Pumping questions

kristinyoung111

I am a working mother. I am away from my baby about 9 hours and pump for 15 minutes three times a day. I am trying to exclusively breastfeed, but I seem to only be able to pump low amounts. Usually I pump at 1:30 pm, 5:00 pm, and 8:15 pm. I get out about four ounces in my first session, and then about three ounces per session after that. This definitely doesn't match what my daughter eats at home. My daughter is two and a half months old, and Ive been pumping for two weeks. Is this normal? Any suggestions for increasing supply? I only breastfeed her on my days off and while I am home. I am using a Medela electric double breast pump and I do breast compressions.

kristinyoung111

Ooo good idea about bringing something that smells like her!!! I think sometimes that is an issue, I notice at least an ounce difference in output when I'm thirsty. I've increased my water intake and am trying to keep it up, hopefully it helps.

AllieAGame

Try to relax too, as much as you can. I get a few more letdowns if I can "make" myself relax by intentionally concentrating on my body. I close my eyes and lean my head back and try to direct all my thoughts to LO- like picturing her smiling at me and the way she looks when she's sleeping, etc. This seems to really help when pumping!

Shoecrazysarah

Deff drink tons of water and alsolet the pump keep going after your last drop. This helps tell your bodymore milk is needed. Both those things have worked for me. I pump for around 20 min, but only get milk for about 15.