breastfeeding

i recently got a new medela breast pump and it works wonderful but i am having trouble pumping a lot at one time i am only getting like 3-4 oz at a time

[AnnieBrooke]

3-4 ounces is fine.  Some of the gals recommend pumping after the baby nurses, to encourage the breasts to produce more.  Also I've seen some people recommend drinking Mother's Milk tea, and non-alcoholic beer.

[zazou]

I used to get also 3-4 ounces at once so that appears to be fine. I used to drink alot of fennel and anise tea (or a special tea for breastfeeding mothers) or Malt-based drinks (like Ovomaltine) and they help increase the production of breast milk.

[gymdandee]

Bug-infested baby formula faces recall

If there's ever any doubts that breast is best, the recent recall of bug-infested baby formula should put them to bed.

After all, I've never heard of a breast milk recall!

Abbott Laboratories had to recall some 5 million containers of its popular Similac line of formulas when it discovered that they had been contaminated with an ugly little warehouse beetle called Trogoderma variabile.

You can see a picture of the critter here.http://www.scienceimage.csiro.au/index.cfm?event=site.image.detail&id=6962

Naturally, the FDA says there's no reason to worry because the beetle is harmless. They also say beetle bits or larvae pieces in the formula can irritate infant digestive tracts and lead to stomachaches, and even cause a little one to refuse food.

Not my definition of "harmless," but I've never been mistaken for a D.C. bureaucrat.

The FDA added that parents should consult doctors if the symptoms persist for "a few days," which only shows how clueless they are -- because any infant who refuses to eat for a few days won't be around for that doctor visit.

The buggy formula is just the latest in a string of Similac recalls in recent years, and parents are quickly switching over to rival brands. But let's face facts here: If you're feeding your baby any brand of formula at all, bug-induced indigestion is the least of your worries.

Baby formulas lack critical fats and nutrients that are only found in breast milk. Not only that, but the very act of breastfeeding is an essential piece of the bonding process between a newborn baby and its mother.

When a woman feeds her baby, the body releases critical hormones that help the mother feel a stronger sense of love and attachment. That hormone blast may even act as a powerful antidepressant that can ward off the postpartum blues.

And while the formula makers can make all the claims they want about how close their junk is to breast milk, repeated studies have all reached the same conclusion: breast-fed babies grow up smarter, healthier and probably better-looking, too.

On the other hand, formula does have breast milk beat in one area: Bugs seem to love the stuff.

[pameladawn414]

Thanks for the information on the recall however the fact is alot of mothers can't breastfeed, or might have to supplement so therefore there is no reason to bash feeding formula like that, nor is there any full out proven research that breast-fed babies are smarter, healthier, and definitely not better looking. I agree breast is best but sometimes it just doesn't work out the best for everyone.

In regards to pumping I'd say congrats on getting that much! I can only ever get an ounce and a half, maybe two if I'm lucky per session. It's getting extremely discouraging to pump because I get so little no matter when/how I do it :( My mom's actually getting mad I'm pumping so little since she bought me my pump and I'm not using it! lolol.

[3Babys679]

Yes, Formula is a great thing to have for mothers who cant breastfeed, or have to supplement, etc. Even though clearly Breast milk is Tailor maid, Formula is a good substitute too. I have 3 kids in which one I formula fed only, One I breastfed exclusively until she was 12 months, and one I breastfed and substituted with formula. It really has to work out with Mommy and Baby. and all three of my babys are just the same healthy, smart and good looking :-) But yes, that was a scary recall!

To SWEETNESS7109;
Its very normal to only pump about 3-4 ounces at a time. I remember with my two, I would get So upset becuase i couldnt get more! I tried all the holistic things and teas and stuff, but its still normal.
A good question; When you pump, are you letting down? like is your milk letting down? (I could always feel mine) If not then it definatly will be very hard for you to get very much milk.
If you breastfeed mostly, then your breasts are used to your babies suckle and your breasts will let down milk for your baby. But the pump isnt quite as efficient as your baby, its more of a strait on suction. which sometimes make it harder for womens breast to get used to it and give alot of milk.
The best way to get more is to pump more. I know, ugh pump more! :) But the more your breasts get used to the suction of the pump the more milk they will respond with when you pump. Supply and Demand. at first you may feel like you still dont get much, or worry that if you take all from the pump the baby cant get any, but the baby is usually pretty good by now at suckling the right way to get the milk. Eventually the milk will flow more and more and you will start getting 4 oz, 5 oz, 6 oz at time, ect.
eventually i was able to work myself up to about 8-10 ounces.
Good idea after every time baby feeds, you pump.
Stick with it, and Good Luck! :)