? For pumping moms

missgooseyface

LO is on day 11 of life...I am currently pumping only 1 to 1.5oz every time. I had a few pumps that yielded 2-3 oz but 1 to 1.5 is what I get more consistently. Is this normal for right now? I feel like I should be getting more (I am currently pumping 6-7 times a day (every 3-3.5 hours during the day and getting up once at night). Currently I am pumping enough for her, she is getting 7 mls an hour as of this morning but soon this won't be enough. Any tips? Or is this normal and it's just a matter of time before more comes in?

jennbent

The Lactation Consultant for the NICU at my hospital had me pumping 12 times a day for the first couple of weeks...so every two hours, even throughout the night.  Exhausting yes, but it did set me for a great supply. 

SBBBE

This seems about right. I was told pump 8 to 10 times a day which is hard but rewarding at the same time. I am pumping for twins and my supply has gradually increased as they have needed more. Take advantage of the LC in the nicu.

urbanflowerpot

Sounds great to me! Keep it up! Our LC's told us 8-10 times/day was best and once your milk comes in you can take a longer stretch at night. It's hard work but hang in there

katie4253

I think that sounds right, but I would probably still try to increase to 10 pumps a day if at all possible.  I know it is hard, but it will really help get your supply established. 

Good luck!

missgooseyface

Thank you everyone for the encouragement. I will squeeze another session or 2 in there each day and see how it goes. I haven't talked to the LC since I was still in the hospital but will talk to her Tuesday. The nurse told me to drink more water and to have some water before pumping also. I'll keep at it, that's for sure!

haziedaze

I think what you're getting is a normal amount for 10days pp. I agree with others though, track your supply so you know better what it's doing. I would pump every 2 hours if I could during the day then sleep longer at night (4hours at first then stretched to 5, then 6)... I think the extra was important. I also hand expressed after pumping each time which really helped and was a skill I was glad I knew (when I forgot my pump at work for example). This video is great, you just have to register your email address to say you're not a creep-o.

https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/HandExpression.html

missgooseyface

**UPDATE**

The past few days I've been getting ~2 oz. each time I pump...I guess I just had to be patient lol hopefully it keeps increasing! 

kaitlinwhite

Our girl is 15 days old and our NICU is amazing. Right now what you have is premature breast milk it has more of what your preemie needs and it's a middle stage between colostrum and breast milk. The more time to spend with your preemie, especially kangaroo care (skin to skin), the more your breasts will be in tune with what she needs. You said it just right, you are making what she needs. Trust your body it knows what it's doing. My only suggestion is to keep your schedule through the night. It's tough but you'll be more ready for your preemie's sleep schedule when she gets home. I was told not to go more than 4 hours apart. Hospital grade pumps are better for preemie moms and you can rent them from your hospital for about $70 a month. Best of luck and the last thing you need to do is stress yourself about your milk supply. Enjoy your girl!