Not Much Milk When I Pump...

That's actually quite a normal volume to be pumping at this stage. you absolutely want to pump at least 15- 20 minutes each time you pump esp. while you are establishing your milk supply. it takes about 12 weeks for your supply to be at its "full potential." Even if you are getting nothing past 5 minutes you want to continue til at least 15 - 20 because it is telling your breasts you need to make more....it's putting a "demand" on them and eventually you will make more and get another let down during your pump session.

Here is a great site to post your questions about pumping. These women know it ALL!!!
http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-ppexcluspump

Good luck!!

1 mom found this helpful

When I breast fed my two, I used a manual pump from Avent. It was called the Avent Isis, here is a link from Target. http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-###-###-####-###...
I found that this pump was very effective in getting my milk out. I think it has something to do with the massaging cushions. I'm no expert but I would recommend this to any mom. Also, when he feeds, does he usually take from both breasts or just one side? If he only feeds from one breast, I would suggest pumping from the other one as soon as you're done feeding him. Then for the next feeding, start him on the breast you pumped last then pump the other one that you didn't pump before. This way your body has to make more milk because of the greater feeding demand.

Good Luck.

H.

Be patient and relaxed when you are pumping. Drink a large glass of milk while you are pumping and eat the right foods that willhelp you to produce more. The more you drink the more you will produce. When I left the hospital the lactating nurse forgot to tell me. Also to pump every 3 hrs to build up a supply for the freezer so that others could do the feeding. Your milk supply will increase with demand. Good Luck.

I have the same pump. My milk flow slows down after 6-7 min in the beginning. I can't recall how much milk I was able to pump out at 3 weeks. To me, .5 oz per side does seem a bit low. If you want to increase milk flow, my lactation consultant told me to pump right after I nursed my baby (to signal to the breasts that more milk is needed). I did this for 3-5 days and noticed an increase. The other thing to check is the amount of water you are drinking. You should drink 16 glasses of 8 oz cups of water per day. Also, make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet. It helps to eat a small meal 2 hours before you need to nurse again. Some of my friends have used mother's milk tea successfully to lactate more. For me, foods such as papaya, peanuts also increase milk flow. Also, check if you are getting a letdown. I didn't get a letdown til week 6. Once I started to get a letdown, I got much more milk (definitely more than .5 oz per side). You could also massage your breasts (stroke towards nipple) prior to pumping to push more milk to the front. The pump is not as efficient as your baby's sucking. I know that I have pumped til there was no milk coming out, but when I nursed right afterwards, my baby was able to suck a bit more out.

Pump for more than 5 minutes. If the milk is creamy white, then you've most likely had your letdown and that might be all you're making (probably not). If you notice that the milk looks more like clearish (almost like skim milk) then keep going. Smell something of your baby's or have him in front of you to help with the letdown. I'm a pumper for my 2nd child (I pumped for 9 months for my first son and it's been 2 weeks for baby #2) so I guess I consider myself a "pro pumper!"

Good luck!

You may want to have the motor in your pump checked if it's not brand new, and the sheilds may be too big like you mentioned. There is a great lactation support place/store in Chatham, NJ right on main street called the Lactation Resource Center. You can bring your pump and have them look at it & talk to them all about it.
Good Luck- breast feeding is really stressful so try not to worry too much.

Check out this little video clip:

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction....

It shows how to maximize pumping results!

Hi A.!

You might want to consider when you have most milk supply, and pump then.

For me, I've found I have the biggest milk supply when I wake up: So, when I want to pump, I put my infant at one breast, and pump at the other while she nurses. If she wants to switch, I continue to pump on the breast she isnt' nursing. I prepare the breast-pump and bottle the night before, so when it's early-morning wake-up, I'm ready.

This has worked well for me with all 4 of my kiddies.

Although I might also get less 2 oz when pumping "solo", when I pump opposite breast early morning while nursing, I often get 5-6 oz.

Pumping while breastfeeding means that you have Extremely good let-down, and it doesn't take up extra time to just sit around and pump.

I hope my 2 cents helps?

Have you tried contacting your local Le Leche League? They can be a wonderful source of info. You might also try a latation consultant from your local hospital. Most of the time you can just call them and ask for advice. I suggest you make sure you're eating a lot more and get more sleep if you can. Fatigue and dieting will zap you of your milk as well. Is your son going through a lot of diapers? If he is still peeping and poping, then he might just be gassy and want to suck for comfort. I know it's rough, I have three kids and breast feed each of them for two years. Hang in there.

