Pumping Issues

You can try pumping more frequently. This "tricks" your body into thinking that your baby is eating more. There is a mother's milk tea you can try drinking (but I don't think that it really worked for me when I tried it). A better pump might help. You might want to try renting a hospital grade one (check with the hospital where you gave birth) so you can at least see if you are able to pump more milk and don't have to make the investment in a more expensive pump. I LOVED my medela free style which was extremely portable (I made overseas trips with it and was well worth the investment). One important thing to keep in mind though - something that many moms and lactation consultants advised me - is that normally you are not able to pump as much as your baby sucks because they are much more effecient than even the most expensive breast pump. I always got frustrated by the low amount I could pump but my baby seemed to be eating plenty. Good luck.

A good pump definitely helps. I had the Medela double pump and it did a great job, 4-6 oz. on each side. When I traveled, I'd take a hand pump and had trouble even getting 2 ounces. (The better pumps have much better suction ability. You might be able to test one out at a breast feeding center at your hospital.) The other issue is that a baby stimulates milk production much better than a pump, especially if you aren't doing it often. Doing it more regularly, at a regular time (establishing an extra pump each evening or other time when your child doesn't normally eat), will get your body into the expectation. It may take a few days, but your body will basically create as much milk as there is demand for it, so it will accommodate an extra session (though you'll have to keep it up regularly or you'll get uncomfortable!).

Hi K. ~

Yes, I hate to tell you, the issue is the pump. I had a weak one and then bought the Medela pump in style, and it was a tremendous difference. You can find a good one on craigs list or ebay. Good luck!

M.

I had a cheep pump which I used for the entire time I was feeding my first daughter. I used it at the beginning for my second daugther. Then it broke. I went online and found the Ameda pump and spent almost $200 on it. I HATE spending money, but I have never regretted that purchase. It made all the difference in the world. I pumped a lot, because both of my girls and I had trouble with breast-feeding. The new pump was more comfortable and I was able to pump more milk in less time. If you can afford a higher-end pump, do it!

Medela is the gold standard for breast pumps so if you're thinking about buying a more expensive one, definitely get a Medela. Maybe it's worth renting one from a hospital or Day One in Palo Alto first just to see if it makes a difference.

Definitely drink water before pumping, as others have said, but also massage your breasts when you pump - it does make a difference. Rub from your chest out - it helps to get the milk out of the ducts. You could also call your hospital's lactation consultant(s) to ask them for tips. I also pumped after my little one went to bed (once she was sleeping through the night) to bank a little bit extra, but there's much less milk in there at that time!

While a better breast pump may help, they can be expensive. What kind of pump do you have now? Is it manual, electric, double electric?

First, it's best to pump both breasts at the same time. That stimulates more oxytocin to be released, which in turn encourages more milk production.

Second, it's best to massage the breasts while pumping. Hence it is useful to have a double electric pump and then some kind of pumping band to keep everything in place so your hands are free to massage the breasts. Your baby is good at "finding the milk" from all over your breast, but a pump just sucks the same way. Even my 1 month old moves around a tad bit or detaches and gets back on to adjust. I find the parts of the breast that do not drain well with a pump are the areas further from the nipple/areola: by the arm pit, near the center of your chest, underneath at the base of your breast. Massaging helps release the milk.

Third, try to encourage more milk by being super relaxed and having something with your baby's scent near by. Just thinking about nursing my babe will cause me to leak, lol! Happy thoughts about your babe should help the hormone release.

Hi K.,

I am back at work now with a 3 1/2 month-old and have been pumping since my first month to stock up. I have an Ameda double electric (I think its called Purely Yours) so not the most expensive pump out there, and usually I only get the 2-3 oz as well. I found a basic manual to allow me more control over the flow - I can hold the squeeze longer so it pumps more the rhythm thats natural for me - and it was good to experiment with. I would say the best solution to 'getting enough' milk is only by pumping first thing in the morning. As soon as you have it in you to sneak out of bed with the baby sleeping - go pump and you may get more - I get 6-8 oz - cuz the morning is the fullest. The baby can still eat after that, and will eat more thru the morning which increases supply - and that was the only way I could stock up - by increasing supply in the morning and saving that, since in afternoon and evening there's so much less (like 2 oz per session). This still works for me at work, but again, I get much less in the afternoon and evening so I rely on that extra morning sessions.

