breastfeeding/pumping question?

Question

i have been mostly breastfeeding my 2 week old baby, now i am getting back to my normal routine and responsibilities and could use the extra time to get stuff done or nap if someone else could feed her. problem is when i pump out my milk, there is only like 2 ounces coming out and when we feed it from the bottle, it only takes her like 5 or 10 minutes to finish it off, compared to the 30 or more that it takes me to breastfeed her. does this mean she isn't getting enough when i pump, or is it just easier to get out of the bottle? how do u find out how much she is getting while i feed her so i know how much of what i pump to measure into her bottle?

Answer 1

ACK! I wrote a long response and then lost it. Trying again!

Are you using a manual or electric pump? One side or both sides? How long do you pump? You should know that it's totally normal to have to pump more than once to get enough for a bottle. The baby is always going to be more efficient at extracting the milk than a pump. It's also important to note that how much you can pump is NOT a good indicator of supply for this reason.

Drinking from a bottle and nursing at the breast are totally different mechanics. Yes, it can seem like they finish the bottle in a flash. Here's why: At the breast she must constantly work to keep the milk flow going. With a bottle, the milk just drips into her mouth and she has to work to STOP the flow of milk. It can make it seem like they are chugging it down! Make sure you are using slow flow nipples on the bottles.

When she is nursing at the breast, is she actively nursing for that full time? Keep in mind that some of that may be comfort sucking where she is just enjoying being with mom! (Which is great!) If she is actively eating then she'll be vigorously sucking and you'll hear her swallow. If she is doing "non-nutritive sucking" then it'll feel more like light "flutter sucking" and you won't notice her swallowing.

I'll include a link to a milk calculator below that will help you determine how much she might need in a bottle.

ETA:
Weighing before and after ONE feeding will not give you a good idea how much she gets in a feed. Just like you and I don't eat the same amount at every meal, neither does she. To get a truely accurate reading, you have to weigh baby before and after SEVERAL feedings on a digital scale and then average the numbers.

ETA:
I don't think you have a supply problem and I don't think you need fenugreek right now. If you ever DO have supply problems, fenugreek is a very effective herb for boosting supply. It is *probably* safe for you. There *are* a very special circumstances where fenugreek is a BAD idea, so you should read the link below before considering taking it.
http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html

Answer 2

There is only one way to find out how much she is getting. Weigh her on an accurate baby scale immediately before you feed her and then weigh her again immediately after you feed her.

In my experience, I was never able to pump as much as my baby got from the breast. We saw lactation consultants and did the weighing thing. Chances are that your baby is getting plenty when you breast feed, but the pump is not as efficient at getting to the milk. The baby is the most efficient pump there is, lol.

It does flow much faster from the bottle though, and I am not surprised that she finished it off quicker.

Two ounces is pretty standard for a pumping session...

Answer 3

I have breastfed five children and was active in LaLeche League when I was still nursing. I had the same question. From what I have been told, it is normal for your baby to get more milk from you than the pump. Your body is not easily fooled and can tell when it is your newborn versus the pump. As long as your baby is growing and getting regular healthy baby check-ups then chances are she is getting plenty of milk when you nurse her. If you are wanting to try and produce more milk while you are pumping try holding her while you pump (skin to skin), or place a picture of her next to the pump. Try to relax and visualize your daughter instead of focusing on the pump. I also used an herb called Fenugreek (safe for you and baby) to help enhance my milk production. It makes you smell like maple syrup, but it worked. Contact your hospital lactation consultant or your local LaLeche League for more breastfeeding tips. It is nice to see other women who understand how breastmilk is best!

Answer 4

for a two week old about 2 oz is right for a feeding. It is easier to get from a bottle then from the breast, so don't worry about the time difference. She is most likely staying latched on b/c this a comfortable place for her and she knows she is close to you. I just finished breastfeed my 1st baby & my suggestion is do it as much as possible. You'll miss that bond when you're done.