Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

DS is 8 weeks old and typically feeds off one breast per feeding. I just finally started pumping yesterday in preparation to give a bottle and got about 2 ounces from one breast. This seems so little.

This morning I fed him off one breast and pumped the other (about 3 hours after I fed him on that side) and got mere drops. I'm so discouraged. Am I doing something wrong?

I'm even worrying that he's not getting enough when he BFs now based on how little came out.

Please help.

Re: Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

OMG sweetie NO you're not doing it wrong, pumping is much less efficient than suckling so don't worry, baby is OK.
I think i posted the SAME EXACT question too.
Just keep doing it, especially pumping right after baby feeds, that stimulates production. Oatmeal is said to be very good too. Also make sure the shields you're using are the right size, I didn't even know they made different sizes!!!

I pumped FOREVER and would get about 2oz max, so I was never able to create a "supply" to freeze/store.

Re: Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

I too had a very hard time pumping. You're doing a great job! Pumping is no measure of your milk supply.

I would, howver, try and feed DS off of both breasts. Simultaneous stimulation of your milk will help out your supply rather than just feeding him off of one side. Try to switch in the middle if you can.

I agree about the size of your shields. Make sure you are using ones large enough to cover but also let in enough of your areola and all of your nipple. I have two sets that I never used, I just held them up to size (and they were wrong) so if you want, I can send them to you if you think you need the bigger size. I would also continue to pump after each feeding for 5-10 minutes.

Have you tried Fenugreek? Eating oatmeal? Drinking lots of water? Especially when you are feeding/pumping...keep water nearby. I had alot of luck with Mother's Milk tea. I would double up the bags, because it was weak, but it did really seem to help.

Good luck and keep up the good work!
You can always FM me too.

Re: Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

The average woman gets 1-2oz total per pumping, so you are doing great!

Do you switch sides at each feeding?

Remember, BF is supply and demand. Your body will only make what you need. Pump both sides after each feeding. It will take a few days for your supply to start to increase.

Good luck!

Re: Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

I generally pumped more milk in the morning than in the evening...in the beginning of pumping, i wouldn't get very much, but once my body knew that I would be pumping at 5:30am and 11pm each day, I was able to pump about 10oz at each session. I would also try some of the remedies to up your milk supply. I am eating oatmeal and drinking Mother's Milk Tea, but I ordered More Milk Plus to try as well.

Re: Am I doing something wrong? (pumping)

I know how you feel. I had to pump in the beginning after each BFing session. Once my milk came in, I was able to pump 4-5 oz per session. I stopped pumping though after my milk supply was established. I barely got more than 1 oz the few times I've pumped since then. I started worrying about whether DS was getting enough, but as long as he has enough wet and dirty diapers per day, I think it's fine. I started drinking Mother's Milk Tea. I haven't been pumping since I started drinking it , but I definitely feel fuller.

I'm sure your DS is getting enough BM. If you want to increase your supply, try that tea or oatmeal and pump for 15 minutes after each (or most) BFing session.