Pumping Breastmilk for the Sitter

Hi M., You don't have to wait for your breasts to fill up to pump milk. Your breasts are always making milk. The more milk you take out, the more you will make. It is called the supply -demand response,a feedback control that regulates the production of your milk to match the intake of your baby. Adding a pumping into your current feeding schedule would be the same as if you baby was feeding one more time during the day. Your body will respond by producing more milk. Many moms find that pumping during the mid-morning nap works well for them. There is a great book for adjusting to going back to work and pumping: "Nursing Mother, Working Mother." You can get it through the www.llli.org website. or through your local LLL group. How much your baby drinks depends on her weight. Usuallly your baby drinks 2 to 2.5 ounces per pound of body weight every 24 hours. So if your baby weights 10 lbs. then she takes in about 20-25 ounces. Divide that by the average number of feeds and you get an idea of how much she drinks at breast per feed. If you are gone for 3 of her feedings then x that the amount and you'll get an idea of how much you will need for her. Call your local LLL leader or an IBCLC found www.ilca.org for support and more information on continuing to breastfeed and feeding expressed milk to your baby.

Good Luck and congratulations!

C. Clark, LLLL, IBCLC
Teaneck, NJ
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M., the first thing you should do is not panic! I have breast fed one child for 20 months (14 months of pumping at work since he was 2 months old). I am currently breastfeeding a 10 month-old while working full time. So, you can do it.

Just a few questions since your email wasn't clear. Are you using a good/excellent quality double electric pump? If not, you must invest in one. It is the key to success. Also, are you pumping after her feeds? if not, that would be a way to boost your supply. If she sleeps through the night, try a pumping session at night, when the cues for milk production are most effective. When you say "primarily breastfeeding" does that mean you supplement with formula? If so, do not when you are with her and only allow the sitter to do so if the breastmilk is gone.

When pumping, read a magazine and don't dwell on the amount of milk coming out. Just try to relax and take some time. Pump at a comfortable vacuum pressure (mine is on the max and I use almost the highest speed). Pump for 20 minutes, regardless of whether or not milk seems to be flowing. Usually, right before I stop I get another let down of hind milk. Also, I pump every 2.5 hours rather than every 3 hours that my baby would eat so I get in 4 pumps at work (demand this at work and take the time). I also pump in the evening after she feeds and goes to bed. My baby doesn't sleep through the night so we have lots of night feeding (reverse cycling) which keeps the supply up and gives her the face time with me that she doesn't get during the day. This might happen to you, so beware!

Other things to try are the mother's milk tea. It doesn't seem to help me much, but I still use it anyway. Also, I take Fenugreek, Alfalfa and Blessed Thistle and that has helped me in the past and currently. Oatmeal breakfasts have been shown to help as well.

I hope this helps. And remember, the first rule: don't panic. you'll manage and make enough milk, but it might take some time and it will take commitment and effort.

Please feel free to contact me if you have anymore questions.

Best of luck,
M. Sheehan

I went back to work after being home for 8 weeks. My son went to day care & I wanted to continue giving him breastmilk. I sent in a frozen 4oz bag for emergency, and 3 4oz bottles. I'm a school teacher & I leave my house at 7am. When I get up at 5:30 I pump one breast right away since it is full (during the night he only eats from one side). Then before I leave I feed him. My husband gives him a 3oz bottle around 8:30 and then he eats at day care about every 2-3 hours (4oz). The day care told me he eats so fast and wouldlook for more. The doctor told me he should be eating about 4 oz every 3-4 hours (they are CRAZY). I try to pump twice at work so I can come home with 2 bottles. When I get home I feed him (if need be) and pump again. Please know that I only did this for 3 weeks. I was stressing myself out worring that he wouldn't have enough milk. I finally introduced in to formula but only for one feeding at school. (This killed me since I nursed my first son for 1 yr -but I wasn't working) Knowing that I have this as a back-up has made me realize & it seems I'm getting more milk. Another trick I use is to put a warm cloth on my breast while nursing & thinking about my son.

Hi M.. You already received so much advice so I will try to keep this short. I took a Return to Work/Pump for Success class and here is what I learned: Nurse your baby on one side between 5 and 8am. As stated in the other responses, morning is the best time to pump. Pump on the opposite side. Complete nursing your baby on side that you pumped. 1.5 hours later double pump for 15-20 minutes. I don't think you stated which pump you have but if you are returning to work then you will need a good double pump and different pumps have different pumping times. Start 'stockpiling' now by pumping and freezing. The formula I use is 2.5 oz of milk times the weight of the child for the day. As stated already rest, fluids, and lots of pumping and nursing for supply on demand. I think my biggest problem was stress. I wanted so badly to get this all right and everyone had hammered in the importance of breastfeeding. After my daughter's dr assured me that formula would not be the end of the world if we had to I finally relaxed and had so much more success. Good luck!

First, I would highly recommend speaking with a lactation consultant. Ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. Second, make sure you have a pretty good pump, either hospital grade or a pump that pumps both breasts at the same time (e.g., medela pump in style).

Here is what my lactation consultant advised me. For the next two weeks while you are home, pump roughly an hour after the first feeding (in between the first two feedings). Also, during one feeding in the afternoon, pump out of only one breast and feed from the other, then offer the pumped breast to your baby (they will find extra milk the pump can't). You can also try to pump the other breast if your baby only feeds from one side. This should allow you to build up some supply. You can also try raspberry leaf, mothers milk tea, and brewers yeast to increase your supply. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water as well.

Your baby needs 4 oz at least of expressed milk and will gradually increase to probably 5 or 6 oz (my daughter takes this now at 5 1/2 months). Once back at work, you will want to pump at work during the times when your baby would be feeding. You'll bring this milk home and give to your baby the next day. If you have a couple of days stored before you start work you should be fine. I would also recommend having formula at home in case you need it. Good luck!

I recommend that you call a Lactation Consultant in your area asap and get the correct recommendation from her or call La Leche League. There is also a great book call Nursing Mother,Working Mother that has excellent advice that can help you be successful in continuing to nurse even while working full time. GOOD LUCK. You are doing the right thing!