Try drinking lots of fluid, especially 1/2 hr or 1 hr before if you are not already doing so.. Been awhile but I had enough milk to supply the neighborhood. Good luck

I also never got too much milk when I pumped but I was most successful when I pumped early in the morning while the baby nursed one breast and I pumped from the other. I was able to pump 4 oz. I also pumped EVERY day at the same time so the supply was there. Consistency is really important when your supply is limited.

Same problem here. I bought an expensive hospital grade pump and got very little milk. I did better by 1)doubling the water I drank, 2)looking at a picture of my baby while pumping, and 3)using a cheap-o hand pump that the hosptial gave me for free. This is the type of pump that you squeeze a trigger type handle with one hand, versus the plunger type of pump. There is also a tincture of herbs called "Mother's Milk" that you can add to hot tea that increases your milk supply. Keep up the good work. Breast is best!

Congrats on your baby boy! You do need to pump for at least 20 minutes to get a full pump session in. Even if your milk stops flowing after just 5, you will get an additional let down around 15-18 minutes into it. If the first few times you don't, remember that breast milk is supply and demand, so what you don't get today, you will get in a day or two. Make sure you keep your pump schedule pretty consistent too. I am a mom of 3, my youngest is 7 months old and is exclusively breastfed still to this day, I also work full time and pump while i am at work. I pump every 3 hours and get 5 oz each session. My son usually eats 4 or 5 oz every 2-3 hours. It can be done. You have a great pump, I have the same one. I am not sure what area your in, But I have the name of a great lactation and wellness center if your around the buffalo area. Yes you may need a bigger breast shield also. I ended up needing a much larger one. Have you been measured for one yet? If so, I strongly suggest you do get measured. Many times the one that comes with the pump is much too small. Just let me know!

Good luck and keep up the good work!

I breastfed both my boys and in my experience, keep breastfeeding often and for as long as your son wants to, making sure to change sides so you don't get too sore and maintain milk flow in both breasts. You may have to wait a few more weeks of constant breast feeding to more fully develop your milk flow to his needs and therefore be able to pump in between a feeding and maintain what he requires at a normal feeding. Your body will respond to his demands but your body is about a 2-3 day delay. He'll feed like crazy and you think you don't have enough then he'll slow down for a couple weeks and your breasts are swollen with milk flow because he was pigging out for a few days. Let your body adjust to his needs and then try to pump some more. As long as you are letting him nurse when he wants/needs then your body will follow and you'll be better able to express more through pumping. Good for you and baby....keep it up!

If your hospital/doctor has a lactation consultant, contact them. My hospital had a consultant that actually came to my house! I know on the hospital pump that I used there is a dial to adjust the strength of the "sucking". Perhaps your pump is not set to a level high enough to make your body think there is a hungry baby there! Good Luck.

best advice is to stop stressing about it all...the more you feed and pump, the more your milk supply will go up. You do need to pump for more than 5 minutes, sometimes it takes a bit longer for your milk to let down...you do need to relax and try to find some quiet time when you pump...warm compresses (hot shower, heating pad) will bring your milk in more...stressing about pumping is the worst thing you can do..its such a natural process, it will happen! try pumping an hour after you feed your son, your body will know to produce more milk. if you pump several times a day, your milk supply will go up and your will pump out more milk. good luck and congrats!! Im still nursing my 8 month old and in the beginning i wasnt pumping out much, now i can pump 4 oz from each breast in 10 minutes...relax and enjoy your precious baby!

Hi! I also pumped using the same Medela. I found that during a pumping session, if I took off the "cones" and repositioned them the milk would flow again. Give it a try.

hi i am a mom of 3 and i had that same problem with my last baby. My drs just kept telling me to take a nice hot shower as hot as you can stand it and then pump after your out of the shower. I did that and trust me IT WORKED. Everytime i felt the need to breastfeed I pumped until nothing more came out and usually the end result was good.

i hope i helped : )

hi A.. Congrats on the successful breastfeeding. As for the pumping, I can relate. I used a high quality pump and could never get more than a couple ounces at most even when my girls were 8 months old. My body just didn't respond to the pumping. It is very frustrating when you have to pump multiple times to just get one feeding in. I knew other women who could pump up to 10oz in one sitting. Stick with it, but maybe your body just responds to your baby.

