Help...Breast pumping questions?

Question

I have a nine week old. I've been back to work since she was six weeks. I was nursing exclusively for the first six weeks and now I've been trying to pump while I'm at work. I still nurse her when I'm at home (mornings, evenings, nights, days off, etc). While at work I try to pump once in the morning, once during lunch, and twice after (I work 9-9). When my baby eats from the bottle she eats about four ounces. When she nurses she seems satisfied. However, when I pump at work I'm only usually able to get about two ounces from both breasts. I'm pumping 10-15 minutes per breast. My breasts pump milk for the first two or three minutes then nothing else comes out except a few drops here and there.

Is this normal? Is my milk supply lowering? I'm worried because I can't keep up with her needs if I can only pump 2 ounces from both breasts when she eats 4 ounces every time she takes the bottle. I use a manual Medela pump that came with the electric pump I rented from the Hospital.

Answer 1

I think an electric pump would work better for you than a manual pump. I would check into a portable electric pump, maybe even one that pumps both breast at once, so you spend less time pumping.

As far as being normal? Not all women can pump enough milk. Stress also can lead to lower milk production while pumping. I don't think it is your milk supply. Try to relax. Maybe pump at home as well. Nurse off one side, pump the other (about 2 oz per feeding) then your stored milk volume will increase, and your baby should get enough milk from her breast feeding.

There is no crime in giving your baby formula, when you don't have enough milk expressed for her. I wouldn't go to all formula while you are away, but some would be ok.

Best of luck to you. Congratulations on giving your daughter such a great start!

Answer 2

As the previous poster said stress can be a big factor. When you do pump try to just focus on that, maybe a pic of the baby. I noticed until I got "better" at it, when multi-taking such as reading a magizine, or try to even type, I was getting less. Also lots and lots and lots of water to drink, more than you ever think. Also pump both at the same time, and get the electric. Sounds like you already have the attachments, try e bay or craigslist for a used medela electric. Its perfectly sanitary since you have the new attachments. Also see if your workplaces human resources dept has something called a lactation program - you might be able to get a great deal on a new medela. Good luck!