I had the same problem when I went back to school after my first daughter. Try pumping after every feeding. Your body will naturally start to produce more milk. Also, make sure that you are using your breast pump correctly and that it is mimicking your daughter's rhythm. That may be one of the causes of low production when you pump. Also, contact the hospital where you had your daughter and see if they can put in touch with a lactation specialist or support group in your area. That helped me tremendously, hence all the above advice.

Hey M.
Try to remember that your milk is always going to be enough, breastfeeding is a supply and demand system, the more you pump and feed, the more milk your body will porduce for your baby...thats why you tend to get a little engourged during growth spurts...because the more your baby is at the breast the more milk you will start to make. You should be fine...just pump at work for the next days supply and leave that supply in the sitters fridge when you pick her up, that way she will always have fresh milk on the days when she is there. The milk is good for 3-4 days in the fridge. She can probably take 4 ounces now that she is 6 weeks. Try and be sure to DRINK A TON of water and make sure you are making time for meals...that will help with the milk production, but water is KEY! Try and pump one time a day when she is in the middle of an eating cycle, if you can find a time where she is sleeping for a long period of time...then pump in the middle of that. Do you have a GOOD pump>? You need to be sure that you have an excellent double pump like the Medela pump in style....your body will not pump as much as she does when she eats, because the sucking mechanisms between her and the machine are totally different and your body knows that....her suck is sooo much stronger than even the best pump. Try that until you go to work and then make sure at work you are on the exact same schedule as her eating times during the day. You will be fine...the more stress, the less milk, so RELAX and breathe and you will get through this!!!
M.

The lactation consultant I worked with told me to pump an hour after I nursed my daughter. She said not to worry if my daughter needed to nurse shortly after I pumped because she would stimulate me enough to produce what she wanted and that you are never really "empty" even if nothing is coming out anymore when you're pumping. It helps to either take a warm shower right before you pump, or put warm compresses on your breasts. You'll also get more earlier in the day because you produce less in the evening. Think about your daughter, look at a picture, sing to her etc. That will all help while you pump. In terms of how many ounces she will need to drink, at that point, my daughter was drinking 4 ounces per bottle at at 3 months moved up to 6 ounces per bottle (and stayed there). Try 4 and see if she wants more, but I'd be very surprised if 2 ounces will satisfy her for a meal. Don't beat yourself up, if you don't have enough frozen by the time you go to work, there is no harm in supplementing with formula. I had tons in the freezer before I went to work but eventually ran out and I had to have the sitter give her some bottles of my pumped milk, and some bottles of the formula. In terms of increasing your supply, 2 things were suggested to me but didn't work (doesn't mean it won't work for you). 1)Taking a vitamin called Fenugreek Seed (2 tablets, 2x a day) 2) A tea that I believe was called "Mother's Milk Tea".

Good luck, I know how scary it is to be returning back to work!!

Since you only have 2 weeks, I am thinking you should contact a lactation consultant - ask your pediatrician for the name of one or reach out the consultant that was available to you in the hospital. No time to waste with ideas that work for some and not for others!

I am in the same situation you are, just a few weeks ahead of you. I am currently in my second week back to work and solely breast feeding. My advice to you is you produce what your baby needs. It is hard to measure how much milk your baby is taking in each time he feeds. If you pump and only 2 ounces comes out then that must be about what your baby is taking in. (I was told at the 2 month check up my son should be at 4ounce bottles - i say 3-4 ounce bottles. But My son is already 15 pounds, a big baby and it matches what I pump.) The advice that I can say about when to pump is in the morning is a good time to pump at that first feeding of the day. Pump while you're at work, looking at a picture of your baby. As for the number of bottles for the sitter, I would figure out how many times you feed your baby during the time you will be at work. That should be the number of bottles your baby will need while you are gone.(In a perfect world) I like to be prepared and say try and give at least 2 extra bottles to the sitter for just incases. You never knnow if you're going to be stuck in traffic or caught up at work a little longer than anticipated. Just remember to pump while at work. I read that for the first few weeks at work you should pump every three hours. I have been trying to double pump every four since typically each breast goes 4 hours between feedings. And when you are with your baby try and exclusively feed from the breast. That gives you the bonding you miss and helps signal your breasts to keep producing.

Good Luck!!!
Keep doing what you are doing and remember your body knows what your baby needs!!

M., congratulations on your new baby. All of the advice you received so far is right on track. After I returned to work I continued to breast feed until my son was 8 months old. Although I recognize the getting up at night to pump is tough I will help to increase the supply you have in storage. Also make sure you are and continue to drink plenty of fluids (mostly water) which will help to increase milk flow and pump for at least 15 minutes each time since you should typically have a second let-down about 10 minutes or so in the pumping session.

Ok M. you are doing great relax, Pump after feedings. This will do a couple of things, it will increase your production, ensures baby eats first and all she needs. Having 2oz bags is a great Start you have 8 oz so far and still have 2 weeks to stock up another 8 oz. REALLY YOU ARE DOING GREAT. The baby might protest the bottle a little and only eat enough to make her full enough to wait for you, my son did that. Keep it up. Couple of things, Do not eat sage this will diminish your milk. Do not take any medications with out asking Pharmacist what this could do to your milk and if it passes through. When you first get to work I would have the Sitter call you right after she eats telling you how many oz she ate, go and pump right then and make sure you get at least that much. (That tells your body what to make, but if she is protesting you need to tell your body to make extra other wise you will begin to shut down) in the very beginning every 2-3 hours is a good pump time, then every 4 hours around 6 months when the baby is 1 year and you are looking to cut your supply down the every 8 hours. I do recommend 1 thing breast feed before you leave and as soon as you get home and every time baby is hungry while you are home. I did not and my 1st was a big biter, and I had to pump exclusively and bottle feed, what a pain. My second had no issues he only protested the bottle for a little bit and I practiced with him 4 weeks before going back to work with the bottle so he would know what to do and I could find just the right nipple for him.

