XP: Pumping Question

sparklingdiamond

Do you have days where you pump less ounces than other days?  I pumped today at the same times as I always do and only got 4 oz and 3.5 oz the second time.  Last week I was getting 5 oz during both of those pumps and usually about 4 during my last one.  I still have one more pump to do at 4:30 today.  I was just curious if you ever had days where you got less than other days.  

Amelia4

Yes.  My pumping output was all over the place.  I tried not to obsess (though I wrote down what each side produced at each pumping).  If I had enough over the week, I didn't worry about it. And I got a freezer stash before going back to work, so that buffer helped me.  I know some who just serve what they pump though and it all worked fine.

CarrieB.

Yes, i don't always get the same amount, especially if I am traveling. I serve what I pump and we make up for the milk missed with more/longer night feeds.

And I have a small freezer stash too.

Slb22

Yes everyday is a bit different for me. I never am able to relate it to any reason why (not drinking enough water etc). Only when I am stressed at work do I know the reason why a particular pump was low.

DallasLonghorn97

Yes, there were days when output was different. Are you doing breast massages and compressions? That really does increase your output. Don't stress and remember to serve what you pump!

mittensonkittens

Yes! My output varies from day to day, and goes down if I'm not eating enough, if I'm sick, or for numerous other reasons. If I'm down more than an oz or two from normal, then I add a pumping session at night before I go to bed. I'll defrost a little from my freezer stash occasionally (like if I'm sick and just can't keep up), but try to avoid that because I need to nurse or pump more to bring my supply back up.

sparklingdiamond

Thanks ladies!  I do have a freezer stash, but have not had to use it yet.  The DC typically likes me to send 4- 4 oz bottles.  He doesn't usually drink all of them and there is usually one left over.  But yesterday I was just 2 oz short for filling the last three.  I added a pump session at night and still only got 1.5 more oz.  Hopefully today will be better!

Amelia4

4 ounces at 2 months would be too much for my LO when he was that age.  Does DC write down how much of that 4 ounces he eats?  If he regularly only eats 2 or 3 ounces, then that's all they'd get in a bottle.  I would send more 2 ounce bottles or some 3 ounces with a 1 ounce backup if he still needs it.  Sounds like they are overfeeding him and the issue is with them, not your supply.

sparklingdiamond

Amelia4 said:

4 ounces at 2 months would be too much for my LO when he was that age.  Does DC write down how much of that 4 ounces he eats?  If he regularly only eats 2 or 3 ounces, then that's all they'd get in a bottle.  I would send more 2 ounce bottles or some 3 ounces with a 1 ounce backup if he still needs it.  Sounds like they are overfeeding him and the issue is with them, not your supply.

No they don't write it down, but I was under the impression he was eating it all.  I will make sure to ask for sure today.  He is definitely a hungry boy!

mittensonkittens

I think my kids were drinking 4-5 oz bottles at 2-3 months. But I do agree that you'll want to verify that he's taking all of it. Daycares often try to over feed breastfed babies, so you may need to push back if they start asking for more and more. Send what you pump, and see how he does. My boys were 90% on the growth charts, and one daycare teacher would repeatedly tell me they were still hungry and needed formula. I listened, smiled, and never sent formula. They were drinking the amounts recommended by kellymom and growing well. Many daycare providers don't have a lot of knowledge about bottle feeding a breastfed baby.