Pumping and Supply ?

DublinMama · February 2013

Hi, Everyone,

I'm a FTM and my son will be three weeks old on Weds. I started pumping in addition to EBF on Friday so that my husband could help out a little more. The problem is I pump just about every 2 hours, either both sides or the side my son did not just feed from, and I get barely an ounce every time. It has taken me three days to get just about 12 ounces of milk. So I'm concerned that my son is also only getting about an ounce of milk each time he eats. He is gaining weight and having regular BMs, but he wants to eat almost every 70-90 minutes (which would make sense if he is only getting an ounce every time). Do I have to start supplementing with formula? He isn't fussy after a feeding, but like I said wants to eat pretty constantly. I pump and feed through the night as well, so I'm not sure why my supply has dwindled. Confused

krissywave · February 2013

What I was told from my LC is if the baby is having wet diapers and putting on weight you don't have to give formula.

GraceyandTroy · February 2013

He's only three weeks old, so its pretty normal for him to feed that often. I believe he should get an average of 1 oz/hr. If you're pumping after a feed, though, remember that you're pumping what is left. It doesn't necessarily mean that's all he took out when he ate. If you keep bumping and keep EBF'ing, your body will catch up and start producing the amount of milk you need.

I would not recommend supplementing with formula unless your Ped tells you to. If baby is gaining weight well, and having lots of wet and dirty diapers, then he's getting what he needs.

GL!

this decaf life · February 2013

I definitely wouldn't supplement unless he starts not gaining weight properly. You might end up with more problems supplementing because formula keeps them fuller longer he might not take as much from you meaning you'll produce less if he demands less.

Just keep doing what you're doing. It sucks, I know Eloise still spends most of the day at the breast eating. Luckily at night she seems to be giving us better stretches. I worry sometimes that she's not getting enough because it seems like she'll suck all day long but as long as she's growing I'm willing to put up with it for all the nutritional benefits.

I'm not against using formula if you need to but IMO it doesn't sound like you actually need to use it. Also keep in mind that a pump is not as efficient as a baby. While you may only get 1 ounce your LO is likely doing a better job getting milk during a feeding. Don't stress or supplement until your doctor is concerned too.

watermellens · February 2013

I personally would stop pumping for now - your supply is still building b/c your LO is so small. If you're only doing it so DH can help, then he can help out in other ways - baths, diaper changes, rocking, cuddling, etc. Just my thought!

Babyduedec · February 2013

GraceyandTroy:
He's only three weeks old, so its pretty normal for him to feed that often. I believe he should get an average of 1 oz/hr. If you're pumping after a feed, though, remember that you're pumping what is left. It doesn't necessarily mean that's all he took out when he ate. If you keep bumping and keep EBF'ing, your body will catch up and start producing the amount of milk you need.
I would not recommend supplementing with formula unless your Ped tells you to. If baby is gaining weight well, and having lots of wet and dirty diapers, then he's getting what he needs.
GL!

This!

As per kellymom you can expect .5 - 1 oz from both breasts if you are EBF, so what you are getting is normal.

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