Good luck

I hope I can add a little to what has been said. First, relax! Stress will "dry you up" faster than alot of other factors. If worst comes to worst, you can always supliment with formula-as much as you may hate the idea, if you know it is there for emergencies it will help you to relax and trust your body.
Next, make sure you are drinking a ton of fluids yourself. I can't say this enough. Your body will make enough of the base nutrients for the milk, but it needs water from you to finish the package. Drink-drink-drink!
Use an electric pump, and definately increase your pumping times-your body will catch up and keep up with this new schedule, but will slow down if you slow down at all-so keep pumping. And stick to a schedule. Funny how your body will know if you alter it even for 2 days. Stick to it.
And third, I'd pump and store in 4 to 6 oz increments. Your daughter will be up to that soon, the sitter can just keep offering the same bottle all day until it is gone (without danger of bacteria spoilage -as breastmilk can stand outside the fridge safely for up to 9 hours). Plus this doesn't waste bags and space in the freezer.
And remember, pumping at work is also stressfull and may not produce as much as you see at home in a comfortable environment. DON'T LET THAT STRESS YOU OUT-just adjust your pumping times to 1 time at work, and immediately before/after work.
Don't worry-the first few days will be kooky-but keep at it and, like everything else, you will adjust and things WILL work out if you want them to.
M. P

I don't want to discourage you, but just share what happened to me. When I went back to work after my (first child) daughter was born ~ 11 weeks old, I too wanted the best for her nutritionally and tried to freeze my breastmilk, but after a few times of using it, I found that it "spoiled". I used the special bags you can buy to store and freeze breastmilk, did not leave it out at all. My milk did keep in the fridge for a day or two, but freezing definitely did not work. As much as I disliked the idea we had to supplement with formula.

I found if I pumped more often and kept up with drinking a lot of water, I tended to have more milk. But after a while (a couple of months) the supply just got smaller, so around 4-5 months of age we gave her formula 100% until she was ready for regular milk.

2 oz - 2.5 oz was good for my daughter, but my son (born 2 yrs later) had a bigger appetite. He could have double that ~ 4oz at a time. It all depends on your baby's appetite.

Good luck!

First of all, you need a good pump. I used the Avent Isis and I LOVED it. I breastfed exclusively while I finished up going to school full time and my daughter was still a baby (I became a stay at home mom after my second daughter, so I didn't have to worry as much about the pumping thing so much that time). I found that I got most milk first thing in the morning. You know how when you wake up in the morning you're totally engorged? Well, your baby is not going to eat ALL of that milk for her morning feeding, so pump while you feed. I used to feed her on one side and then pump on the other once the milk started flowing. Of course I had to pump other times during the day to have enough to keep her on only breastmilk (you'll have to find a comfortable place at work so that you can relax enough to get your milk going), but I beefed up my freezer supply big time by doing the pumping first thing in the morning, when my boobs were overfull anyway! Anyway, hope that helps!

Pump between feedings. If your baby feeds every 2hrs then you'll be busy pumping about an hour after the feeding. You will probably only get 1-2 ounces at a time but every drop counts! Your baby is much more efficient at nursing than any breast pump is. I used to reposition my pump during pumping & sometimes would get a bit more by stimulating different milk glands. Will you be able to pump at work? You'll need enough milk to last her through the day. Count on 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours (if that's her schedule now) and as she grows she'll need more obviously.

You can also try to pump for 5 minutes after she feeds to help increase your supply. Also, I took Fenugreek supplements to help keep my supply up. You can buy them in any health food store. I also drank Mother's Milk tea, you can usually buy that in a grocery store that carries "health foods".

Good Luck!

Make sure you are using a pump that will work efficiently for you. I would recommend the Medela Pump In Style double pump. If you start pumping and your baby continues nursing your milk production will increase. I had a similar situation and although I did not have to work everyday, I only pumped on the days I worked and everything worked out just fine. Plan to nurse before leaving for work and as soon as you get to the sitter to pick up your child. Also nurse at the times that you and your baby normally do. Be sure to mark the dates on your frozen bags of milk so that they are used in the correct order. How often during the hours you will be at work does your daughter normally nurse? I believe at 8 weeks she should be taking more than 2 oz at a feeding. On that you should check with your pediatrician. Best of luck and don't be discouraged...you are doing one of the best things you can do for your child. Keep up the good work! :)

Call Breastfeeding Recourses in Stratford CT they will help you over the phone! Awesome group of doctors and practitioners.###-###-####

Dear M.,

First of all, great that you want to keep on breastfeeding!!!
It's the best for your child and for yourself. I have been in the same situation, only a few days left and almost nothing in the freezer...Don,t worry, pumping is all about giving your child the milk that you extract every day. You don't really need to stock up. What I did was to pump in the morning( likely you have good produktion then). I let my daughter drink at one side and pumped at the same time on the other breast. That should be enough until noon. Next thing is to find a nice warm and quiet space at work, look at a picture of your little one and pump both sides starting with the one your baby was drinking from in the morning. Cool down the milk immediatly and save for the next day, or freez it if you are planning to give it other than the following day. Feed you baby first thing after comming home. Children adjust really fast and will drink more if you are present, 2 bottles of pumped milk are usually enough for a working day. It worked great for me, my daughter is 18 month now and I still feed her mornings and evenings, she never had formula...
Also don't worry about quantities, your baby will tell you if she needs more.
Good luck and take it easy!!!

When I went back to work briefly I took the pump there and on my break I would pump and store it in a bag for the next day or for additional frozen bags. Just make sure you have a place to keep it cold while you're working, And the more you pump the more it will increase. (Supply & Demand)

Looks like you got a lot of advice so far, but I figured I would add my 2 cents! I have a 5 month old and was in the same situation.. I found it very very difficult to fit in time to pump extra then.. I also only pump about 1.5-2 oz total each time.. I've tried the mother's milk, and the fenugreek and oatmeal... So now I pump 3 times at work and once before I go to bed. I send with her to day care two 3-4 oz bottles of breastmilk, and they give her a third bottle of formula... I wasn't able to stock up in the beginning b/c we had thrush, now I have a little bit extra in the freezer; but she just gets what I pumped the day before..
I think everyone is different and you will find what works for you - good luck!
L.

