Pumping to go back to work or going out for 3-4 hours

Hi-

I can't imagine trying to pump enough milk to get a supply going to get me by when I go back to work.  It seems that there's not much to pump (1oz at an attempt) from the breast that she didn't use.  It seems like she gets it all and there's nothing left to pump.  How is this even possible?  My mother-in-law is even upset because she can't babysit for us without having the milk to feed her as though I'm trying to make excuses for her not to babysit.  Any tips on how to start storing milk for going back to work or just some time away???

[tiredbuthappy]

for that evening out... you don't need to pump it in 1 sitting. the milk is good in the fridge for 5 + days, and once it's chilled, you can combine milk from different pumping sessions. if you plan on being gone 3-4 hours, you can nurse right before leaving, leave 1 bottle (probably about 4 oz) and nurse when you return.

for returning to work- you don't need too much stored in advance because ideally you will pump while away from the baby and just save that milk for the next day you work. so, in theory, you only need a days worth of milk. if it takes you a long time to get that much, you can freeze milk to save.

[JenLex]

Tired is right on :)

here's just a little
Something my lac. consultant told me:::
keep yourself hydrated,
pump about 30-45min before baby eats - your baby will get enough even if it looks like you took it all - the best "pump" is your baby so don't worry about not having any left because that's false

I do this when I need milk and it takes me one whole day of devotion. you will notice more milk production the next morning sometimes it can take a couple days, depending on your body,  My experience is within a day or two i am producing enough to only pump twice and get a 4oz bottle, and thats all i did for a few days and i had plenty for whatever the occasion.  
even tho when dd did go visit her gma her gma didn't give her ANY of the breast milk i sent..... NONE all day :*(  very disappointed and hurt

[jhunyor]

Have you ever heard of Fenugreek or Blessed Thistle? My gyno recommended that I take two capsules of each, three times a day. Within days my milk supply was nearly doubled, on both sides. Also try to pump every two hours, and pump until completely empty, like I can't squeeze anything more out of these things empty. Eventually your hormones will figure that you're not making enough milk to satisfy the baby, and will start producing more milk. But don't think this is going to happen overnight. It will take about a week to a week and a half to get it to where you want it.
You'll know if you're taking enough fenugreek and blessed thistle when your arm pitts start to permanently smell like maple syrup (an interesting side effect of the fenugreek). Also store your milk in labeled freezer bags in the freezer. Each serving should last no more than 6 months. This way, when you have to go to work, or go out, you can just have the sitter take a serving or two out to thaw (make sure to thaw in cold water, not in hot, and NEVER microwave breastmilk, you nuke all of the nutrients in the milk that way).

[Estee_Marie]

Keep pumping!  Even if you feel like it's not enough.  The only way the  body will produce more milk is if you tell it that it needs more milk!  Only the suction feeling will tell the body that.  Good luck!  =)