I rented a hospital grade electric pump and hardly got any milk. I did some online research, bought an Avent ISIS hand pump and without any other changes got a lot more milk. Good luck!

pump in the morning only once a day right after his first feeding. increase your liquids a bit (more water every time you are nursing) and take a fenugreek(natural herb) a few times a day. that morning time after you feed is the most milk you will have. ten minutes per breast if fine. don't worry about the amount. worst case scenario you mix in a tiny bit of formula to get to three ounces and you have your full bottle for the later feeding. I went thru the same thing with both girls. its not you its not the pump its just that he is stronger then any pump on the market.

maybe you are not letting down with the pump. just as your baby knows skin from say a rubber nipple or pacifer your bosy know too ie the pump. Try holding your son whil you pump. You mnay have better let down I know this is difficult but it may just help get things started. You can add small feedings together to form one full one. 1/2 oz one time plus an ounce the next and soon you will have a feeding. Its all your milk. As long as it is frozen right away you can do it. Make sure he gets what he needs for a feeding first thought before you express any though.Good luck you are doing a great job and rmeber also that as you start to pump you are reating more milk, so as he feeds oneach side then you pump after feeding you will build up a larger supply.When you do get a feed for dad to give get up at the same time he would be feeding and express your milk then. Your body knows what time it is and you will be engorged . If at this early time you start misising those night feeds you will stop making milk at that time.Aint our bodies amazing! Good luck

As you mentioned on your request, it may be that you are using a breastsheild that is too small. The same thing happened to me and I did not even know that the breastshield could be the problem until I spoke to a lactation consultant. I urge you to see a lactation consultant as soon as possible so you don't impair your milk supply. Good luck!

Are you pumping when your milk is letting down? I'd recommend waiting until you feel like you need to pump and then doing it. If I wait until then, I can usually pump for 20 minutes or so before my supply stops flowing.
At that point you could power pump -- pump for ten minutes, wait ten minutes and then pump for another ten -- you do it for an hour. I've never done it, but heard it works.

Hi A.
I read your note about pumping. Are you starting to pump after you've not nursed for a good while ? If not - that might be part of it. Perhaps pump when your son hasn't eaten as long in a feeding - or feed him only on one side and then pump from the other. Your milk supply will likely increase if you continue to pump regularly. It takes some time. My sister had to build up her supply becuase she wasn't making enough and though it took about a month she started making plenty with pumping and feeding every day. THey do make different size breast shields to accomodate different size women - so check out the options on the Medela website. Good luck! ps If you want some help you should check out the support and lactation consultant at Full Circle Family Center in White PLains.Great people great place.

Yes, just keep pumping after the 5 minutes... mine sometimes slows down for a while then around the 10 minute mark it really gets going again. I started pumping in the first week and haven't stopped yet. The work you put into pumping will pay off and give you some much needed rest/break time... and Daddy will love it! Keep at it - don't get discouraged - breastfeeding has been a wonderful experience for me and my 5 month old son. I am back to work now :( and have a great supply and it is easier for me to pump at work & continue breastfeeding.

Hi A.
I was going through the same thing - my daughter is only a week older than your son. I find that at different times of the day I tend to be able to pump more than others. For example, if I wake up before the baby in the morning (which is pretty rare but happens occassionally), I can get about 3 oz out. And if she sleeps through a feeding, I can pump then too and get about 3 oz out.
Also, you might need more time to get used to it. I tried pumping when she was about a week or so old, and got only about 1/2 oz then didnt try again for like 2 weeks. Now I just started a few days ago pumping and by and large I am getting more each time.
Make sure you are drinking enough water. They say 6-8 glasses a day, but I find that if I drink more like 10, I get better results. And keep the baby close to you when you are pumping, because looking at him will probably get you to express more out.
I already started getting a little nervous about when I go back to work - my husband will be staying home and as a result, I will need to be pumping MUCH more... keep in mind the milk can stay in the fridge up to about a week, and in the freezer for a couple of months.
Hope this helps.
A.

A..
Excuse me if I am redundant, I only have a moment and did not read through the other posts.

i have avery hard time pumping. I usually pump only when I have to but, I pump one ide while baby is on the other... or I think of sad thoughts. Sad thoughts give me a let down EVERY time.

(Backstory: I was having a hard time pumping and my bestest gal was trying to help and she offered the sad thoughts advise... i said "leah, I am sad, I cannot pump milk for my daughter." She laughed and said "no no no...you can still feed her. Imagine she is grown up and she doesn't need you anymore she is getting ready to leave the house." That made me well up and all of the sudden whoosh...milk milk milk. It is sad to think of your sweet itty bitty baby who needs you so very much right now, not needing you...I hope it worked and i didn't make you cry for no reason)

good luck. pumping can be difficult and painful, you not alone.