Good Luck! And if this is too much, when my daughter turned 3 months, I found her wanting to eat all the time, and especially at night when I had very little milk, that I now give her formula before bed - she can have her full 4 oz. when my breasts have less than 1 oz.! No one talks about it much, but having a little formula on hand to give her has really made me fell a lot freer than feeling like I always have to be her only source of food!! but she still gets the benefits of breast milk so I hopefully can keep it up longer!

My 2 cents, hope it helps!
D.

Unfortunately, I think it's just one of those things for some women. I never really responded to the pump either. I never pumped more than 2 ounces, even with my double electric pump. I did do a little better if I could totally distract myself by watching TV. It was like my body knew the pump wasn't really the baby and it didn't want to give up the milk! There are things you can try to increase your supply, but not sure if you really want to do that since you don't pump very often. Check kellymom.com for ideas for increasing supply.

Hi
Congratulations on your baby. I think that most of us pump less milk than the baby gets when you nurse.
I had lots of breastfeeding issues and in order to stimulate my milk flow before nursing (or pumping) I would put a hot compress on my breasts just before and this would help with the let down.
Good luck
N

I have the madela double pump and there were times when I first started pumping that I would only get .5 ounces. Now that I have been pumping consistantly and taking Fenugreek (natural supplement that increases milk supply) I get between 3 to 5 ounces per pump. The most important thing is to be consistant. I find that pumping around the same time each day is best so that the body thinks it is a normal feeding. I do this at night after my son (4 months) has gone to sleep. This worked for me because in the mornings if I had an appointment or he skipped a nap that day it was hard to be consistant. Also I have found that since he has been taking breast milk from the bottle he eats more form the bottle so that extra pump at night helps me fill in the gap. (He is in daycare and I pump at work for the last month). I think they miss you so the milk is comforting. I notice when I go back to work my pumping supply decreases (2.75-4 ounces per pump, down from 5-6 ounce twords the end of the week)after being with him over the weekend so I don't think he eats as much from my boob as from the bottle. Just keep pumping and it will come.

Before purchasing, if you think it's your pump you could rent one and see if it produces better results. Then it might be the pump and you can assess if you need a new one. A few other things:

Drink lots and lots of water. This helps with producing milk. I used to try to drink a full glass everytime I breastfed or pumped and it made a difference.

When that didn't work I would eat oatmeal in the mornings which naturally helps your milk.

Finally I would drink Mother's Milk Tea at night before bed and then get up before my son's morning feeding and would usually be pretty full by morning time. I also used to drink a beer before bed and I would be really engorged by morning. My mother in law shared that one and it worked for me but for some people alcohol has the opposite affect so it just depends. Hope this helps.

Hi K., it may or may not be the pump. I'd definitely try one before buying since they're pretty expensive. Also, they say everywhere not to share pumps, but I'm using my sister's Medela and have no problems. I bought new accessories, but that probably wouldn't even be necessary since all parts can be sterilized. A better pump may not help. Each person gets different amounts of milk. My sister didn't get nearly as much a I do with the same pump. And babies are the best 'pumps' so you'll always get more with them :) Drink lots of water, relax, take deep breaths, keep the baby or a photo of the baby in front you, envision running/rushing water and close your eyes and think about your baby's face, sounds and actions... these things have helped me. Good luck and hope you can keep it up! PS, Your milk comes in heavier in the early part of the day so don't expect as much in the evenings.

I would suggest getting a better pump. I used the Ameda pump. It works as well as the more expensive Medela pump and even had rubber inserts to make it more comfortable. Also, remember to drink lots of water and relax when you are pumping. If you're away from your baby, try looking at a picture. That will help with let-down. Good luck and don't give up!

All of the tips mentioned are worthy of trying for sure. Along with drinking enough water and liquids, I will share that pumping with a machine really never produced much for me and I had a hospital given Medula pump. What really worked quickly and with great (ounce) success was hand expression. Once I was able to get it down, I could easily produce double the ounces in half the time it would have taken me to pump. It may not work for all but I thought I would mention it in case that's the golden tip for you. Best of luck.

Hi K., There is definitely a nack to being able to pump and be productive. I would suggest renting a really good Medella pump from a medical supply store and seeing for yourself if there is a huge different between the outcome of what you're used to getting. Many women do experiniece a difference once they get a better pump.

