Maigan - posted on 08/13/2009 ( 6 moms have responded )
8
22
Hello moms. I am having a terrible time with pumping. I am only getting maybe one or two ounces every time I pump. I do not know what I am doing wrong and I need to increase it in two weeks before I go back to work full time. Help!!
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Sara - posted on 08/13/2009
310
27
I was never able to pump the huge amounts that other moms could... but I always made just to keep up with her needs at daycare. My two suggestions are these: Pump more frequently and consider larger breast shields (if available for your pump).
I am larger chested (DD) and found that the medium breast shields that came with the Medela pump would work, but, if I used an XL, I could generally get several more ounces, more quickly than with a smaller shield. I've never seen it suggested elsewhere, but made a HUGE difference in my frustration level!
As for pumping more often: My best pumping sessions were often first thing in the morning: baby would nurse on one side and fall back asleep. I would get up and pump. Your breast produces more milk when it's empty, so try to squeeze in sessions a few hours after bedtime, or whenever you can. You might get small amounts, but they add up! Good luck!
Chelsea - posted on 08/13/2009
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Quoting Kimberly:
From what I've read when you pump you are usually only getting half a feedings worth at a time.
Pumping is no indication of how much milk your infant takes in at a feeding.
Kimberly - posted on 08/13/2009
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From what I've read when you pump you are usually only getting half a feedings worth at a time.
Rachael - posted on 08/13/2009
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9
Because breastfeeding is supply & demand as soon as I come home from work, I feed my daughter. She eats for about 20-30 minutes at a time, 2-3 times between 6pm & 10:30pm. And since she co sleeps with us, she's in the habit of eating in her sleep. By the time morning comes around I can fill a 8oz bag in one pumping session. The rest of the day it's an average of 4oz. Because pumping isn't as efficient as breastfeeding I think the signal to produce milk isn't as strong. On days were I have to drive the nanny home & I don't get to feed her as much, I don't produce as much milk the next day.
Maigan - posted on 08/13/2009
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22
He is 3 months old and I have been supplementing formula when I go to work so I could build up my milk supply but I went from pumping four ounces to pumping maybe one or two ounces.
Christina - posted on 08/13/2009
127
1
how old is the baby? it is normal to get that much at first. you make what they need. remember to pump at around the same times every day.
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