How can I get more milk when I pump?

kminger

I am EBF and am trying to fill my freezer before I go back to work. I pump in the morning and can only get an ounce to an ounce and a half. Each time I  pump after that I usually only get about a half ounce each time. What am I doing wrong? Could it be that the pump just isn't cutting it? Any suggestions would be helpful!

amaniupendo

Is that after feeding?

annawestt

Look up breast compression! It has helped me so much both while breastfeeding and while pumping.

ceds07

What is the timing of your pumping - i.e. Is it instead of a feeding or after one? That will make a big difference in the answer. I've been pumping once a day after the first morning feeding. I've found that by doing it consistently it basically tricks your body into thinking it's another feeding. If you're pumping after feelings only though it would make sense you're getting less. The pump definitely makes a difference too though - what kind are you using? Also are you 100% sure that it fits appropriately and you don't need a different size? There are so many factors that could affect output! 

hecubus330

I got more milk when I applied heat while pumping.  These are what I have. 

https://www.amazon.com/Lansinoh-THERA-PEARL-Breast-Therapy/dp/B00AV9P44C

kminger

Sorry I was MIA yesterday. I pump after feedings. I pumped 4 times yesterday and yielded about 4 ounces the entire day. I have tried massage and heat and that seems to help. 

I have a medela in style advanced double pump. How do I know if the size is okay? According to the instructions, it seems to be.

Thank you all for your input. I truly appreciate any help I can get.

CalebsHabibi

1-1.5 ounces is actually a lot since you are pumping after feeding. If you were pumping more you'd be at risk for oversupply. When you pump for a missed feeding, like when you go back to work, you will pump more. I pumped 1-2 ounces after feeding but at work I get closer to 3. I pump every 2 hours at work from 10-4:30 and I get 10-12 ounces which is how much LO eats while I'm gone. Trust your body! 

If you really want to get more, pump one side while LO eats on the other. I only did this when I was really full, otherwise LO would get fussy because there wasn't "enough" for him (there was, he just had to work harder to get it.)

smushi

An ounce after a feeding is great!  Try feeding one side and pumping the other.  You'll get max ounces that way, especially with letdown help.  It used to take me a week EBF with DS1 at around 8 weeks to just get even 4 ounces saved up.  You're doing great, totally normal.

kminger

Okay thanks! FTM, so I have no clue about anything other than what I have read. I appreciate all of your insight. 

rebeccamp1

I know I didn't post this post, but it is encouraging for sure after reading all of the posts on here! 

amyid

I had the same problem but now pump around 3oz between feedings. Get a collection style breast shield if you have let down whilst nursing on both sides. I save around 1-1.5 oz just in what would be wasted milk each feeding that way for not doing anything except nursing my baby... Way more comfortable than pumping too ! 

rebeccamp1

What did you do to get that much between feedings? 

rebeccamp1

And what breast collection shield did you use? That's a great idea! 

holeton622

I made lactation cookies and they really helped boost my supply.

amyid

@rebeccamp1 it's called o call ette but Amazon and buy buy baby also have other ones although people complain that they are just too bulky... I love the ones I have and they help you save tons of milk and not have to hangs out breast pads that are sopping so often

amyid

Oh and I think I posted about this on the other thread about supply @rebeccamp1 - after struggling with supply I am now totally a firm believer in mother of milk tea.. Drink it 5-6 times a day, urica urens 6c 3 times a day under your tongue and lotsssssss of fluids all day