August 2015 Moms

pumping problem

milo091511milo091511 member
edited September 2015 in August 2015 Moms
I started pumping every feeding the first couple weeks.and it went fine. Pumping hurt more than her feeding. So I slowly have stopped. But I am trying to start again. I was getting about 4 to 6 oz when I pumped now I can barley get any milk. Less than one oz. I can message and squeeze but it starts to go and then it stops. Is it because I'm not used to pumping? My daughter is gaining weight like crazy so I know she is getting more than one oz per side.

Re: pumping problem

  • Are you pumping after you feed? I pump in between feelings and only get two oz total usually 3 oz in the am. When I feed LO a bottle and pump in place of a feeding I get anywhere from 2-4 oz. My LC told me that your LO is better at getting milk out than a pump.
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  • I was trying to boost my milk I just feel like there isn't much in there and I takes a long time for them to fill. Before I would go a couple hours and they would leak and be hard. Now I can go hours with out them getting hard. I am just worried I will lose my milk and I will have to switch to formula. So she will eat and I have tried to pump after. I get maybe a couple dribbles. But If I put her back on she is happy and eating. Idk what I am doing wrong I used the same pump and got milk before. It did hurt and the end of my nipple gets a ball and hurts like crazy.
  • How old is the LO? When I pumped in the beginning weeks I would only get 1 ounce when I would pump. Now that he is 5 1/2 weeks, if I pump in the middle of his feeding times I can get in between two and three oz.
  • Are you using the right size shields when you're pumping? It really shouldn't hurt. Some discomfort maybe, but not pain.

    I'm the same way where I feel like I'm not getting as full as I was a few weeks ago. I read an article on the LLL site and it said not to be concerned if that happens. It doesn't necessarily mean that your supply is drying up. It just means that your body has learned exactly what it needs to produce for your baby. As long as baby is satisfied and gaining weight properly, your supply is probably fine. I would keep pumping (once you figure out the pain thing) and it will trick your body into thinking baby needs more.
  • She is 6 weeks. I do believe the shield is too small. Where would I find different ones. I have the spectra 9 plus
  • edited September 2015
    I have read that once your supply is regulated you really won't leak anymore and your breast will no longer feel "full" all the time. I would do some research or contact a local LC to answer your questions.

    Also like PP said you may want to try a different size shield.
  • She is 6 weeks. I do believe the shield is too small. Where would I find different ones. I have the spectra 9 plus

    You should be able to order them online. The book that came with the pump should have instructions for proper fitting. It's not necessarily intuitive so you want to make sure you're sizing correctly. I'm assuming the spectra is set up similarly to my medela, but if your nipple is rubbing against the sides of the shield then yes it is too small. And that could definitely cause pain.
  • I had same problem (but my LO wasn't/isn't gaining quickly enough). I would pump and pump and would only get a few drops and I also found it very painful! I now pump every feeding and am starting to get about 2-3oz total a day (today actually already at 4oz but that's new!!). LC suggested I switch shield size (pediatrician sells them, I've also seen them at target) and that helped a lot w the pain! I'm also taking mother's milk tea and fenugreek now and I've noticed an increase in my supply!
  • It sounds like your body has adjusted to the demands of your child. If you continue to pump and stimulate that motion then you should develop more milk eventually.
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