Also, to save time, instead of taking a shower to get the milk glands primed, soak your breast right before pumping in a bowl of very warm water (careful to not burn skin, it should feel good, not uncomfortable) by leaning into the bowl while it sits on the bathroom counter. While you are leaning in the bowl gently massage your breasts downward, especially from the arm pit towards the breast to get any hard to drain areas, helps prevent plugged milk ducts.

While pumping, lean over so gravity assists your flow. As Marth Sears in the Baby Book says, "think Baby, picture your baby nursing while you pump". There is absolutely a psychological component to the body producing milk.

I sympathize with you because even though I overproduced, a curse, I still didn't get as much out of my breasts with the pump as I did with my baby. As they say, and we mothers know, baby is best, or was that breast is best?!

Wishing you lots of easy pumping. Way to feed your baby the best:)

Hi Kellly
When I had my 1st child I was still working and so I bought the pump in style which was pretty expensive and on my 2nd child I stayed home so I would use the hand held pump. By far, the hand held pump worked much better. Make sure you are eating and drinking enough.

some times just putting warm compress on your breasts help the let down . if you pump after a feeding 2-3 oz is great . some times a stronger pump helps . are you taking vitamins this could help to produce more milk. drinking plenty of water. relax .you are doing great take care S..

Hello. Hopefully you'll get many helpful replies. I am an occasional pumper so just have some tips from my limited experience. I too have a cheap breast pump, but the following has worked out well for me:

--I always pump in the morning when there is plenty o milk
--think about or look at your baby
--it sometimes takes a while for the milk to let down, but once it does a basic, consistent rhythmic pumping gets the job done.
--I get 2-3 ounces from each breast in a go
--I've had it recommended that you pump on one breast while nursing on the other, but can't manage this with a hand pump

Good luck and enjoy that baby sitter!

Rent a commercial breast pump. They are not very portable but they do a much better job. I had to rent one for my first child because I truly didn't have enough milk and after a while I was able to exclusively breast feed her for many months. With my second child I bought a regular brest pump and unfortunately it did not do as good of a job and therefore by the time she was 3 months I didn't have enough milk for her. If you really want to increase the milk production you need to pump after "each" nursing. (I didn't do it at night) You won't be getting much of anything out but gradually your milk production will increase.

Good luck! Let me know if you have any questions.
R.

Drink 1/2 a bottle of water before pumping and the other 1/2 while you are pumping. That should help some.
I always had problems when I tried to pump, but this did help (and a used a Medela). Also, look at your baby while pumping.
If you are thinking about getting a more expensive pump, then see if you can rent one from your local hospital to try it out first. And remember that your baby will always be able to get more milk out that pumping.
Good luck!

i have a high end Medela pump and I also get 2-3 ounces with each pumping session. My sister on the other hand has 8 ounces in about 5 minutes. Make sure your hydrated and relaxed and then don't worry about it. Some people are able to pump more than others and some babies eat more than others. My 5 month old has never taken more than 2.5 ounces from a bottle at a time, she would much rather wait for mama even when I've been gone 5 hours. So just go with the flow and be proud of what you produce.

I pumped exclusivly with my first son for 4 mths (he wouldnt' latch on) and I found that the over the counter pumps weren't very helpful. I rented a hospital grade one for $176 for the entire 4 mths!!! You get your own accessories so you're not reusing those, but the machine itself is rented.
Maybe look into that if you're wanting to keep up the flow or to increase for some extra.

good luck
K.

Hi! I have a 3 month old as well and I just started back at work so I pump for my son. What kind of pump do you have? I use the Medela Pump Instyle- it's expensive but fast and effective. I pump three times at work and I get about the same amount of ounces each time,about 2-3. The double electric pump is way more efficient and what may also help is to pump every 2 hours-in between feedings. If your body "thinks" your baby is drinking more than it may produce more as well. It seems to work for me. Hope that helps!

make more milk? try herbal tea "mother's milk" at health food store

Pump an hour after you feed consistently for awhile. This will increase your production. If you are hard core, which I was during the early months. I also set my alarm for 2 am every day and got up to pump in the middle of the night. ..
keep in mind though that 2-3 oz is not bad. . .especially during these early months when you are feeding more often. the 4-6 oz per side didn't happen for me until about month 9 when I was feeding her less often and they had a chance to "fill up"
Keep going. . .by the way, how do you know he is eating 4-5 oz when he nurses? he may not be. at that young age they eat less per session, which is why they need to nurse more frequently than later.
I know how stressful it is, believe me though, try to relax and not worry about it and you will probably produce more.
Fenugreek worked for me too.

