breastfeed vs. pumping

blushy08

Is a baby's suck stronger than pumping? (even though it doesn't hurt as much as pumping). I have been reading some other posts and it sounds like a 2 or 3 week old should be getting about 2-3 oz of breastmilk for a feeding. I had no idea how much my LO was drinking until I pumped for the first time the other day and expressed 1 oz from each breast. I pumped for the same duration as a feeding, so now I'm thinking that he's only drinking 1 oz at a time....unless his suck is more intense than the pump. He seems healthy and poops and pees a lot, but now I'm second guessing my milk production...

ocho2002

If LO is gaining and having wet diapers, don't worry about it. The best way to express is BF'ing - this is coming from a pumper : )

dionnemd10

it really depends on when i pump as to how much i "produce"  the pump is i think weaker and it is a different suction than a baby so it does a bit different in terms of "pulling" out the milk (as i think anyway).  i could be wrong though.

 

NiniJ55

You can't compare how much he is receiving from he breast to how much you are pumping.  It's just not the same.  The baby is much more effecient at removing the milk then a pump ever can be.  He is more than likely getting more then just an oz at each feeding. 

Lanie2883

Everything I heard from the lactation consultants at the hospital and from books says that those are 2 different volumes, so don't worry about it.

DrDPM

It also depends on when you're pumping. If you pump between feedings, then you'll only pump about half of what LO eats. If you pump for a missed feeding (or if you're EP'ing) then you'll be pumping the full amount. But, like pp's have said, your pump isn't as efficient at emptying your breast as your LO.  

diana.filipi

A baby is able to suck more efficiently at the boob than a pump can.  Baby will get more out of a boob than a pump can. 

liza0828

Also, when you first start pumping you will get less milk.  It will increase over time.

amoureux

If he has enough wet and dirty diapers he is just fine.

He can get way more from you than your pump can.  He stimulates your let down far better than a pump.   If you continue to pump you will get more as your body gets used to it. 

I pump the occasional bottle for H to give him (I pump every few days).  At first I could only get 2 ozs.  Now I can get 4 ozs easily.