Community› The Bump Message Boards› Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Babies: 0 - 3 Months
New Discussion

Repost from BF...pumping = big fat fail

Novem06Novem06 member
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months

I started pumping to build a back to work supply.  If DS gets a bottle of pumped milk he takes 4.5 oz which I'm sure will only increase by the time he is in daycare in 6 weeks.  He normally nurses off both sides and seems satisfied so I'm assuming he is getting that amount from the breast.  I drink mothers milk tea to help my supply.

The problem is is that it takes about 3 pump sessions to get that one bottle.  I normally pump in the am as that is when I get the most.  I will pump twice in the morning off the side DS isn't eating on and get about 2 oz.  The times that I pump both sides after DS has eaten (tried right after to empty the breast, 15 min after, an hour after) I'm lucky if I get one oz total.

So tonight I had DH give DS a bottle while I pumped during that normal feeding time.  I only got 2 oz.  Seriously, wtf?  Shouldn't I at least get what he would normally get?  If I am at work pumping during his normal feed times I won't get enough for his bottles for daycare the following day and will have to mostly supplement.  What can I do?

Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
Report Reply to Post

Re: Repost from BF...pumping = big fat fail

  • DrDPMDrDPM member
    A pump isn't going to drain your breasts as efficiently as your LO will, so don't stress that you're not getting as much as you expected. Can you add in a few more pumping sessions before you go back to work? I also started pumping to build up a supply for when I return to work. The first couple weeks I was only pumping once or twice a day. This past week I've started to pump 30-60 minutes after he nurses...every time. And if he only nurses from one side, I pump the other right away, and then do both again in an hour. I've noticed an increase in my supply. I'm also taking Fenugreek, and have noticed a difference from this as well.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • amoureuxamoureux

    I started pumping 2.5 weeks ago just so H could give the baby one bottle a day.  At first I could only get a 1-2 ozs. Then, my body seemed to figure out pumping - I can now get 4 oz at one go.  I am sure I could get more but that is what the bottle holds!

    I would give it another week and see if your body responds.   It might also be that your pump isn't the right one for you.  It isn't a supply issue -  sounds more like a pumping issue since you . have enough supply

    GL!

    Report Reply
  • JessLingleJessLingle
    I am also trying to build a supply for when I go back to work and have been trying to stock up for weeks now.  Although my supply seems to be increasing I am afraid that I won't have enough. I have also been pumping about an hour after a feeding session and that seems to be working better.  I feel like a dummy, but what is fenugreek?
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • DrDPMDrDPM member

    imageJessLingle:
    I am also trying to build a supply for when I go back to work and have been trying to stock up for weeks now.  Although my supply seems to be increasing I am afraid that I won't have enough. I have also been pumping about an hour after a feeding session and that seems to be working better.  I feel like a dummy, but what is fenugreek?

    Don't feel like a dummy! I'm on baby #3...I had no idea what it was when I had #1. It's an herbel supplement; it's actual use it to balance sugar metabolism, but it's known to increase a women't milk supply. You can find it at any GNC, Vitamin World, etc. You take 1-3 capsules 3x a day. It really does work, which you'll know when your sweat starts to smell like maple syrup (it's used in making syrup as well). It's not a terribly strong odor, but it is noticeable. You can also empty the capsule out and make a tea, but I haven't tried that yet.

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"