Pumping questions

Jennaroo24

My baby is 2 months and I am starting to try and stockpile. I usually can get 2-4 oz out of my left and maybe a couple drops out of my right. Tips?

Also, this is probably a stupid question but are freezer bags accurate in showing how much milk there is. I have a Medela starter kit and noticed when I pump into a bottle or tube it appears like more when it's in the bag. Which measurement is accurate?

tracij12

Only advice I have is keep at it. If you are getting that amount after a feed that's pretty good. Try hand compression if you aren't already.

As for amount, trust what's on the bottle over the bag

ladythrice

^wss! What you are getting is really really great, especially if its after a feed. Hand compression will help more milk flow. You might be getting more from one breast because its a bigger producer or because the baby drank less from it. It's perfectly normal.

Common things to check on your pump: sizing of flanges (make sure they fit your nipple properly), membranes (make sure they aren't damaged and working properly, they should be replaced regularly), and tubing (it shouldn't be clouded or have milk in it. I once had a set that would get milk in it constantly and it was a freak thing that they weren't a perfect fit, they had a slight defect.)

GoogleMD

One of my breasts always produces more than the other. I also recommend making sure you have the correct size flanges. I will also massage the breast sometimes which helps me pump a little more. 2-4oz after a feeding isn't bad.

oywiththepoodlesalready

I get 50% more out of my right over the left and from what i have read that is not uncommon. I also suggest doing massage hand compressions when pumping. How long are you pumping for? it is recommended to pump for at least 15 minutes each session and I find that I get a second let down around 17 minutes. Medela has an app that lets you track time pumped and output so you can see how each session goes and changes over time.

klirwin82

I found Lansinoh Thera-Pearls were helpful when I was pumping to build a stash while on leave. You can get them at Target, BRU, Amazon. Heat them in the microwave and place them around the flanges when pumping, the heat helps with let-down and I always seem to pump a little more when I use them.

mpalle

If you want to try to get even more out (even though the amount you get out is really good!!!), then get as relaxed as you can, maybe dark room or watch tv or something. Stress/adrenaline stops the milk from flowing... So the more relaxed you are, the easier the milk flows. 
I used to get so exited when the milk came that the adrenaline started pumping and the milk would stop flowing