How much breastmilk do you get when you pump?

kamio92 · August 2015

I had a breast reduction back in 2009. I wasn't meant to be able to breastfeed at all...but by some miracle I'm managing to breastfeed with 1/2 top ups/supplemented feeds.

I barely get more than 20ml from both breasts when I pump for 5-7mins (10-14mins all up for both breasts) after bub has had a feed. If I wait an hour I'll get around 30-40ml.

I have no idea what's normal or how I'm going compared to mothers without complications so let me know!

leannef88 · August 2015

I managed to get just over 1 oz with one boob and none of the other. That was pumping for a good 20 minutes manually. Needless to say I gave up! I know I dont produce enough milk as often baby unlatches and gets really frustrated as if there is nothing coming out, so annoying xxx

pandd10513 · August 2015

Baby usually eats from the left and I'll pump the right when she's done--once during the day and once overnight. I'll get anywhere from 2-4 ounces from each pump. There have been times when I've only gotten about an ounce tho.

I had an in service for work last week (don't officially return to work until Tuesday) and had to pump at work. Got almost 4 ounces from each side that day!

SBbabyonboard · August 2015

I pump after each feeding and get anywhere from 1 oz- 2 1/2 oz. it's frustrating because my LO drinks about 4oz every feeding. But I have had some friends that EBF and can't get anything out when they pump so I think even if you have a good milk supply it just doesn't work for some!

SBbabyonboard · August 2015

Oh and that's about 15-20 min on each side

tibi5 · August 2015

My baby just totally drains me, so I get nothing when I pump, unless I wait a long time after a feed. But he is 12lbs and gaining like a champ, and full and satisfied, so I'm not concerned at all. I have a year long maternity leave, so luckily I don't need to be concerned with having extra to bank up for bottles.

qtjo5 · August 2015

In the middle of the night I can get about 4 oz from each breast (while DH gives him a bottle of breast milk). My other two to three times pumping in the day I can get anywhere from 2 to 4 oz total combined from both breasts. I haven't tried a manual pump which I hear gives you more. BRU has breastpumps 20% off so I am going to buy one today. Also, from what I hear my electric pump isnt really a good one so maybe if I had a better pump I could get more.

SBbabyonboard · August 2015

@qtjo5 what pump are you using? And BRU has a sale on pumps!! In Canada?? I have the avent pump and wondering now if that's why I do t get as much milk because it's shit. Lol! I didn't know manual pumps were better? Is it just better suction? Like I said previously, I only get about 1-2 oz between feedings

qtjo5 · August 2015

SBbabyonboard said:
@qtjo5 what pump are you using? And BRU has a sale on pumps!! In Canada?? I have the avent pump and wondering now if that's why I do t get as much milk because it's shit. Lol! I didn't know manual pumps were better? Is it just better suction? Like I said previously, I only get about 1-2 oz between feedings

I am in Michigan so I dont know if the sale is in Canada, so sorry! I have an Ameda Purley Yours double electric pump. I have to call my insurance because all of a sudden it stopped functioning as a double and only will work as a single. But as mentioned, I have heard others say it wasn't a good pump and there are better ones out there. As far as manual pumps, I plan to buy a Madela manual. I hope it works better and I can at least get 3-4 oz a breast with it each pump session. DH said it is most likely more efficiant because better suction and less air being pumped in and around. But to be honest idk why they get more!

kristyn831 · August 2015

I'm 7 weeks postpartum and I get 5oz total (between both sides) whenever I pump. I use the Medela double electric pump and pump for 10 minutes.

mrsrep123 · August 2015

I exclusively pump... Been using the medela symphony for a week or so and I now get 6-8 oz every 3-4 hours. When I used the Ameda Purely Yours, I would get 4-5 oz every 2-3 hours. 15 min sessions.

When I BF and pumped afterwards, I would get 1-2 oz total.

Knottie99627423 · August 2015

I usually try to pump enough for a feeding which is about 4 ounces. Usually it ends up being more like 5 and I have gotten up to 8 ounces at once (pumping both breasts, 4 ounces each). I'm not going back to work so it is mostly to relieve pressure and provide some supply for dh when I need to work on things (currently planning a silent auction for our conservation district). I'm a pretty have producer. I will say, I have to be super relaxed for it to work and if I can hear the baby at all I can't get anything.

v&druston · August 2015

Do you massage your breasts during the entire time you pump? I have to "massage" but it is more like torture my breasts to only get a total of 3ozs in 15-20 minutes.

hankhunter · August 2015

I usually have to massage my breasts near the end of pumping just to make sure they are complete drained

mamaklemond · August 2015

I just switched to pumping during the day due to LO gagging/choking at the breast due to overactive letdown/oversupply causing gas and spit up issues. I can get anywhere from 4-10oz between each side every 3-4 hours. 10oz usually happens in the early morning session. I still BF at night, he doesn't have the intense suckle at night like during the day so I can modify our feeding technique to help with the letdown issues. It's annoying, but I'll have to say seeing him happier and more satisfied with the bottle is worth it, as much as I miss that special time with him.