The more you breastfeed or pump, the more milk your body produces. So to increase your supply, you should breastfeed or pump every 2-3 hours (except at night when you'll have to go longer). Make sure you drain both sides.

Two ounces in a feeding is probably enough for your baby for right now, but she'll need more soon. That's ok though because if you follow this advice, your body will make enough to feed her. Also get plenty of rest, eat well and most importantly drink plenty of water. Good luck!

Hi M.,
I was in the same situation. I was only getting 2 oz at a time (if I was lucky). I think it was because my son was constantly nursing. Once I returned to work, I would pump twice a day and I could not believe how much I was getting! I seriously thought that I would go broke buying formula to supplement while I was at work.... but guess what? I still haven't had to buy any formula and my son is now 10 months old!
Try to relax. Pump whenever you can until you go back to work. Don't defrost everything immediately, because it will only last 24 hours. (keep a few frozen bags in the babysitter's freezer). Have pictures of the baby with you when you pump. Most important: Drink lots of water!
You are providing for your daughter in a way that nobody else can - you should be proud of yourself! Feel free to contact me if you need anything. Best of luck to you and congratulations on your baby!

Congratulations, M., on your daughter. I can relate to your dilemma, and let me se what advice I can offer. I, too, was committed to breatfeeding and had to return to work after having all three of my children (now 6, 8, and 10 years old). You CAN make it work, you and your pump will be become very good friends. The hardest thing to do is to start your milk supply, then it gets very easy.

Over the next 2 weeks, continue to pump a little here and there until you have built up enough supply for 1 day, maybe with a little extra (I always kept extra on hand because somewhere somehow someone will spill something). Little bags of 1 and 2 oz are fine. As you puimp a little exra here and there, your body will produce extra milk. The body produces only what it needs, so pumping an ounce or two here and there will actually make your body produce a little more milk. With your daughter so little, I wouldn't put too much in a bag. At first, I left my babies with 2 oz bags, and the babysitter would warm them up as they were needed. If they drank the 2 oz and were still hungry, it's easy enough to heat up a little more. As they got older, I filled the bags more - this way, there was no waste either. It's hard to throw away the precious breast milk you worked so hard to pump, save, and freeze.

Also, once you have collected enough for a full day over the next 2 weeks, then you will be all set. The first day you leave her, she will be set with her milk, and then you will pump a few times at work to get milk for the next day. You will be able to pump enough during the day to "replace" what she would have consumed that day if you were feeding her directly. If you are lucky, you will be able to pump quickly and efficiently. You just have to remember to keep pumping as much as she would drink in a day. If you keep feeding and/or pumping, then your body will continue to produce the milk your baby needs. Maybe more.

For me, it was very easy. I had private office space for pumping, and in no time I could fill 2 8-oz bottles in 10 minutes. I always had milk for them, and after a while I had extra milk in the freezer at all times. I breastfed all of my babies for about a year, and they never drank any formula, and I was able to work and pump milk for them to have when I was not there.

Pumping milk takes patience and practice. It was frustrating and sometimes painful at first, but if you stick with it and develop a routine you can very easily work during the day and provide breastmilk for your beautiful daughter. Kudos to you for trying to do the right thing for her and for you.

Good luck! Just relax and you will be fine!

M., the more you pump the more milk you will produce. i also recommend hand pummping unless you have a really nice breast pump like at the hosital, my hand pump worked better than a store bought one. pump one breast and let her eat off the other. good luck. ihave 3 girls they are a God send in my life

If your baby is sleeping 3 hours or more at night, I found it was easiest to set my alarm to wake up in the middle of the night to pump, at least an hour before my daughter would wake up on her own for a feeding. I then just took extra naps the next day. I did it every other day twice and pumped enough to get me through the first couple of days at work.
My first few days at work I pumped (in the ladies room uggg) between 3 and 6 oz. at a time twice. Eventually I was pumping enough to stock the freezer.
Also as the baby gets bigger and takes longer between feedings it gets easier.
rynidgirl

Breast milk is entirely supply and demand. It is the best for your child. Get in touch with La Leche League
http://www.llli.org/nb.html

They will help you.

I used to pump, I used an electric one, and a hand one. I like the hand one better, because it was more discrete (no pumping noise in the office.) and it was easy to put the bottle on, and I just stored it in the office fridge, or brough a little cooler with me. (a mini fridge would also work.) Just make sure you keep it cool in transit)

I used the advent bottles becuase I could buy a hand pump that fit right on the bottle that I fed my son with, and it was easy to keep clean. You can actually adjust the pumping times, I used to pump once before I got ready to go to work, once at lunch, and once in the late afternoon. When you add a pump to the feeding, your milk automatically increases, and you can store it in the freezer. Just make sure all the bottles are sterile, and the pump is clean. I bought a sterilizer tray that went in the microwave for mine. Good luck with the pumping. Once you get used to it, it is OK. Just remember to bring your pads for your bra so you don't have any embarrising leaks.

Yeah 2 oz of milk at a time is about right for a six week old baby. As long as she's growing and gaining, she will let you know when she wants more.

No guarantees:

First, Drink water. Not a huge amount, think about 5 sips every five minutes, and 8oz during breastfeeding. Water is the first thing, and only guaranteed thing to help you make more milk.

Second, keep up on your vitamins. If you haven't, spread them out. (my vitamins say 4 tabs per day - I take them 4 hours apart at the least. This helps that 'logey' feeling sometimes).

Theory: feed first, then pump. If you don't have enough for a single meal, then pump the next time she feeds. If you feel you are behind in what you need for the daycare, pump every time.

Are you going to pump at work? Because you are still going to have to store milk while you are at work, or you will be very uncomfortable.

