Breastfeeding Question (for those that pump)

Hi All,

So I've returned to work and I am pumping 3 times a day. Each time I get between 4 & 7 oz (collectively from both sides). Does that seem normal? It doesn't seem like very much to me so I just wanted to know if there is something I should be doing to get more. Also, Most of what I get comes from 1 side, the other side usually only gives me about an oz (maybe 1.5 oz if I am lucky). Any tips on how to get the unproductive side to do better?

Any help is appreciated! I really want Lorelai to have breastmilk as long as possible. One of my coworkers who had her baby 1 month before me had to stop bfing because the stress of work made her lose her supply. She was a very good producer too, like 6 oz from each side (WOW!!!). I have a very demanding job and I really hope that doesn't happen to me, so I'd appreciate any tips.

Thanks,
Tina

Tina,

I pumped every 3 hours (at work) no matter what and I was getting about 5-6 oz per breast. I had an abundance of milk because  I was also pumping every 2 hours when I got home. I would even get up in the middle of the night sometimes and pump. Now I know this may be extreme, but I was able to feed Tyler whatever and how much ever he needed because of that. Once you start you breast to over producing the supply will out way the demand and you can eventually let up on how often you pump...but you have to create a supply by pumping as often as you can. You're training your breast to over supply and that's okay. I was tossing milk at one point because of this. Good luck sweetie!!!

~~Gina

This is one of those things that just varies from person to person. You're already getting a lot more than I ever got. You can try pumping a bit more if you can get another session in, especially on the under producing breast, but it may make no difference, one of mine always produced less than the other side. And really, I know you want to give your wee one as much mommy milk as possible, but don't forget your quality of life either. It will wear on you after a while, whatever you can do is good enough.

I think that 4-7 oz per pumping session is great! That is if I understood that is per pumping session. My son never drank more than 4oz at a time, usually 3 a day so that is 12 oz. You have to remember that babies will always take more by bolttle. I know that my son never drank huge amts at one time from weighing before and after feeds at support group for breast feeding. Sobut  I didnt give him huge bottles but had my husband let me know if he needed more. We started out at like 2 1/2 oz and worked our way up.  That all said I did have to pump 4x a day to get my 12 oz. I pumped one before work, 2x at work and once before bed. I also pumped 1/2 times a day on the weekends to help stash some. I did end up with a nice freezer stash from this. Now that he is 11 months I have cut out the morning pump and only pump one at night on the weekends. I ready to cut down more since I have a nice stash in the freezer but haven't decided which to cut next.
Sorry this is so long. So i guess to answer your question I think that it sounds perfectly normal. TRy to not stess about it too much that was always counter productive to me. Oh yeah and I have one side that pumps better than the other too!
Hope this all helps, let me  know if you have any more questions.
Kim

 Stress can have a huge impact.  I was stressed and sick with a cold and I thought I was going to dry up.  I just stuck through it and my milk went back to normal about a week afterwards.  I have been pumping for 7 months now and I really look forward to getting away from my desk while I pump.  I know it's easier said than done, but try not to stress.  If you pump 3oz one day and 9 the next day, don't stress.  Some breast milk is better than no bm.  On days I am more stressed about the volume I pump, I end up pumping less than on days I don't worry about it.  

Bella is 3 months old and ive been back to work for 3 weeks now. I pump daily (when at work) 3x a day and i typically get between 4-6 oz each time. HOWEVER, i only pump one side at my first break, both at lunch and then only one side at my last break. i never go home with less than 12oz, usually 16 and thats less than she eats at daycare while im at work (she eats 2-3oz every 2-3 hours) so we've built up a nice little emergency supply in the freezer =)
Sounds to me like u are doing JUST FINE! To up your supply Ive heard pumping one breast while you feed baby off the other in the morning before work can help.
good luck!

at 3 months old, my son was only drinking 4 oz at each feeding. So if you are getting 4-7 oz each time, that sounds great! Contact a La Leche leader in your area and I'm sure they'd be able to help you with your supply on the one breast and increasing it. I emailed a LLL person and they were happy to help me with some issues I was having and it was free! GL!

I think that is a good amount, but with my boys I pumped every 2 hours and got about 4oz every 2 hours. You have to remember, HAVE TO, to keep your fluids up. If you are not hydrated, or your drinking the wrong things, this will deplete your supply. Also, stay away from caffiene and make sure you are relaxed; read a book, put your feet up, don't think about anything stressfull while pumping because you want a good let down. Go in a quiet room and relax. I always had more milk from my right side and less from my left. With both babies. You can increase your supply by asking the DR for a RX for Reglan, or by taking all naturla fenegreek from GNC. There are other herbs you can take as well. Staying hydrated is the key. If I didn't drink enough, my supply was low. I also had to make sure I stayed on schedule. A good hospital grade pump makes a big difference too. I had the Medela pump in style. I went through several pumps before sticking to that one and I got the most milk from that one.
Hope this helps.
Michele

I think that is a good amount, but with my boys I pumped every 2 hours and got about 4oz every 2 hours. You have to remember, HAVE TO, to keep your fluids up. If you are not hydrated, or your drinking the wrong things, this will deplete your supply. Also, stay away from caffiene and make sure you are relaxed; read a book, put your feet up, don't think about anything stressfull while pumping because you want a good let down. Go in a quiet room and relax. I always had more milk from my right side and less from my left. With both babies. You can increase your supply by asking the DR for a RX for Reglan, or by taking all naturla fenegreek from GNC. There are other herbs you can take as well. Staying hydrated is the key. If I didn't drink enough, my supply was low. I also had to make sure I stayed on schedule. A good hospital grade pump makes a big difference too. I had the Medela pump in style. I went through several pumps before sticking to that one and I got the most milk from that one. Hope this helps. Michele