A.,
My son is almost 3 months old and I had the same problem you did. I used to pump, evenflo comfort select automatic cycling breast pump, and only got about 2 oz each time. I started to get more milk the longer I waited between feedings. I recently went back to work and switched to formula but I still breast feed him when I'm home. I am able to take time at work and pump a bottle for him each day. I wait about 4-5 hours from the last time he fed before I pump. I get more milk this way. For example, this morning I fed him at 4 am and the first bottle I pumped today was at 9:30 am, I got 6 oz. I usually get more if I wait even longer. The most I've gotten so far with one sitting is 9 oz of milk. Sorry to say this but you might have to wait a little while before your milk really starts to come in. Wait for a growth spurt to happen, this usually gives you more milk. I think it was around the 5-6 week mark when I started to get more milk, then it doesn't stop.:-) Good Luck with everything.

R. M

Congrats on your baby! I am curious why you are trying to give him a bottle now when they aren't really supposed to get bottles if they are breast fed until about 6 weeks. Any sooner can create nipple confusion which means he will reject you because he will learn the bottle is easier than nursing. Anything later and he may reject trying the bottle at all (something my middle son did).

As for the pump, I use the Avent Isis and have for all three of my children. Also, in the beginning I just pumped to help with engorgement and "stock up" a bit for when the baby turned 6 weeks and we wanted to introduce the bottle. You can freeze your milk for 3 months but NOT in the door of the freezer.

I am not surprised if you are only getting what you are because I am guessing your baby is eating when your breasts expect him to therefore you aren't emptying a whole breast which is what would be taking the 15 minutes. Your breasts start to get used to what the baby needs so if you are looking to do just one bottle a day, I would almost just do what you are doing because if you pump too much, you may end up with an engorgement issue.

If you have questions (for instance about the advice you receive), I would suggest talking to a lactation consultant at the hospital where you had the baby. They are there to help even after you go home. :)

Hi A.:
Congrats on the birth of your baby boy!
I have a 3 year old boy and a 6 month old girl....both breastfed. I was told not to start pumping for at least a month after their births so that the milk supply could be established and the baby could get used to the breast. I actually didn't start pumping for 8 weeks and usually can get 3/4 oz. on each side. My 3 year old was weaned by 8 months (his choice) and my 6 month old is still doing well with the nursing. Give it some time. Also, when the milk stops coming out, continue pumping for 5 more minutes and see if you get another letdown. I can usually get 2 or 3 letdowns in a 20 minute pumping session.

I hope this helps, and good luck!

Hi there! First of all, congratulations on your new baby boy! (I love his name!)
I applaud you for starting to pump early on! I have a 3 1/2 mth old and I didn't start pumping until she was 1 mth old. Now she is very picky and finicky about taking the bottle (hardly ever takes it - especially when she's tired and cranky)and that has made me feel a little trapped sometimes.
Anyway, I think it just takes some getting used to. Right now your breasts are only used to producing what he needs. The more you pump and the more he eats, the more you'll start to produce. It helps to think of your baby while you do it - sometimes a picture??? Sometimes I look at our digital frame full of pictures of my baby girl (AnnaKate). It's easier said than done - but you also have to be relaxed. I find that when I'm stressed and exhausted - I can pump for 20 minutes and only get an ounce or two. It also helps to massage your breasts and to steer/press the shield to the left and right. (I hope that makes sense.)
It can be very frustrating - but just keep at it. It's nice that your husband gets that special time with Jack here and there - and that you get some extra rest!! (Try to rest as often as possible!)
Hope this helps a little!
Good luck!
A.

I just started pumping myself, my baby is 6 weeks. I was told to wait 4 weeks before pumping. Have you tried pumping on one breast while breast feeding on the other?
I was told this is the way to go when you are having a hard time pumping. I was also told if you aren't letting down your milk after 5 minutes to stop and try again, later.
My guess is that you will be able to pump more successfully as the weeks go on.
I was also told to only expect a few oz when you first start pumping. So my advice is be patient and keep pumping.
But I'm a beginner too... so good luck!!

A.,

Your milk production is exactly what your little guys needs. If all you get is 1/2 oz then that is all he needs because that is all he gets when he nurses. I feel like an old hat at nursing because I am a mother of 4 (18, 5, 3 and 11 months). I nursed 14 months, 16 months and still at it with the 11 months. My milk has dried up prematurely with all the little ones and I have had mastitis more time than I can count :(. Remember that the things you read are guidelines and not absolutes. If your little guy is gaining then you are doing just fine. Good luck!

I had that problem toward when my daughter was 9-13 mos ish, and it is so frustrating. It may depend on what time of day and if your baby has just eaten if you are not getting much. I would try to pump when my breasts were really ready for my baby to eat, you could try "taking a bit off the top" so to speak, when you are leaking a bit. The first three months it should be easier because your milk hasn't regulated yet. It could also be psycological, try a picture of your baby, or pump near your baby, get away from other people, in private etc. Know that you are doing the best for you and your baby by doing this, sometimes just knowing that will help. Mechanicals I found worked best for me, I tried both.
best of luck and I hope it works for you.