If no one else has gotten to this yet, plan to pack your pump, as well as freezer packs (they won't freeze but will keep your milk cold until you get it home to the freezer.

Don't try to do the freezer bags at work. Keep it simple.

The more you pump while feeding your little one (and I know my DS eats less at night, so pumping then, if you can keep your head up at least :) would be a good time too) the more you will produce.

Of course, don't forget to eat balanced and drink water with each meal (help break down protein and keep you hydrated), and drink 4-6 oz after using the restroom.

Good Luck, hope this helps, and remember: if you think you can, you can and you will.

Hi M.,
I pumped when my son was an infant and I had to return to work. I had so much stored, he couldn't finish it. Your body will produce the milk based on demand. Your body does not know the difference between the baby sucking or the pump pumping. All your brain knows is that milk needs to be produced because between the baby and your pump, you need to have milk. That said, drink lots of water, keep youself hydrated and eat balanced meals and snacks.Feed your baby plus pump when you have time. I would store 4oz at a time. you will see that very soon, you are producing so much milk,you will have enough for baby and storage. If the baby is on a two hour feeding schedule, to not wear yourself out, pump at night and once during the day. Hope that helps but you may also consult a lactation specialist. You can find this information from your pediatrician or your local hospital/women's center.
Good luck and happy nursing!

I'm in almost the same position as you. I will be going back to work in a week and a half. I have been pumping occasionally for about 3 weeks. My lactation consultant said that I should pump before feeding my baby, even if it is just 2 ounces. She also said to get up in the middle of the night and pump (can't seem to do that one). Also to pump during the hours of 4 and 6 am, as this is when milk production is at it's highest. She said that when you start to pump before feedings, it sends the message that you need to produce more milk. Also I have started pumping between feedings. My daughter is feeding about every 3 hours, so about an hour and a half before hand I will pump. But she also told me that 2 ounces is usually all you'll get. I have gotten about 5 ounces out of each during the early morning hours. Also if you are using a manual pump or an electronic pump could make a difference.

I've also been working on building up my milk 'bank' - I definitely find that there is a connection between the amount of water I drink and the amount of milk I am able to pump. I also pump in between feedings, which seems to create more of a demand. The pump I am using is the Pump in Style - I have also tried one of the less expensive Medela pumps, and this one is definitely better. I have also found that pumping both breasts at the same time usually yields more milk - not always, but most of the time.
My lactation consultant referred me to a website that I've found useful info on - www.breastfeeding.com.
Good luck going back to work - and stay committed - I firmly believe that there is a real connection between milk production and a commitment to breastfeeding!

I went through this as well with both my boys. It is amazing how your body can respond to increased demand. I would pump during nap times and when my husband would have the baby for a while. Make sure you do it in a relaxed situation and have a picture of your baby to look at. The one thing that I think is important to mention is that you can consider formula while the baby is at the sitter and still breastfeed while you are with your baby. I ended up both times switching to formula for the sitter (easier for both her and I) and was still able to nurse mornings, nights and weekends. Some mothers don't realize that this is an option.

Hello, new mom.
I think it is great that you are so determine to breastfeed as much as possible, but I do want to warn you about pumping. Pumping is not the same as nursing, with nursing the milk supply meets the increasing demand, but with pumping it may not happened. I sencerelly hope it will in your case, but if your babysitter have to supliment with formula, it is not the end of the world. Sounds like you have enough to warry about as is, don't get yourself stressed over the lactation ( it will not help milk production either).Even if you nurse morning, evening and night, it still counts!!!!
To increase milk supply, try fenugreek - it comes in capsules from a health food store, or as seeds from East Indian grossery stores(make a tea). You need to take enough to smell it on your own skin. It works like a miracle.

At this time you likely have an abundance of milk. I would pump at least one extra time in the morning (even 1 hr after feeding the baby) & try this daily to get a storage supply. You will have to pump at work also to keep supply & you may have to at least twice(depends on how long away). Most babies can take 3-4 ounce by 6 wks. I would make sure you have more than enough for sitter. I would even have an emergency formula available if you don't have enough to give sitter. You should keep pumping regardless to keep supply up. After sleeping in the am, you should have the most-after baby feeds- I would pump soon after. This is what I did to get a big supply stored up from week one. Production does dwindle down after a few months thats why you have to store now at the highest production.

I was having what I thought was a low milk supply with my now 7 week old (4th child! you would have thought that I would have mastered the breastfeeding thing by now!) A lactation consultant suggested that I pump both breasts (with a hospital grade double pump like pump in style if possible)so that they are totally empty so as to encourage them to make more milk. This would be a good way to build up your supply - even after a feeding there is always some left so start collecting that way. Especially after the first morning feeding when there is usually more. And she also said to massage your breasts and sort of squeeze them while you pump, just when you think they are empty, more comes out. Now I have more frozen bags of milk than can fit in my freezer! Good luck. If things get hairy, try contacting a lactation consultant - they are amazingly helpful.

They say if you try pumping 45 mintues after the baby feeds you will begin to make yourself produce more milk. When I brought my son to the sitter for the first time I only had 4 4 oz frozen bags. I was able to pump while at work and that allowed me enough milk to at least get him through the next day. As his feedings became further apart I was able to pump an extra bag a day and caught up that way.....good luck!

I found that when I needed to increase my milk production, I would pump just after feeding. Nothing will come out, but It tricks your body into thinking it needs to make more, so then I would fill up quicker. I have also tried only nursing from one side,so then the other side gets really full and you can pump from there. I'm currently nursing my 3rd child, and I found those to work. Hope it helps

You need to pump more at one sitting than 2 oz. If you have a hand held pump, they are not strong enough. You need to invest in a good pump. I nursed both of my children (and still am nursing) and worked full time. A natural supplement to produce more milk is Fenugreek. Also, try pumping on one side while you're nursing on the other side. This will "trick" your body into thinking you have twins and produce more milk. Your body only produces what your baby needs, so make sure you pump on the schedule that your baby would eat. It also helps to have a picture of your baby or something that smells like the baby to help your senses think of her when you're pumping away from her. Let me know if any of this helps.

