How Much Should I Expect to Pump?

I could never get much more than an ounce from pumping either. But, even after I did get some, she never did take the bottle anyway. Went right from me to a cup. Looks like you have some good ideas to try though.

When I first tried the pump that is about all I got too. In time, your body will get used to it and you will pump a good 4 - 5 ounces. Put your feet up and relax.

I had a hard time pumping -- what worked for me (don't laugh) I would nurse on one side and get my husband to help hold the pump on the other. The baby suckling would help my milk let down, and I would get 4-5 ounces pretty easily. I would let the baby nurse on that breast after I pumped as well, to be sure to empty the breast and to help increase my production. I would also pump anytime I felt engorged. I would pump off that overflow and pretty easily get another 3-4 ounces.

Try to relax when you pump. Think about your baby, your baby's face. Don't watch tv or do anything else distracting. Sometimes a warm compress on your breast can help stimulate you as well.

I am not familar with the Medela Swing, I've had the Pump in Style and the cheapy manual one. I needed to go up a size in the shield to accomidate my breast size. (so if you're larger busted you may benefit from that)

Try pumping on one side while he nurses on the other until your body gets used to the feeling of the pump and figures out it's supposed to give it milk.

Also, (although the idea of waiting is scary) you'll probably be able to pump more on a break from work than you can at home between feedings. When you're away from your son, you're breasts will fill up in anticipation of a feeding and you'll have more luck pumping that out for him to drink the next day.

Good luck, mama.
T.

#1 - every mom is different when it comes to pumping, so their is no correct amount. Some moms can nurse tons, but pump very little. I was one of those moms!

I found that I got the best amount of milk if I let my son start me off (I would nurse him for a minute, then switch him to the other side and pump the side he started).

See if that works and great job!

:)K.

EDIT: never buy a used pump - they cannot be completely cleaned and can harbor bacteria in the mechanical parts. Hospital grade pumps are different and the milk cannot come in contact with any machine parts. Hospital grade pumps are also the best at getting your milk down - many times insurance will pay for the rental of a hospital grade pump!

I had to masage/sqeeze/work my breasts while attached to suction. I ended up getting 8 oz from each one every 3-4 hours per day. Also a warm/hot wash rag on them while trying to pump may help. really just work them while attached it should help. drink lots of water! Good luck !! dont stress itmay reduce your milk flow.

Is the pump new or used? my lactation consultant advised me not to use my old one from my first because the pumps lose suction power, she was willing to test it for me if I took it one but I just bought a new one anyway.
The other thing may be you just make on demand and are not an overproducer (as I am). You can try supplementing some formula now and maybe mix 1/2 breastmilk and 1/2 formula. By the time your trip comes around he will be used to it and won't be missing you.
By the way congratulations on your commitment to nursing your son.

Hi M.,
I have a 7 mo daughter who just like your son got her milk exclusively from me. She has never liked a bottle but I decided to start trying to pump to save milk for days I have to leave her at home. I also had the same problem of not getting enough milk. One of my friends said that my milk wasnt letting down because my brain "knew" I wasnt feeding my baby... I know "weird"... She recommended that I either have a piece of her clothing or a picture of her to look at while I was pumping. So I tried it and !Voila! I felt my milk let down as soon as I started pumping while smelling one of her onsies!!!

I had the same problem when I first started pumping - my guy wouldn't latch on. A lot of it was stress, "OMG, I'm not making enough milk, what's wrong with me??" I used a heating pad which helped a lot. I also got the most out in the morning b/c my breasts were so full. If you can do it when no one is around - middle of the night, naptime, whatever, you might do it better b/c there isn't anyone asking you how much milk is coming out. Also, DO NOT watch your milk! Put a blanket over yourself. I have a hosptial grade pump, Medela Symphony. Apparently, the pump makes a huge difference. Sadly, insurance will not pay for it. Good luck.

You have some good suggestions. One more thing that helped me was to pump first thing in the morning after baby had slept all night, and at the same time as baby nursed on the other side. That helped relieve night engorgement and gave me a little extra milk for later if I needed it. It helps a lot if baby is nursing at the same time for let down. Good luck!

Hi M.,
Here is a link to a great video about how to maximize your production while pumping. http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.... Although it is geared more for moms with premies or babies in the NICU, I have found it helpful to use these 'hands-on' pumping techniques. After I get no more milk coming from my pump, I massage and hand-express and can get about 1 more ounce (total) from each breast. I have a 4 1/2 month old and she is luckily sleeping very long stretches from about 7:30 p.m. until 3:30 a.m. I pump before I go to bed, around 11 p.m. Sometimes I pump in the morning too, because I feel really full if I didn't pump before bed. I started doing this when she was about 2 months old, because I knew I'd have to go back to work at about 4 1/2 months old. I have generated quite a stash by doing this.

Typically when I pump at night I will get about 4-5 ounces. I just started work this week and I fed baby around 6 a.m., went to pump around 10:30 a.m. (got 6 plus ounces) and then pumped around 3 p.m. (got 7 plus ounces). This takes about 20 minutes. Honestly, I was amazed how much I got. I think I am blessed with a greater supply this time around (first son I'd never get more than 4 ounces).

You can boost your supply by pumping more frequently, and you can also take some herbs such as fenugreek. There is a great tincture you can purchase, although the names escapes me (Mother's Milk??). It comes in a dark blue bottle. There is also tea for lactating mothers. If I were you, I would drink this daily, because if you are only getting 1 ounce when you pump you might not have enough to keep up with your baby's demand. I am guessing he takes around 4 ounces every 4 hours or so at this point? I know it's hard to guess when you have just nursed him exclusively.

I have an older Medela pump-n-style my SIL gave me. You might consider getting one of these, if you can afford it, I think you'll have better luck. It will harder for you to pump at work if it takes 45 minutes at a time. You can find used ones at children's consignment shops, Craigs list, etc. for around $100-$150. {I know that may seem like a lot, but think about the added expense you will have if you have to supplement with formula.}

Good for you for nursing your baby and continuing to do so after you start work. And, good luck!