How much from pump after bf?! Please help!

I am trying to pump and breast feed. I don't give any formula, so it's exclusively BF. He's 4 months, eats from breast every 1 1/2 - 2 hours, but never any later. He is hungry almost always after 1 1/2 hours. If I try to pump right after feeding, I get NOTHING. If I pump about an hour before I feed him, I might get an oz or 2 if I am lucky, but then he freaks out and cries because he can't get enough from my breast at his next feeding. Or, maybe he has to work to hard to get it? I don't know. How much should my pump be getting at this point under these circumstances? Are there people out there who can feed their baby then get a bottle pumped after? I am just about ready to start suplimenting because I don't think I am getting enough. I do need a few bottles a week for outings ect..He REFUSES to feed under a feeding cover and I REFUSE to feed uncovered. BTW, I have a Medela pump, the 400.00 one, so I know I have a good pump.

[chantal21]

I think it's because your milk supply has kind of stabilized at this point. My little boy is 2 1/2 months now. In the beginning I was able to get a lot of milk in between feedings...now it's tricky. I may only pump once during the day when I know he is napping....and then when he goes to bed at night, 2 hours later I will try to pump and usually get a good amount. Anywhere from 4-6 oz. I am doing this to build up a supply for when we go out somewhere. Are you drinking enough water and eating well? I know that can be a factor. I also have the medela pump, and usually right after he is done eating, I am not able to express much, if any milk. I usually wait an hour. I try to have my baby wait closer to 2 1/2 to 3 hours before feeding again. Gradually get him use to it. That's what I had to do...otherwise my baby would want to eat every hour!! lol. But you will have days when they are growing and just need to eat more. Hope that helps you somewhat!

[meiram]

Well, I am having my own struggles right now with BFing...but anyway, I can't get any milk right afterward either.  I found that if I wait 30 - 45 minutes I might be able to get another let down.  My daughter usually eats every 2 - 3 hours, so I can see how it might be a little trickier with your son eating more frequently.  I never get more than 4 ounces between two breasts, even when I pump at work.  It is quite the struggle for me.  I am considering giving formula.  My supply has gone way down since AF came back to town.  

Good luck.

[Regggie]

Thanks guys, those were the answers I expected, but not really wanting to hear. I am going to talk to his Dr about suplimenting too. Maybe see if he thinks a little cereal in the milk might be ok.....No one ever tells you it might be this hard.

[azqtpies]

I was told to pump for 10 minutes after each feeding to up the milk even if you dont get anything.. try and stay consistant on the time frame.. I still feel like i dont make enough but I pump every  3-4 hrs alomst always so I can feel my breast fill eevry 3 hrs! I pump and bottle feed since my lil guy doent not nurse well anymore during the day! But that is what my bf lactician told me to do and it did work! so hang in  there it take a few days or so for the body to start to respond =)