Hi K., I have two girls and they too were exclusively breast fed. With the first, I had plenty of milk and at times too much. When I had my second, I barely could get 2 oz. When I looked into it, it seems that it was because I was so tired (toddler and a newborn and very little sleep) and NOT EATING ENOUGH. I was watching what I was consuming because I wasn't shedding the weight I had gained during the pregnancy as I had from my first. When I finally got around to discussing this with my doctor, she said that until I started sleeping more, my body would hold onto the weight. I didn't believe her and yet now I have read several articles re that very subject. Now I wish I had eaten as much as I wanted because one is making food for one's child and one needs nutrition for one's own body. I hope this helps a little.

Hi K. - I have a medela pump that works pretty well. It is a double, electric pump and costs a couple hundred dollars. I would suggest to get a better pump (or rent one from the hospital).
good luck!

I would definitely look into a better breast pump. I found the one I rented from the hospital was great! The more industrial/heavy duty and maybe the more costly I think is better. You might also want to look into things that help stimulate more breast milk (sleep ((I know that's hard now)), what you eat, there's a tea out that the medical community supports to stimulate more breast milk ((you can ask your doctor)) and if all else fails....supplement with formula to ensure that our baby is getting enough to eat.

Investing in a better pump is definitely a worthwhile investment, especially if you think you'll be pumping more in the future (e.g. to store up more milk if you're returning to work). The cheaper breast pumps don't exert the same amount of pressure on your breasts as your baby does when he's nursing, which is likely why you're getting only 2-3 ounces of milk when you pump. If you live in the Bay Area, you can go to Day One and they'll test the pressure on your breast pump for free. I would highly recommend that you do that. The more expensive pumps (i.e. Medela Advanced Pump in Style is the one that I use) is much better at mimicking the sucking of an infant and therefore much better at drawing out all of your breast milk.

You can rent the hospital grade pumps from your hospital (or Newborn Connections if you live in SF or Day One), but the monthly rental fees will add up if you're going to rent for a long period of time depending on how long you plan to breastfeed your son. If you want to breastfeed him till he's 9 months or older, then you're much better off buying a pump and spending $250-$300 than renting one. Because my daughter was a preemie she wasn't strong enough to breastfeed for the first few weeks. So, I was advised by my lactation consultant and her pediatrician to rent the hospital grade pump so that I can better establish my supply. I did use the hospital pump for a month and then started using the Medela Advanced Pump in Style. I love my pump and regularly get between 7 to 10 ounces per pump depending the time of day and how much my daughter nursed before I pumped out.

If you don't want to spend the money on an expensive breast pump and want to continue using the one you have, then I would suggest that you also hand express your milk while you're pumping to get all of your breast milk out. Babies are the most efficient at sucking out breast milk, then hand expressing, and pumping is the least efficient. You can at least try hand expressing and using your existing pumping a few times to see if there's a significiant difference in the amount of milk you're getting out. If there is, then you can either continue hand expressing while pumping or invest in a more expensive pump if you decide that's too much work. Hope this helps and good luck!

Hi K.,
I had the same issue with my 1st pump. I even got an infection because it wasn't emptying them enough! I was strongly urged to invest in a Medela Electric pump. I did and I was so much happier with the amount that was coming out, with how my breasts felt relieved and I had no pain at all. I can't urge you enought to do the same! It was my savior!! Also, Medela has a manual pump that I really liked too. It went everywhere with me and did just as good as the electric just took a litte more time. You can find a used pump on Craaigslist or ebay and buy your own accessories. That is what I did and the pump lasted me two children and one was exclusively fed Breast milk from me pumping almost 24/7!!

I hope you have some relief soon, and the extra supply you need!

C.
Helping families one day at a time!
www.AtHome4MyGirls.com

Sorry to say a good pump goes a long way as does making sure you have therigt cup fit. That being said to get a good amount of milke from pumping it usually tajes an extra non feeding time pump at least every few days