Your stock in the freezer is really only for emergencies. If you return back to work, you can simply pump for the next day's supply. Pump at least 2 times during the day and keep pumping even if nothing comes out at first so that your body gets the message that more is needed. You could probably start storing 4 oz at a time (your baby will let you know how much she needs). If she finishes the 2 oz. bottle, then she probably could drink some more. You want to make sure she has enough, so put in a little more than you think she would drink. You want her to decide she's finished. Good luck.

Hi M. U,

I am a proud mother of two, I did not breast feed my first but I had with my second. I believe it is the best for your child, my first had so many digestive problems.

When I started I had the same problem with just 2 oz. however it will increase as long as you can keep up the with pumping and feedings. I pumped twice daily on my break and during my lunch. When I came home I nursed and when my son slept and I felt I could I would try and pump a little more. (If you have a little in the fridge when you pump again you can add the little with what you stored).

If you are giving the milk to your sitter the next morning you do not have to freeze it, because it changes the milk. I would only freeze on the weekend. I read up that you could freeze for a good 2 weeks and if you had a great freezer that is used for storage you could store up to 6 months.

If you do not have a large supply and there will days I would give similac to my baby he was fine. I did so good with both breast milk and formula that the doctor ok me to start whole milk when he turns 10 months in 8 days. I am so excited!

I hope this helped. Good Luck!

Hi, M.. I get the best results when I pump in the morning. After a night of no feedings, or sometimes one feeding my "cups runeth over". My baby always seems to be able to get what he needs from me, even after I've pumped. I usually can get 2-3 oz from each side and this is enough for one feeding. Remember to eat and drink enough for the best results.

Good Luck,
R.

So My advice is to try Fenugreek pills. It is a natural supplement my peditrician recommended and it worked just great. They also have a tea form but I personally liked the pills. As for the two ounces per feeding-every baby is different but before you know it that will not be enough. I would maybe make 4oz bags- then 6oz and then 8oz. Also the best time to pump is straight after a feeding or wait an hour after the baby is fed and them pump. (I had better luck with the hour after method)The more you pump the more milk supply. If work allows it pump during every feed and an hour after. It can become annoying but if you plan on breast feeding long term its the best way. Plus you will find that in the morning you will have the most milk. And lastly don't worry about stock piling so much milk unless you are going out of town because what you will find is that the content of your milk changes which is necessary as your daughter grows.

Purchase the baby whisper solves all problems- the best book ever!

Everything will be ok. First of all, check out www.askdrsears.com - best breastfeeding advice ever, including lots of advice for pumping working moms. Second, pump at the same time every day - when you're working, you'll probably need to pump once at work - but pumping at the same time will condition your body to make extra milk at that time. Drink lots of fluids. Two ounces at a time is fine. Date the milk that you store in your freezer, and don't defrost it in the microwave, use a pan of warm water. if the milk separates, just shake it to combine the milk and cream back together. Once you get into the swing of things, it won't be as hard as you think.

What kind of pump do you have? Electric works best if you need to pump every day, and your insurance may cover it.

GOOD LUCK!

Hi M.,
I would either find a local consultant from La Leche League and have her come to your home and instruct you (which would obviously be perfectly tailored to your situation) or I would diligently pump every 3 hours (no matter what comes out) to increase production -- even through the night. You will find that your production will increase in a few days. It is very frustrating, but try not to give up if you are serious about breastfeeding. Hope this helps

When I first had my son, he was nursing every two hours. My milk took a long time to come in, so I too was worried about there being "enough" for him - especially since I wanted to pump so my husband could give him a bottle at night so I could sleep! So, I started pumping every hour. Say my son nursed at 12, I pumped at 1, nursed him at 2, pumped at 3, nursed him at 4, then 6 and I pumped at 8 and he got a bottle then. It is a really hard thing to do, but it helped increase my production and my stored milk supply. I can't remember how much my son was taking at 6 weeks, but I would feed her the two ounces and if she sucks it right down, offer a third ounce. If she polishes that, give the next ounce. I would think 3-4 ounces would be good at this age. And girls probably eat less than boys.

I usually had a few day's worth of milk in my fridge (my husband would give him three bottles a day), so I would have 6 or 8 three ounce bottles in the fridge. As to what should be in your freezer? As much as you can store up and know that you'll use before it expires. A friend always kept a month's supply. When she suddenly got sick and couldn't nurse anymore, the baby still had breastmilk for a month, while they transitioned her to formula.

As far as pumps go, I had a crappy one (First Years) and I could hardly get ANY milk out of myself. then I got a portable Medela pump and that was much better. My friends who went back to work invested in the $250 - $350 Medela pump and they say it was incredible how much milk, and how fast, they were able to get with this pump. If we have another baby, I'll get that for sure. It's worth the investment. Motors can burn out on pumps, so I wouldn't "borrow" one if the woman is planning on using it again. Some hospitals "rent" them if you want to rent one for a while and try another brand. Good luck. Nursing is an amazing gift to give your baby and many people don't realize what hard work and sacrifice it is. But it pays off immensely and you'll treasure that time with your child. Good luck!

http://medelabreastfeedingus.com/tips-and-solutions/11/br...

THIS MEDELA WEBSITE HAS ALL THE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS. YOU NEED TO INCREASE YOUR MILK SUPPLY BY PUMPING MORE OFTEN. I WENT THROUGH THE SAME THING ALTHOUGH I WAS HOME FOR 4 MONTHS BEFORE I WENT BACK TO WORK. YOU NEED TO START PUMPING EVERY HOUR AND STORING WHAT YOU PUMP. YOU WILL HAVE ENOUGH TO FEED YOUR DAUGHTER, BABIES CAN SUCK OUT THE MILK WHEN YOU THINK YOU DONT HAVE ANY LEFT. 2 OZ IS NOT ENOUGH. AT LEAST 4 OZ FOR A FEEDING MINIMUM! FIRST AND FOREMOST, RELAX!!! THE MORE YOU PUMP/FEED, THE MORE MILK YOU WILL PRODUCE. WILL YOU BE ABLE TO PUMP AT WORK? I USED TO JUST GO INTO THE BATHROOM EVERY 2 HOURS AT WORK AND PUMP AWAY FOR 15 MINUTES.

