pumping question

Angeline924

how much do you get each time? my LO has not yet figured out how to latch on yet (although we try every day) so i have been pumping exclusively. i have been pumping every three hours (although i have overslept and missed a few of the late night times) i get anywhere from 1-3 oz ( i get more when I am at the NICU with him than when i'm at home) from each side but its not very consistent. how much do you all usually get? for any of you who have had preemies and taken them home, how much did your supply change once LO was home with you or once they started breast feeding?

purplepuggles

that sounds pretty typical for where you are. i EPed until jack was 10 months old because he never latched. my supply consistently (albeit slowly) increased up until slightly after jack's due date (about 3 months). eventually i was up to 40-50 oz a day. i had enough in my deep freezer that i could stop at 10 months and he got exclusively breastmilk until a week or so ago..so almost a year.

you are doing awesome! i did every 2-3 hrs during the day and i allowed myself 1 4 hour stretch at night. EPing can be done, though it sucks. there are also preemie moms who have been able to breastfeed eventually. jack just never did. he did okay at the NICU but wouldn't do much at home. hang in there momma!

ijack

At 2 weeks you should be getting about 24oz or 1oz each hour (so if you go 3 hours between pumpings you should get 3oz). 

borc0080

I replied on the BFing board about amount.  Unfortunately, when we introduced the bottle, DD loved it and never went back to BFing, so I EP. But I know there are plenty of preemie moms who had successful BFing experiences.  Just remember that no matter how much you get, you're doing a great job providing the best food for your LO! 

Ali05

You're doing great!! Hang in there. My supply really increased over time. I pumped every 3 hours and would pump while looking at pictures of him if I couldn't pump at his isolette. I would go 4 hors during the night.Dont forget to drink lots of water- jhis helped my supply. I worked with LC every other day at the NICU. It was hard work and frustrating at times BUT I'm glad I did it. I love BFing now. DS will take bottles while I'm at work.

lemen99

You're doing great!  Your supply will likely increase with a little more time.  Just be sure to drink plenty of water and get as much rest as you can.

I am still pumping after 10 months and we were never able to EBF My supply didn't change when he came home, but only depends on how often I pump and how much water I drink.