exclusivly pumping?

Question

i am only pumping my breast milk because my baby cant latch on, my wuestion is this what is the normal amount i should be able to pump for a 9 day old baby? i am able to pump 2 ounces every 2 hours. i feel it is low even though he only drinks 2 ounces every 3 to four ounces.

Answer 1

For a newborn, that sound about right. For 0-2 months, 2-3oz every 2-3hrs is a good range.

Answer 2

2 ounces is a great start. It will increase as you continue. Keep pumping for about 5 minutes *after* you are getting no milk. In addition, you can teach a baby to nurse again, even if he wouldn't latch on up until now (it would certainly make your life easier!!). If you are interested, it will help if you *don't* give bottles; instead you can use a syringe, cup, or spoon. (A syringe is best if baby is willing to try to nurse; otherwise, a syringe will still work, and a cup is faster than a spoon, but it's a personal decision.) Or...just keep offering him the breast once every day or two. He might just surprise you one day and start nursing perfectly!! This can happen at any age, so don't give up.

If you are planning on exclusively pumping (or if baby continues to not latch), you should be using the most effective pump available--a hospital-grade double pump. Not only does a double pump work in half the time, you actually get more milk from it. If you bought a pump, try renting one and see if you get more milk that way. (You can also double pump with battery or manual pumps; if your pump doesn't have that option, you can buy 2 of them. But a rental pump will almost always be more effective.) Do *not* get rid of your old pump, though--you may need it later. Many women suddenly (commonly around 3-5 months after the birth) can't pump enough milk. Switching to a different pump will often work.

If you need help with this, contact La Leche League (see sources section below). I hope this helps.

Answer 3

You are pumping more than enough milk! My baby girl didn't latch right away either. She was a month earl, and they were afriad she had lost too much weight so I had to pump too. But it turned out that she just needed time. Keep trying to help your baby latch on. St first, my daughter would only latch on for a minute or two. Then she would latch only at certain feedings, but not at others. Pay attention to the baby's signs. SOme like to latch if you respond to the forst signs of hunger, others need to be wide awake. Every kid is different. And it takes a while to learn their personality.
Good luck

Answer 4

I am so glad I am not the only one! I did that too, for 6 months. And it would vary. In the beginning, 2 to 3 ounces at a time is normal. your production will grow as she needs it. I still leak a little when she does her hungry cry sometimes, and I stopped 8 months ago. Make sure you save the rest of the milk! When he goes through a growth spurt, you are going to need it! I remember sitting in the room, pumping and her screaming for more.

Good luck, remember to drink a lot of water and you will and your baby will be doing great!

Answer 5

It's not low.

If you're making more than he's taking, you're doing great. And it's good to keep doing that, because it's easy to make more than your baby needs right now, so you can store it for later.

I nursed each of my girls for a year. But they were eating mostly solids and drinking from cups by the time they were six months old, and I had to work really hard to keep up with their demand. Having that early store of milk in the freezer meant the difference between just supplementing with formula occasionally for convenience, and HAVING to do formula whether we were ready to or not.

Your supply will grow as your baby gets older. When my girls were about 6 months, I would pump at work, once or twice a day, and bring home anywhere from 10 to 18 ounces.

Answer 6

if you are exclusively pumping 2 ounces is normal when your baby is 9 days old. i had to pump milk too because my baby couldnt latch on either. but i only did it for 3 months because i found that it was such a hassel, i would have to wake up for night feedings and then get the baby to bed and then pump, so i got no sleep at all. and when your baby gets bigger you wont be able to pump enough milk because the pump doesnt stimulate your breast as much as a baby sucking. you know what you should try, they have these things called nipple guards/shields. it goes over your nipple and makes your nipple like a bottle nipple. makes it easier for the baby to latch on. then once you get your baby used to getting milk from the breast, it will be easier to get him to latch on. you should really try it, they dont cost that much. i found mine at a pharmacy, you could try wal greens or target, maybe even wal mart. just ask a pharmacist they will show you what it is. dont give up, at every feeding offer your baby your breast first, try for a little while, and if it doesnt work, then give him a bottle or use a nipple guard.

Answer 7

Keep working on that Latch. Nursing is a rhythm you both have to learn.
Meet with your hospitals Lactation Consultant, or a local LaLecheLeague Leader (I highly reccomend the LLL!). They can help you with that Latch. It is not too late for him to learn. If you can get him back to the breast, pumping will come easier as well. The natural 'let down' sensation that a baby produces is amazing for pumping results.
Good luck! You are doing the BEST thing for your little man!

Answer 8

when my daughter was first born I was able to pump about 2-3 ounces every couple of hours. I eventually was able to get her to latch on with the help of a lactation consultant. I had flat nipples and ended up having to use a nipple shield. My daughter was able to get more from my breasts cause she was more efficient then the pump.

Answer 9

that is a good amount but u need to start pumping more so u will make more for when the baby starts to eat more. the doctor told me to allways pump every thing out and do it at least 15 on each side. as the baby gets older the time u need to pump will go up. i had to pump about 20 mins on each side about a month after mine was born.

Answer 10

I think you are doing good but you are the only one who can tell by if your babe is looking for more than the 4 ounces. I pumped only for the first 2 weeks on my 3rd baby because she wasn't doing it right and I needed to heal.

You should be still trying to feed her, so all your time isn't pumping and bottlefeeding.

Answer 11

That is normal! I know it doesn't seem like alot, but your baby is still young. Keep pumping and you will gradually get more and more out of each pumping session! It seems like a lot of effort for not alot of product...but your baby thanks you!! Keep up the good work and try talking to a lactation consultant for help with your babies latch! =)