new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

I'm a new mom of a 2 week old and am successfully nursing so far. I've been pumping about once a day in between feedings so that DH can give a bottle at night (and me a break!). My concern though is that I only get around two ounces total per pumping session. I keep reading that people get 5-10 ounces when they pump. Does it take a while to build up to that? Could I be doing it wrong or not efficiently?? I have the medella pump in style so it's definitely a top quality pump. Any advice appreciated, I'm wondering now if DS is getting enough per feeding. TIA!

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

Congrats on the your little one! Don't worry, if you are pumping extra after you DC eats, then your DC is getting enough..and yes, it takes time to build up your supply, but you definitely can get there! I wasn't even pumping 2 extraoz at that time with my DD, but then I became a cow! The best way is to try to pump after as many sessions as possible, after making sure your DC is definitely done eating for that session...and eventually you will build up your supply..don't worry you're doing great so far!!

Message edited 10/10/2009 9:50:09 PM.

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

Hello. My DD is almost 22 months now and I EBF her for 13 months. I was never able to pump much at all. On most pumping sessions I would only get an ounce or two total from both breasts..and this was even after 10 months of EBF!! Once in awhile I would get more, but not usually. I read that the pump is just not as effective as your baby is at producing milk. My DD gained weight exactly as she was supposed to so as long as your baby is gaining weight, then she is getting what she needs from you.
I think I actually posted this same question when I was BF. Good Luck and dont worry it sounds like your baby is doing great! (Although it is frustrating to have to pump so much and get so little!)

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

Many women are able to pump more milk first thing in the morning, so try pumping then.

The baby is more efficient at getting the milk out of your breast, so as long as she is gaining, she is getting enough to eat.

I usually pump in the morning after DD eats and I usually get around 3-4 ounces. I get less if I pump later in the day.

Check out the breastfeeding support thread. It has a ton of information on pumping and massage to get more milk. It is in the top pinned "Great reference posts for new moms.

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

I remember being so intimidated by the 5oz bottles in the beginning. I never knew how anybody filled them. After about two months, I was overflowing those bottles.

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

yeah it is still early on...your supply will be up soon! I agree with pp that first in the morning is when you are at your fullest..SO when I wanted to pump extra, I would feed my DS or DD from one breast only and then pump the other one..this way she/he was fed and i got extra milk!

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

Check out Kellymom.com. I'm 10 weeks in and usually I get around 4oz a session (that's both breasts together). They say on the website that if you're breastfeeding fulltime, it's completely normal to only get 2-4oz a session (again, that's both breasts).

The pump stimulates and compresses your nipple, while a nursing baby compresses the sinuses behind your nipple, so it works in a completely different way. Your baby will get more out of a breast than the pump.

ETA - also the website recommends pumping after your baby is done feeding to completely drain the breast. Completely emptying signals the breast to produce more and will get your supply up.

Message edited 10/11/2009 7:47:26 AM.

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

Thank you everyone, feeling a little better knowing I may just have to work a little to build up my supply.

Re: new mom BF question- pumping so little milk?

You're doing great!

I used to pump about 2 oz after feedings (pumping only once or twice a day) and then it's gradually been increasing. DD is 4 weeks old today and now I'm getting about roughly 4-5 oz per session and pumping once after her AM feed and once while DH is giving her a bottle in the evening. I'm finding eating oatmeal in the morning seems to help me as well.