pumping output

hrhone328 · July 2013

For working mamas and EPers, how many times do you have to pump to get enough milk for LO? I am finding that to get enough milk for 3 feedings for LO during the day, I need to pump like 4-5 times. I really hate pumping and feel like I'm doing it around the clock at work. I BF in the mornings and evenings when I'm with LO, but I have to pump oh so much just to get enough for her at daycare. It's a lot of work!! I've been trying to increase my supply a little bit with mother's milk tea and oatmeal (trying to put off taking fenugreek since some ladies say it makes them smelly and gives them gas). Just started it yesterday, so too soon to tell if it's working. But do you other moms find you have to pump quite a bit more frequently than LO eats to get enough milk?

July18Bride · July 2013

I have to pump 4x per day to get enough for LO to have 3 bottles- sometimes I end up having more than I need, which I end up freezing. But sometimes I make just enough, so I can't drop a pump. I pump on my way to work and then 3x while at work- I work 9.5 hr days.

AZMagnini14 · July 2013

I EP, so I think it is different. RIght now each pump session makes 2 bottles for me.

Myaflowers · July 2013

I pump 4 times, once on the way to work and 3 times at work, and get enough for 3 bottles. I work 9.5 hour days.

jnnfrrose6 · July 2013

We only need one bottle for DC now (I nurse on my lunch break), so I have to pump twice at work. Some days I don't get the second session in and have to do it after he's down for the night, though. Pumping isn't as efficient as nursing, so I think it's pretty common to need to pump more than you would nurse if you aren't EP or haven't worked to build up your supply.

PSUBecky23 · July 2013

I pump three times a day at work and only get enough for 2-3 bottles so I have to supplement with formula. I'm OK with it. Not willing to pump when I'm not at work and am with my baby and all the tricks (oatmeal, fenugreek, tons of water, etc.) aren't working for me. Good luck with increasing your supply!