Back to work pumping amounts

Grapes13 · April 2015

I just started back to work 3 days ago and this is the first time I have consistently pumped most of the day. So of course I am noticing how much milk production I have more now than I did when I breastfed all day. My baby is 11 weeks old today, and he is gaining weight well. But I've noticed when I pump it doesn't seem to actually be that much. I nurse him in the morning before work usually only on one side (he won't eat more). I pump at 9:30, 12:30, and 3:00- as these are the times I am given at work. Then I nurse him when I pick him up around 6ish. Then we have a couple smaller feeds before bed. He usually will only ever nurse one side at a time. When I pump, my morning pump is of course the largest. But then it seems to quickly go down from there. How much can everyone generally pump in one session from both breasts? (Hope that's not a rude question, I'm just curious if mine is too low!) I usually get 7-9 oz in the morning, the next time about 4-6 oz, and my last pump I only get about 3-4 oz. I am drinking as much as I can between. He doesn't drink more than I make, but I'm still worried... That's usually only around 17 oz total a day that he drinks. My mom thinks that my milk is just high in fat and calories which is why he doesn't need as much. (She had really high calorie milk production when she had kids). Is anyone else worried about this or talked to their doctors/LC about this?

mrlarpr · April 2015

17oz is great for being at work. I exclusively pump and get 31oz a day (work and home) and haven't had to supplement with formula.

dancingsunflowers06 · April 2015

It's awesome that you are so committed to breastfeeding even when going back to work! It's been a few years for me so I can't remember amounts, but I'm sure if your doctor is saying your baby is on track for weight, then you're doing a great job. Blessings to you!

mommato2lilmonkeys

Breemay5785 · May 2015

17 oz while at work is great! I pump 3x similar to you and get 11 oz total. If your little one is gaining weight and doing well I think you have plenty of milk.

Gurunc · May 2015

You are doing great. I transitioned my lo to daycare this week and was pumping at home. I produce like 7 oz in the morning and like 3-4 oz in the afternoon. Lo is gaining weight properly and doc said not to worry

vpeazy · May 2015

I pump 3x as well while at work, and I get around 18 oz. we are the same in regards to morning pumps. in reality, there is still milk left in there, so baby is getting enough

jacob214 · May 2015

I get a similar amount. I typically get total 15-18 oz pumped while at work.

sunshine525 · May 2015

My LO is 14 weeks and I have been back to work for a little over a week. I get 4-6 ounces in the morning, nurse her over lunch, then get about 3 ounces in the afternoon. She usually takes 3-4 ounces from a bottle once in the morning and once in the afternoon (I work 8.5 hour shifts). I'd say you are doing great! Everything I've read says breastfed babies usually take an average of 4 ounces from a bottle every 2-4 hours.

mommytobe0215 · May 2015

I went back to work and my supply significantly lowered. I am a school teacher and can't pump that often. I can't wait to get back to my routine for summer break.

flchacon · May 2015

You are doing great !

jesslz · May 2015

Mine varies quite a bit, but I pump 2x per day and usually nurse her at lunch. If I can't go home for lunch I add one more pump session. I usually get 2-3 oz per boob. The afternoon pump is always the least.

erniebernie1 · May 2015

I only pump 9 oz for an 8 hour work day

catfred16 · June 2015

I pump three times at work and that's about what I'm getting. She's still growing and not starving so I know she's getting enough!

Valhas3boys · June 2015

You are doing great! I average about 4 oz per session but more in the morning(I pump before I leave for work because I know it will be nearly 3 hrs before I'll get my first break) I've been back to work for three weeks now and was super anxious how pumping and my supply was going to be. My baby also refuses the breast at times which has been hard to deal with. I'm certain that I will continue to produce enough now though. He usually takes three to four 4oz bottles while I'm away and I usually have an extra bottle or two. Keep it up and if you're still worried about your supply get some fenugreek, it works!

CitizenKane · June 2015

I will pump about 12oz at 6:30 in the morning. From there, I pump 3x at work; 9:30, 12:30 and at 3:30. From those sessions I will get about 4-6oz each time. Twice more at home yielding the same.