Thera888 · August 2015

I use Avent manual pump, can get up to 8oz in 20 min. My DS eats 5 oz at one feeding (7weeks, almost 14lb) very happy with my pump.

SBbabyonboard · August 2015

Wow I'm defiantly going to try the Manual pump before I go out and buy the 400$ double medela. Maybe the manual will work better for me too and a lot cheaper!! Glad this thread was put up!

shaley29 · August 2015

I have the Ameda too, and hate it. It doesn't suck good enough and the flanges don't fit my nipples so I have to reposition it constantly to get flow. I'm calling my insurance company tomorrow about getting a different one.

randa923 · August 2015

@SBbabyonboard does insurance cover a pump in Canada? In the US most insurances will cover a double electronic pump.

Savanna111911 · August 2015

I have a pretty heavy flow. I am still on maternity leave so I haven't had to pump much, but I do pump after my morning feeding every day. This was suggested by my LC because I have overactive letdown and she suggested that pumping myself dry after her first morning feeding might help with that. I usually get about 8-10 ounces total.

Ckorines · September 2015

I can fill up a 5 oz bottles, one from each side, in a little less than ten minutes. My husband says I'm a cow.

mbrewington · September 2015

Hi- I also had a breast reduction and my supply is very low. I was forced to suplement but it's primarily formula now. I pump 3 times a day and get only about an ounce total each time. It's something- not a lot for my LO but something. I would make sure your LO is gaining weight and also talk to your doctor. Best of luck!

mirrenrue · September 2015

I exclusively pump. I pump around 54 ounces a day. (Every three hours during the day and 6 hour stretch at night ) basically 6 times a day. In the three hour period I produce 8 oz total. After a longer stretch its 10 oz. I have my deep freezer almost full and I'm 8 weeks PP - I use Medela Free style pump and I have a hands free bra: pump for 15 min but after the longer stretches I wait until there is nothing else coming out to stop pumping.

SBbabyonboard · September 2015

@randa923 I called my health coverage today (greenshield) and no unfortunately they don't cover pumps

was really hoping they would considering we're having so many issues right now. I wish I had of just bought the better one from the get go as all together after I buy my new one tomorrow it's gunna be almost 600$ spent. :,( that's a devastating blow to my bank acct especially since my maternity leave hasn't kicked in yet. Going to get the medela tomorrow, was going to get Ameda from my hospital as its only 200$ but some of you are saying it's no good so don't want to get another pump I can't use. Ugh. Bad day today...

SBbabyonboard · September 2015

P.s. The last 3 days i can't get more then 1/2 oz out every 2-3 hours round the clock. So frustrating!

bridgitd · September 2015

I only pump occasionally, but I get 3-4oz (80-110mls) when I do. When I do pump it is always directly after a feed. That amount is from both breasts combined and I only ever pump for 10min, no longer.

alanna7777 · September 2015

If any of you have a Burlington Coat Factory with a Baby Depot section, they sell the Medela Pump in Style for significantly less than Target or online. Medela has excellent customer service-keep your receipts! If it . malfunctions within a year they replace it free!

alanna7777 · September 2015

I am now using mine for thw second baby so Definitely worth the investment.

tibi5 · September 2015

Woah, just tried hot compresses before and during pumping - huge difference in results! Recommend it for those not getting a lot.

SBbabyonboard · September 2015

@tibi5 what did you use for the hot compress? I've put a hot cloth to my breasts before a pumping session and helps a lot but what do u use during as it's almost impossible to move around after pumping has started

tibi5 · September 2015

@SBbabyonboard I bought special hot/cold packs from Amazon, here's a link:

https://www.amazon.ca/Lansinoh-THERA-PEARL-Breast-Therapy/dp/B00AV9P44C

I placed them on just a minute or so before pumping, and then just held it on once I started pumping. Also did breast compressions with it resting on there.

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How much breastmilk do you get when you pump?

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DS1 7/24/15

DS2 5/7/17

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