How much milk should i get while pumping each side?

Question

I have a 3 week old and I express my milk to feed the baby and I am worried I am not getting enough milk. I get a total of 3 oz. from both breasts and I pump every 2 hours. Is this normal? Will my supply increase ? I am worried as I want to feed my baby breastmilk.

Answer 1

Hi! I was forced to pump for my preemie twins and i've been pumping for 10 months now. Here's a few thoughts:

1. The pump will never be as efficient as your baby at getting milk from your breasts. If at all possible I would strongly encourage you to get your baby to latch on. See a lactation consultant, I was able to get one of my twins to latch on at 3 weeks old and she nursed successfully until I went back to work at 6 months.

2. You probably need a better pump. Most women I know who pump exclusively rent a hospital grade pump. The Medela Lactina is a popular choice. At the very least you need a good double electric pump like the Medela Pump in Style or the Ameda Purely Yours. I've used both with success.

3. Pumping full time is alot of work. You'll need to keep pumping every 2 hours around the clock for at least the next 6-8 weeks. Even if your baby is sleeping longer at night still set your alarm and get up to pump. Once your supply is established you can move to every 3-4 hours. Keep a log of the time you pump and how many ounces you get.

4. Make sure that you empty both breasts every time you pump. I usually pump for about 30 minutes at least. Even if milk stops flowing from one you'll still want to keep pumping until the other one stops.

5. Try pumping about 5 minutes past the stoppage of milk flow to see if you can get a second let down and start milk flowing again. This will help increase your supply even though it means you'll be pumping longer.

6. Try massaging your breasts while pumping or using warm compresses before pumping. Chamomile tea and fenugreek are often used to increase milk supply as well.

7. I know this sounds crazy since you're pumping around the clock but make sure you get your rest. Stress can affect your milk supply.

Good luck and hang in there! I've pumped successfully for 10 months. It's NOT A LIFESTYLE I RECOMMEND. But if you don't have a choice (can't get the baby to nurse due to medical reasons or despite seeking professional help, etc) it is possible to keep pumping long term!

Answer 2

Each woman's body is diff that being said this is what i did.

From the first day my milk came in i have been pumping, my baby never latched on. The first month i pumped every three hours,i have a Lanshioh Double Pump and i pumped both breasts at the same time. i was worried too cause i only got 6 to 7oz from both breasts combined every three hours. So after 6 weeks i increased the time between pumping's to 4 hours and the oz went up to 10oz.
My baby is now 3 months 2 weeks and i pump every 5 to 6 hours and i get 14-16 oz from both breast combined. That's what i did hope that helps , i know its a hassle but your giving your baby the best food possible so don't give up.

Answer 3

That sounds about right for right now, but you will increase more if you let the baby do it. Pumping is not the best way to go. The baby also gets more than what you can get from pumping.

Answer 4

your supply will increase as the baby ages, at this point he only needs 4-5 oz per feeding, and he is going to be able to get more milk out than the pump will. As long as he has over 6 wet/soiled diapers a day he is eating enough and will be fine! Good luck!

Answer 5

It really depends on how you are responding to the pump. If you think you aren't getting enough then you should try pumping in a different location, looking at your baby or a picture of your baby also sometimes help to get a little more. Good luck

Answer 6

At your daughters age she needs only 1 ounce, at max 2 every 2-4 hours. You have enough.

But why are you expressing and not letting her latch onto you?

I know I pumped for 3 months every hour on the hour for 3 months because my son had latching issues. If you want to continue to express and not let her latch, then everytime you sit down to give her a bottle you pump. That will get your body on her schdule and her demands. Do not stop pumping until she stops eating. If you are having problems with your daughter latching on you may want to talk to you peditrician or a latation consultant.

Congrats

Answer 7

Pumping is very different than actual breastfeeding. The stimulation for milk production is stronger when actually nursing. Some people cant even get an ounce when pumping, but their baby gets plenty when they nurse. If your baby is having a good amount of wet and poopy diapers, your baby should be getting enough.

Answer 8

That's not too uncommon, maybe look into a better pump (renting one from a hospital) if you are going to exclusively pump.

If you are breastfeeding and pumping you should really wait a few more weeks to establish a good supply before pumping a lot.

Answer 9

My baby is a week and half old and I get 3 oz. on both breast when they are full. Probably could get more but the milk slows down and I quit. 3 oz. sounds normal

Answer 10

http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

This is a link to a website that shows how much milk infants need I found it reather SHOCKING.

You are pumping a normal amount for a beginner, there is an ART to pumping.. it takes a certain mind set here are tips:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/index.html

What is normal when it comes to pumping output and changes in pumping output?
Most moms who are nursing full-time are able to pump around 1/2 to 2 ounces total (for both breasts) per pumping session. Moms who pump more milk per session may have an oversupply of milk, or may respond better than average to the pump, or may have been able to increase pump output with practice. Many moms think that they should be able to pump 4-8 ounces per pumping session, but even 4 ounces is an unusually large pumping output.

It is quite normal to need to pump 2-3 times to get enough milk for one feeding for baby (remember that the pump cannot get as much milk as a baby who nurses effectively).

Many moms are able to pump more milk per session when they are separated from baby. Milk pumped when you are nursing full-time is "extra" milk -- over and beyond what baby needs. Don't get discouraged if you are trying to build up a freezer stash when nursing full time and don't get much milk per pumping session -- this is perfectly normal and expected.

It is very common to have more milk than baby needs in the early weeks, which regulates down to baby's needs over the first few weeks or months. When your milk supply regulates (this change may occur either gradually or rather suddenly), it is normal for pumping output to decrease. For moms who have oversupply, this change often occurs later (6-9+ months postpartum rather than 6-12 weeks).

It is normal for pumping output to vary from session to session and day to day. Having an occasional low volume day is not unusual.

During a growth spurt, don't be surprised if baby drinks more expressed milk than usual, making it harder for mom to provide enough expressed milk. Growth spurts are temporary - try increasing nursing and adding a pumping session or two at home until the growth spurt is over.

Menstruation or ovulation can result in a temporary drop in milk supply. You might also notice cyclical dips in milk supply before your period returns, as your body begins the return to fertility. Hormonal changes also cause milk supply to decrease during pregnancy.

Remember that the amount of milk that you pump is not a measure of your milk supply!