I am in the same boat--my baby is 4 weeks and I am looking at going back to work at the end of may--I feel like I don't produce enough milk yet to have extra for a whole day---I was told that your body eventually catches up to the baby and then progresses past their needs so that you end up having plenty of milk. I hope that happens for you and as far as what she is eating- I was told that water and good nutrition as well as regular pumping will increase and help milk production. I am trying to pump and breastfeed now and it seems to be working--it just takes a lot of time.
Good Luck and I hope you find more help--if not -call a breastfeeding consultant in your area. WHere are you?

I only pumped my breast milk for my two boys. The important thing is the more you pump the more your milk will come. Sounds like you have a lot of pumping to do. If you stay even 1 day ahead of your self you will be okay. Make sure the sitter has formula for a back up plan, you wouldnt want to underfeed your daughter. I really liked pumping. I had 2 battery operated pumps,so I could pump any where any time, even in parking lots before grocery shopping. You need to keep on a schedule, pump every 2-4 hrs and keep those hours every day, that will ensure the milk to be there those times. Also check to see how long milk can stay in the frig. I dont think you would have to freeze it, just keep it refrigerated. I hope this helps.

If your baby is sleeping some stretches at night then I would pump at night. I know it is difficult since you want to get as much sleep but it was really the only time I could pump. The other thing I did with my first to increase my milk production was to pump right after he nursed, therefore signaling baby is actually wanting more and in a few days more milk will be produced. Eating oatmel helped increase my milk too. Hope this helps.

Hey M.!
I had a similar problem when I breastfed my youngest son. I went back to work when he was four months and I wanted to continue to breastfeed, so I had to pump and found that I wasn't producing as much milk as he was demanding. A friend of mine told me about a tea that is sold in the health food store called mother's milk that helps you to produce milk if your not making as much. I purchased it and it did help a great deal. So you can try to get it and pump away to save for the baby. Good Luck!

M., HANG IN THERE! I am back at work after being at home for four months. I am in my second week back.
1. Use the Medella or the Ameda Purly Yours (I have the later) other pumps suck, or don't suck rather :-)
2. RELAX! My milk supply dropped like a rock the first week I was back at work because of the stress. It freaked me out so bad. I was sad about leaving my baby and scared that I wouldn't pump well etc. etc. Now that I am calmer, drinking water, eating enough at the office, I am doing well. I pump twice a day and get 6-8 oz every time. Your baby and work and daycare and remodeling can really get you wired, so make a special effort to relax. not that you can stop doing things, just be calm and don't be h*** o* yourself.

Every woman is different, but while I was home, I stored up a lot. Here is how:
1. Pump after you feed your baby, for at least 15 min. no matter what comes out. This will get you extra milk and might increase your supply.
2. I froze in 4 oz packs and that was good for my baby then. Now, she eats 6 oz at a time so I freeze in 6 oz packs. If you only get 2 oz per pump, stick that in the fridge and when you pump next, add it together and freeze. Check the pump web sites for milk storage dos and don'ts.

Good luck!

Pumping is not easy. I pumped for my first child when I returned to work. Like you, I tried to pump before my official return to work, but was in tears, because my daughter nursed so often that I couldn't pump much at all in between feedings. I also only could get about 2 ounces. My pediatrician explained that your baby is the best pump. Just looking at your baby brings milk down. She told me that whatever a pump can get, your baby can get at least twice as much. In her office, she even showed me that after my daughter nursed twice on each breast, there was still more!!!

So, when I returned to work, I managed to negotiate a modified schedule, with lots of telecommuting. I know that isn't possible for everyone. I pumped at work, and managed to make it all work, but, at 4 months I started adding solids. I never used formula as a supplement, partly because my daughter had milk and soy allergies.

You may need to supplement some formula if you have to return to work on-site full time, but I hope that will not make you taper off nursing. I nursed my daughter through the night to make up for my time away. I also made sure to nurse her before I left her with my mother-in-law and immediately when I returned for work. She loved it and it was our intimate time.

When I had my second child, I decided to stay home, since I didn't want to have to ever pump again, and, of course, because I learned how much I love being a Mom, and wanted to have that special time to be that, and that alone.

My second child is 4 now, and I have returned to work, and have been working for almost 1 year now, and I am glad I took some time out. Those early months, and years, are magical, and breastfeeding is a gift for a child and for a Mom.

When I was desperate to build up milk supply, I would "steal" milk by breastfeeding one side and pump on the other side. My rational is that if my kids didn't get enough they would just feed again. More frequent feeding can only stimulate my milk supply.

I was usually able to get 4-6 oz on one setting with the Avent manual pump. I could only get 2 oz (and sore nipples) with the Medela electric pump. Everyone is different, since I've heard of people using the electric pump with good result, but for me (and my sister-in-law) the Avent worked better because we were able to let down.

I also like Avent because I can just shut myself in a bathroom stall and pump away, without worrying about batteries or electrical adapters. I got a lot of teasing but managed to feed both my kids for more than a year this way.

A few other tips to improve your milk - try to drink more water, and try to be relaxed when you pump. If I pump at work I try ti visualize my baby's face, but some moms get good results by placing a picture of their baby in front.

Good luck and I hope it works out for you.

N.

