Pump vs Breast

jkipp82

I know that they say breast pumps are not NEARLY as efficient/effective as baby nursing - but I STILL only get 15-30ml per pumping session (baby is still in the nicu til Sunday).  However - he can nurse for 30 minutes and SEEMS to be eating the entire time (there is milk in the nipple shield even after I pull him off). 

 The doctor ordered that we don't need to supplement if he nurses well - but he's eating about 60ml from a bottle at each feeding if I'm not there to nurse.  So - could my body REALLY be producing enough to feed him when he's nursing even though it's SO low when pumping?

ValerianOddity

It absolutely can.  Baby is way more efficient at getting milk from the breast than even the very best pump.  Also, some women just have a harder time pumping... so don't take the amount of milk you get when you pump as an accurate indicator of how much milk you're actually producing.

DEBBIE33CASEY

Yep. Just make sure to either pump or nurse diligently VERY often- like every 2 hours around the clock to establish your supply.

olivia1978

You might want to do a pre and post feeding weight check to get an accurate measurement of how much BM your little one is taking in.  That could give you a bit of peace of mind about your supply.