Going back to work - pumping question/advice

mamatobe2012 · May 2012

Hi!

I'm going back to work in a month and my son will be 16 weeks. He's been EBF so far. I've pumped and given him bottles every couple of weeks to make sure he'd take a bottle.

This is the frustrating part, when I do go to pump (if he's napping for a long time) I'll only get 2.5oz from both breasts total! I mentioned it to my pedi a month ago and he said babies are more effective at getting the milk and he's been gaining over an oz. a day which is above average so I know he's getting enough milk. My problem is I don't know how I'm going to pump and get a stash for when I go back to work without feeling stressed that I'm not making enough milk. It would take two pumping sessions just to get enough for one feeding. I'm feeling frustrated and don't know what to do?

Does anyone have any tips on how to start a stash (when I don't get much in pumping sessions)? Or any other tips so I can try and keep giving my baby breast milk when I go back to work?

TIA!

livinginashoe · May 2012

When you've pumped in the past, did that replace a feeding or was it only in addition to a feeding? Because if LO eats and then you pump, you're not going to get as much.

I found that I had to pump right away in the morning before DD wakes up. My supply is highest in the morning and then quickly tanks throughout the day. You could try to front load your pumping sessions. Or I've heard of women who wake up in the middle of the night to pump. Seems extreme and it's not for me, but if you're concerned about your supply, it might help.

mamatobe2012 · May 2012

Yeah I pumped in place of a feeding and only got 2.5 oz!!!!

Yes if I pump in the middle of the night I get more, but now that he's not swaddled and sleeps in his own crib he wakes up like clockwork to eat every four hours so I don't have the excess I had when he was swaddled and would sleep longer stretches.

aglenn · May 2012

It can take some time for your body to get used to the pump, too. Try pumping at the same time of day every day for a while. That may help. Also, when you are away from baby you will get more milk when you pump. Don't stress too much -- this is really not an indication that you will have trouble when you're back at work.

nebraska84 · May 2012

To build my supply I pumped after every nursing session. It would take me the entire day to build up enough for one bottle feeding. Then I would feed him the bottle and pump in its place, and my supply started to grow. So trying pumping more throughout the day, just an idea. Good luck!

mintea · May 2012

Take heart!

"Most moms who are nursing full-time are able to pump around 1/2 to 2 ounces total (for both breasts) per pumping session."

https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/pumping_decrease/

Katechavez · May 2012

jesse1117:
oh yeah - katechavez put up a great link earlier today, that I am going to go back to and explore further. Thanks katechavez! Lots of good info.

https://workandpump.com/

You are welcome!

Chrisaloyd · May 2012

You are not alone! I pump 5 times a day (3 times at work, then at 10 pm and 1 am) to get enough for 3 bottles. It s very annoying, and very time consuming..but it is what it is. The most I have ever pumped is 4 ounces..that's total. Both sides. I think it's more Common than you think.

I really take advantage of the weekends when I'm off work. I can usually get enough for 2 or 3 bottles, which I put in the freezer for a 'rainy day.' I try to pump at least once during the day, and still do my 10 and 1 pump.

I didn't read the other posts, so someone else may have mentioned this..but my best pump is at 1 am. I read that your body produces the most milk between 1-3 am. If you truly need to get a stash going, I woud suggest setting your alarm for 1. Good luck!

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