some great faqs on pumping. llli.org is always a great starting point.

Sarh - posted on 02/15/2011

I have the same problem, doesn't matter what time of day, how much I have eaten or drank... pumping is just a pain in the butt! BUT! I have found that if I sort of rub/massage my breast while pumping it will help help the milk come out, just like often times when babies nurse they touch or rub mom's breast. My son pinches mine REALLY hard, but hey it works for him. And yea, my son can only nurse from one side at a feeding, but that just shows that we have enough milk.
I know a lot of woman who have trouble pumping and don't get anything so they are convinced they aren't producing enough for baby, don't be fooled! Your body just prefers baby suckling instead of that rough pulling pump.
Try sitting in a comfortable position (up right), turn on your favorite show or something and just relax, let the pump do it's job and maybe massage your breast a bit to get the milk flowing.
Good luck! About the bottle thing... try a sippy cup! He is old enough now to start on a sippy and skip the bottle all together! ONE LESS THING TO WEAN! ;) I'm trying to get my son to drink from a sippy and just started about a wk ago and he is 8ms, we are having a hard time... he just wants to chew on it. I should have introduced it sooner.

Celeste - posted on 02/15/2011

There isn't any problem! Your pump output is actually *amazing*!! Average output is 1/2 to 2 oz, total and you're above that and that's AFTER you nurse! Also, keep in mind that pump output *IS NOT* an indication of supply.

Honestly, it sounds like you're doing great!

Kathy - posted on 02/15/2011

Claire, do bear in mind that your baby is far more efficient at getting the milk than any pump. Many women (myself included) can't get any milk at all when pumping.

If your son is settled and gaining well (as well as the usual 6-8 wet nappies a day) he's getting plenty, and there's nothing wrong with your supply.

Rebecca - posted on 02/15/2011

It could just be that your supply is adjusted to what your son needs, you also have to remember that most moms can only pump out 2 oz. Try pumping at the same time that you would nurse your son.