January 2008 Expecting Club

Before I begin, I would first like to thank you for being our boards breastfeeding expert! You rock!!

Ok, I've been pumping the last few days and the only time I can get more than 2-3 oz is if I'm totally engorged! I will pump for 10 mins per side and only get on average 2 oz. If I'm engorged (which had only happened twice) I can get 5 oz in less than 10 mins and that's just on one side!
What's going on?? Am i doing it wrong?
Thanks so much in advance!

I'm not mayo, but I do the same thing.

I only get 2-3 oz during the day, in the morning or middle of the night (when i'm "full") I can get 5-6 oz....

I hope it's normal = )

Some advice that could help but also a question for everyone...

I have a PIS advanced and pump for about 5-8 minutes, then the milk just stops. Then, I have to put on a heating pad and massage my boobs for a couple minutes. Then, I pump one boob at a time (so I can focus!) while also massaging and applying heat. I can generally get the milk spraying again and get a lot more with this.

My milk varies, sometimes I get 1.5 ounces, other times I can get 3 ounces out of each boob.

My question...does anyone else have to do this? I feel like I shouldn't have to do this in order to get an adequate amount of milk. And even still, sometimes I still feel like my boob has more milk in it, I just can't get it out. My baby is definitely the best pump out there, he can pull out more milk after I pump. But, I'm dealing with thrush right now so I can only nurse him directly once or twice a day due to pain.

Nope, sounds like you're doing just fine.  2-3 ounces is a good amount.  When I first started pumping with Brody, I got that much and then it went from there.  With each child, my body makes more milk until I feel like a cow. 

You can up your supply with a couple of things, like fenugreek or mother's milk tea.  You can also eat regular oatmeal and drink tea. 

You have to train your body to produce more milk. The way to do that is to empty your breasts as often as you can. Pump after a hot shower, after nursing, and make sure Moses is emptying your breasts completely, so have him finish one side before moving on.  Keep him with you as much as possible, wearing him in a sling to give him easy access, because even his presence can relax your body and make you produce more milk.

Moses should be hitting a growth spurt in the next one to two weeks, which means he'll be helping to increase your supply.

And remember not to watch the clock.  I'm normally on line when I pump, so I don't pay attention to the amount in the bottle.

Try reading this and see if it helps!

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

P.S.  I love being able to use my hard won knowledge to try and help!  No thanks ecessary!

If you're double pumping, getting both breasts at the same time, you're not getting the most efficient pump out of your PIS.  When I got my PIS, three years ago, I tried double pumping and it took longer and I got less milk.  So I only pump one side at a time now.  It makes he suction stronger and the letdown more aggressive. 

Whe you don't see any more milk, how long do you continue to pump?  Has the milk completely stopped or just slowed down to  drop every fifteen or so seconds?  If single pumping, switch sides, pump the other side, and then return to your first for another five or so minutes.

I'm not a clock watcher.  I stop pumping when the milk is dripping in increments longer than fifteen seconds.  I also know about how much is in my breasts, so I know about how much I should be getting.

If you don't have the single piece horns, get them.  They are much more effecient than the older, two piece horns.  Here's a link to see what I'm talking about.

http://www.medelabreastfeedingus.com/products/pump-accessories/377/1-piece-breastshield