M.,
I too pumped when my children were babies. Except that is all I did. I am assuming that you are getting 2 oz. from each breast? So your little one is probably eating between 2-4 oz. now at each feeding. The amount she's eating will be changing through the weeks as she will start to eat more and more. 2 oz seems very little but she is still so small. My advise to you would be to start right away pumping in between feedings. You will trick your body into thinking that she is eating much more. Then when you are making more I would wait longer to pump and you will have plenty extra. When I started with my second baby I only bottle feed with breat milk and was able to only have to pump 2-3 times a day. It eventually was at set times so I could plan around the times I needed to pump. It worked out beautifully!! That was plenty for the babysitter and for through the night(just in case your husband is willing to take a feeding for you:) Remember to drink plenty of water as is will help dramatically with milk production! Don't worry too much, two weeks is plenty of time to get this all worked out! I also kept on hand a can of formula for the sitter just in case she did not have enough. Give it a try and let us know how you make out.

Hi M.,
Congratulations on your new baby! I am a first time mom too! My son is 8 weeks old and I will be returning to work in a couple of weeks. I spoke with a lactation consultant who said that the best time to pump is right after the baby eats. You can feed on one side and pump on the other, or feed and pump the breast right after the baby eats. This will increase your production after a while, even though you won't get much milk at first! As for how much you need...that depends on your baby. We have been doing some bottles of pumped milk with our son to get him used to it and he takes about 3 ounces at a time. Try to give your baby a bottle to see how much she takes. Good luck!
J.

Hi,

I have breastfed 3 children. My advice for you is to hang in there. The best way to get more milk is to drink LOTS of water. Always keep it by your desk, car, everywhere. I pumped whenever my breats had that tingling feeling, which was more than once a day. I pumped as it came. I breast fed my first for 3 months, second for 6 months and third for 1 year. Pumped after all got teeth. But my milk kept coming in so I just kept going. Hope this helps

Hi M.!

Congratulations on your daughter! What a wonderful time for you. Here are some tidbits of advice that may help:
Mornings seem to be when most mom's production is the highest, so try to take full advantage of that--try to pump right before or after nursing your daughter (my cousin used to do it before--she said she always had full confidence that her body would make enough to feed her daughter after, but felt that it didn't necessarily work for her the other way round). Also, try nursing your daughter only on one side, til completely empty, then pump from the other side til completely empty. Your production should rise to meet this schedule. Switch which one is the nursed and which is the pumped side each feeding. If you do this every feeding, then you'll be able to pump twice as much while you're at work. Also, I'd try to sneak in one or two extra sessions of pumping a day (at times your daughter doesn't eat) to try to boost production and stockpile a little more milk. Your body is amazing and if you trust it to make what your baby needs, it will.
Good luck!

Hi M.,

When I first went back to work when my daughter was 3 months old I would leave 3 3-4oz bottles for about 6-8 hours. I found that pumping first thing in the morning was the best time because your breasts are so full. You may not be able to stock pile too much before your return but don't worry once you go back to work and pump during the day...the milk will flow. Invest in a good cold carry case so you can bring the milk home and pop it into the freezer. It will take a little time but you will find your own method. Good luck and try not to stress!

2oz is not enough for a 6 week old, and just because you only pumped to ounces that doesnt mean that is all she is drinking. when your baby sucks on your breast you naturally have several let downs of milk and you will produce enough milk for her. For whatever reason your having a hard time pumping like many women including myself. When i pump my breast will not let down any milk and i can only get a small amount of ounces. I can only offer you a little help. First, the best time to pump is the first thing in the morning. That is when you will have the most amount of milk. Do it before she wakes up and needs to be fed. Pump one breast and give her the other when she wakes up. You should have enough milk for her beceause in the morning you are probably a little engorged. my other suggestion is to call the hospital of which you gave birth at and ask to speak to their lactation consultant and she will give you some good advice.
Good luck
E.

I can DEFINITELY relate! I had SO many challenges with breastfeeding! But let me just respond directly to your question. It's going to take a lot of work and some support from a partner but this is what you do- when your baby finishes nursing, put her down or have someone take hold of her, THEN pump. What you're doing is emptying your breast of anything she leaves behind. If you're totally dry, STILL pump for at least 5 minutes. You will increase your next day's supply if you dry pump 5 minutes past milk at any particular feeding. I reccomend you pump 5-6 times a day (exhausting!) but it's what you'll need to do to even attempt keeping up with baby. You definitely want to make sure you have good skin 2 skin contact and are still putting her on the boob if/when you can b/c your body will know the difference and is constantly adjusting to meet the nutritional needs and volume needs of the baby. I'm hoping you did buy the top of the line medela double-pump, it is not the same as baby (despite their claims) but it is for certain as close as you're going to get. As far as her only eating 2 ounces... how do you know that? are you bottlefeeding her breastmilk now or does she nurse also? Either way, just watch her cues b/c the ounce demand will increase. My daughter was never particularly aggresive about food demand, but I would notice that she'd start to finish say 2 ounces pretty quickly and although she wouldn't neccesarily cry for more, it seemed her mouth was still searching. So I'd increase it to 3 ounces and once that became consistent and she'd be doing that thing again, I'd increase it to 4, etc. Some days and some times of the day she'd eat more or eat less than others, but I'd do and still do my best to ensure the supply is there without overdoing it and wasting any. And by the way, I know it's the last thing you want to hear and admirably so b/c you'll need determination in order to continue breastfeeding, but seriously- keep formula on hand. There might be times b/c of your stress level or whatever else (someone spills or spoils the breastmilk, AGGH!), that you won't have enough. It really wasn't the end of the world when I had to supplement. At first she didn't seem to notice the difference. Then she would show a clear preference for the breastmilk but would eat the formula. Eventually (now 6 months old) we've had to go to strict formula (I just couldn't do it anymore) and she was much more able to receive that. Considering her strong personality and that she'll already go toe-to-toe with me about what she doesn't like and won't take, I'm glad I introduced it early enough that it "prep-ed" her tummy/taste for it. Good luck and feel free to contact me if you want more feedback, I can't even begin to tell you all that I've learned about breastfeeding through trial/error, books, consultants, moms, nurses... the whole bag!

PS Still madly in love with my daughter also! There is just NOTHING like it! LOVE LOVE LOVE my wonderful babygirl and being a mommy!