Only getting 3 oz per side?

gosse1km · October 2009

So, when LO was born he was 5 weeks early and had a hard time nursing so they set me up with a pump. At three weeks he was nursing from one side, but he wont nurse from the other due to an inverted nipple. He will nurse from that side about 15-20 minutes and seems full/contented. However, when i pump the other side i'm only getting around 3 oz, 4 at most.

So, my question is how do I beef up supply on the other side if LO isn't nursing from it, and is LO getting enough BM from the side he does nurse on? He nurses probably every 1 1/2 to 2 hours at night, and every 3 hours or so during the day.

cindy453 · October 2009

Why would you need to beef up your supply? At five weeks old, 3-4oz at a time is plenty for a feeding. If you're pumping at the same time, that means you're producing DOUBLE what he needs. If anything you have oversupply, not under. Unless I really misunderstood something...

Suzy12345 · October 2009

I would love to get 3oz per side! I can't even get that first thing in the morning.

heidismith · October 2009

cindy453:
Why would you need to beef up your supply? At five weeks old, 3-4oz at a time is plenty for a feeding. If you're pumping at the same time, that means you're producing DOUBLE what he needs. If anything you have oversupply, not under. Unless I really misunderstood something...

This

MA&CB · October 2009

3-4 oz from one side is plenty. I get 3 oz on a side on a good day, and that's enough. I nurse him from only one side, and he gets 3 oz when he gets a bottle. If you're nursing one side and pumping the other at one time, you're telling your body you need twice as much as your baby actually eats at one feeding, so I don't think you need to worry about bumping up your supply - you're already doing that.

TeacherKelly · October 2009

I had the same issue (only latching on one side) and my pedi really encouraged me to try and nurse on both sides. Pumping the other side won't always be practical. I found that pumping my left side (where he wouldn't latch) for a few minutes to draw the nipple out, then nursing worked really well. I also had to hold my nipple with the "scissor hold" using two fingers and it worked well. Maybe you've tried it... but wanted to share. Good luck!

cabo_kate · October 2009

3 oz. per side is fantastic! That means you'd get 6 oz. total if you pumped both sides, which is more than enough for a feeding at your DS's age. Also, babies can usually get an ounce or so more out of the breast than the pump, so I totally think you're fine.