Question if you have a newborn and pump....

Happycouple

Im almost exclusively BFing, but have pumped a few times to see how much I am producing as DS is was not back up to his birth weight at his appt this week.  If you are pumping, how often do you pump and how much milk do you get out each time? 

Thx.

el_twirpo

i pump on one side only once a day so DH can do one early morning feeding. i usually stop at 3.5 oz (one of those medela vials and a shortie 1 oz vial), which takes about 10 minutes. 

the last time i tried to empty my breast to unclog a duct, i think i got 4 oz out of my better producing side and 3 oz on the other. HTH.

Fisherman'sWife

First of all pumping to see how much you produce is not that accurate. The baby is more efficient at gettin the milk out than a pump is. Secondly, as baby matures you may produce more so if you are only getting an ounce or so that's not bad right now. If you want to see how much you LO is taking in then you should try to do a pre and post weight check. Many lactation consultants can help with this but if not maybe ask at the pediatricians office. 

Fisherman'sWife

By the way it took my little one three weeks toget back up to weight but since then she is packing on the pounds! 

katcarls

How much you can pump is not an indicator of your supply.  Your body is making milk right now based on your baby's demand so anything you can pump is just extra.  It's normal to not get very much.  Your baby is only a week old too so it's still early.  Just keep nursing and try to feed every 2 to 3 hours.  Since he's not up to birth weight yet you should wake him to feed if necessary.  The best thing you can do for your baby and your supply is to nurse a lot.  Don't worry about pumping right now.

ETA: Check out kellymom now if you haven't yet.  There's a lot of good BF info there.