question about pumping

I had my son on august 15th, my milk came in 3 days later... I have tryed pumping and i only get about 2-3 ounces a day.. why is that? When he feeds a have a lot of milk, and then it seems that whenever i want to pump it takes FOREVER to come out. will this get easier?

[amy0013]

Every woman is different in the amount of milk they produce.  I was never able to pump more than 2-4 ounces each side.  I have heard that waking up around 5-6am to pump is the best time.  It also "sets the tone" for the rest of the day on how much milk to produce.

How long are you pumping each session?

Your body makes milk on an "on demand" schedule.  Because your little guy is still so small, he's probably not eating more than 2-3 ounces at a time so that is all your body thinks it needs to make.  

I think as time goes on and you develop a good pumping schedule, you'll have an easier time.  There are also herbal supplements you can take to help with milk production.  I can't think of them off the top of my head but you can always google it.  

Are you exclusively pumping or is he also nursing some?  

Hang in there...it does get easier!  :)  

[krissyy]

i was in vitamin world last night buying red raspberry leaf capsules (i am beginning to feel like you felt your last week when everyone due after you were already having their babies!!!)...but anyway, the woman was telling me to be sure to come back after baby because they have wonderful, natural supplements for increasing your milk production.  maybe you can look into that...i think the one she recommended that is highly recommended by lactose consultants was endockeek or something like that...i am sure i am way off with the spelling, but i would know it if i saw it!  i'm sure if you went into a vitamin store they could steer you in the right direction.  

good luck with the pumping!  i'm glad to hear that the breastfeeding part is going well.

[kirby26]

thanks ladies!
I will def try the herbal supplement!

right now i am just breast feeding.. i just introduced the bottle to him last week and i am feeding him on a day right now and if we are out and "need" to bottle feed.

[spade22]

Am I understanding that you are pumping 2-3 ounces of milk/day in "addition" to the milk you produce when nursing?

Yes, it WILL get easier as your milk supply increases over the coming weeks. What kind of pump are you using?  I recommend you rent a hospital-grade electric pump - this will help extract the most milk possible and will help to increase your milk supply (some of the cheaper pumps or a manual pump will yield noticeably less milk).  Also, the more you pump/feed the more milk you will produce.  Prolactin levels are at their peak between about 1am-5am  so try and get at least one session in during this time frame to help increase your milk supply.  Breast massage before and during pumping/nursing will also help increase your milk supply.