You are probably only producing what you need to feed the baby so your body isn't sure why it needs to produce "more" milk for a bottle. Don't give up, though! If you keep at it you will produce more milk and be able to fill that bottle in no time! Another issue may be that because you aren't stimulated from the baby your shutting down because the machine doesn't stimulate you properly like Jack does. You have the best pump so not to worry. Maybe look at a picture of Jack or at him when you pump and it might stimulate you better. Hope my words of "wisdom" might be helpful! Just remember that no matter what, your milk supply will meet the demand whether it is by baby or by pump, it will just take a bit of time and letting Daddy feed by bottle is great for everyone, good for you!

If you can, try breastfeeding on one side while pumping at the same time on the other. It helps to relax you and hopefully allow you to express more milk.

Hi A.- If you haven't already, I recommend speaking with a lactation consultant. I was having some challenges (different from yours) when I first started pumping and when the lactation consultant came over and showed me how to pump correctly it made a world of difference. I am no expert, but I remember being told by my lactation consultant that sometimes the breat has a second let down and so you should wait to see if that is that case for you. So you may want to continue to pump even though it may seem like you dont have any more milk - this happened to me too. Also be sure that you are well hydrated and are drinking enough water during the day. You can also try an organic natural tea called Mother's Milk to promote lactation. If you are able to though I would really recommend speaking/meeting with a lactation consultant - your pediatrician may be able to recommend someone or you could even speak with someone in your local area from La Leche League. La Leche League was also a valuable resource and it's free :)
Congratulations on your son and on breastfeeding! I know it can be challenging so try to hang in there!
All the best,
M.

Just so you understand, when nursing, it is supply and demand. When the baby needs milk (demand) you make more milk (supply). You will only produce as much milk as the baby needs, therefore don't expect a lot. He may be only demanding 2oz. at a feeding which is what you are going to give. To help a little, while you are nursing Jack on one side pump the other side. If that gives you better results then instead of switching sides after 10 minutes keep nursing on the one side for 20 minutes and continue to pump on the other side. I have four children who were all nursed until they were at least a year. My fourth child was a preemie and was hospitalized for a little over a month and I pumped continuously for her because I did not want her to have formula at all. Luckily I had other children that I had nursed so it made my job a little bit easier, but stress does have something to do with it. If your milk let's down when Jack cries then try appeasing him for a few minutes while you pump first and then nurse him. That will help to increase you supply if your body is tricked into thinking there is more of a demand. A manual pump worked best for me, babies mouths stimulate different glands and they can continue to pull milk when you think that you have nothing left. Electric pumps give a constant rhythmic suction that is different from a nursing child. Check it out next time you nurse and pump and see if you notice the difference. The manual pump is a little less stressful on your breast also. Oh, I used the Medela pump. I hope all this helps you out, Good luck, think happy thoughts.

I have had mucho trouble with breastfeeding and milk suppy in the past, so the first thing is don't stress about it...it will only make things worse. However, It sounds like the shield is not the right size for you...or your breasts aren't getting stimulated w/the pump the way your baby stimulates them. If you don't feel your milk drop, then that is most likey the case. You can try hand pumping into a cup or bottle to see if that makes a difference. Also, go to a place that sells breastfeeding/pump supplies and get fitted for the correct size shield. If that still doesn't improve anything, then just supplement that one bottle a day! A few ounces of formula a day is fine! Especially if your breast feeding the other times. Seriously. As far as your baby needing more than two ounces? Your supply will pick up as he needs more. Trust me. Just make sure you are getting plenty of rest (I know everyone says that and it seems impossible, but a drink of water and a nap seems to be the magical milk maker for me!) and getting plenty of fluid intake. Your baby is only three weeks old, and breast feeding is really hard especially your first time around. Formula one time a day is okay and it will not hurt your milk supply either. I promise.

Hope this helps and sorry about the longevity!! Good luck!

Yes. Keep pumping. It provides the necessary stimulation to create milk. My daugther is 4 months old & I remember going through the same thing when she was three weeks old.

The lactation consultant told me to pump in the morning (as your milk supply is greatest then), pump right after your 1st feeding & try to pump at the same time everyday. Your milk production will adjust so that you are getting greater amounts each time you pump (until it levels off of course).

Stick with it! It will all work out! & don't worry about the pump. You have a great one. It's what I use too.