https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 20:48:55 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-961171 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 21:02:45 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 961171@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok you guys are awesome and super encouraging. We're going to do a test run next week to see what I can get. I'm hopeful, but keeping my expectations somewhat reasonable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-961108 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 20:39:43 +0000 pl0508 961108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm able to keep up ! LO is 6 mo old and drinks 25-30 oz a day. I EP. Don't worry until you have reason to ! And even then, supplementing is not a huge deal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-961042 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 20:16:18 +0000 littleveesmommy 961042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm a WOHM and was able to keep up with DD's demand. It did take work and pumping 3x a day for 20 minutes each session. I also ate lots of oatmeal and always massaged during pumping to increase stimulation and output. I agree with PP's on doing a test run the week before by pumping and giving bottles so your body can adjust if needed. I also did a midnight pump session every day until 10 months so I could also build a freezer stash for date nights and also for those couple of times I had a dip in supply. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-961012 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 20:08:43 +0000 Revel 961012@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm surprised the LC said that to you. I asked mine because I am concerned about this issue too, and she said that through tweaking pumping time and technique and other tactics, most of her mamas could produce enough. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960726 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 18:30:12 +0000 SleepyMonkey 960726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is 9 months and I returned to work when she was 4 months and have not yet had to supplement. I pump in the morning after she nurses, and 2x at work. I am gone from 7:30 to 5:30. I pump more than she eats. I am surprised an LC was so quick to tell you that you might have to supplement. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960637 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:47:34 +0000 Mommytotwois 960637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am gone about 12 hours a day 3 days a week and 10 hours a day 2 days a week...I haven't had to supplement and my lo is 2 months old. I pump just enough and if I wasn't able to pump enough the day before I have dh come pick milk up from me at work. I want to get a freezer supply going but I don't feel like I'm making enough to do it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960582 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:31:32 +0000 Beehive 960582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I haven't had a problem keeping up with demand. LO is 9 months and I went back to work at 6 months. I pump after his first feeding, twice during the workday, give him his evening feeding, and then pump before bed. With the four pumping sessions each day, I make the right amount, with a little extra some days, for LO to have three 6-7oz bottles while I'm at work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960557 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:22:57 +0000 Smurfette 960557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So far I have been able to keep up and haven't had to send any formula. Some days I pump more then I need and some days less, do I take out of the freezer. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960541 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 17:18:29 +0000 brownie 960541@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son had bm until he was 9 months old. You can keep up with demand (at 9 months we had ftt from food allergies and he needed more calories so he had some formula). Some of the common problems I see come up here are: how much is demand often the daycares don't know how to feed breast fed babies. You need 1- 1 1/2 oz per hour you are gone. After breastfeeding is established, babies don't increase amount because the breast milk changes. Sometimes you start real good and through the week it tanks a bit. This is normal make sure to nurse more when away from baby to "replenish". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960491 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:56:43 +0000 Bluebonnet 960491@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm not currently nursing, but I am a WOHM and I was able to keep up with LO's demand and continue to build a stash while working. LO was EBF until her first birthday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960415 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:28:45 +0000 Pink Champagne 960415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been able to keep up with the demand, but for a long time, I had to set my alarm for 3 am to wake up to pump (I would get like 10 oz) since LO was STTN. I would have had to supplement if I hadn't done that.<br /> Just be very conscientious about your pumping at work and you should be in a good spot- it's the easiest thing to get busy and forget to do it, so really make sure you're getting in there every three hours or so and you should be ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960396 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:20:47 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 960396@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you guys so much - you are all super encouraging! I know its NOT the end of the world to have to supplement, but I've worked so hard to get where we are that it makes me sad to just say that will have to happen when I don't know for sure yet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960258 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:34:30 +0000 dojo 960258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been able to keep up so far - with the exception of a few days where I've had to pull a little from the freezer. LO is about 5 months and I have been back to work since the beginning of June. I pump twice at work and get 6-10 oz each time. Then I pump once more at night and send four 5 oz bottles (he only usually drinks 3 so the 4th is for extra). Sometimes it's a little stressful and I hate spending my break time at work pumping but so far my plan is to just continue as long as I can.</p> <p>Just do what will work best for you - don't stress too much about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960250 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:31:47 +0000 mamimami 960250@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been able to keep up. Both times I had a lot of milk the first 6-8 months and then my supply started to level off, but fortunately I had the frozen milk from those first months for the days I needed it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960240 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:28:41 +0000 purrpletulips 960240@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I wasn't able to keep up when I went back to work after DD was born (she was at a daycare center) but have been able to keep up with DS (he's with a private sitter). I mention where the childcare aspect because I suspect that played into how much they ate each day while I was gone. If you are pumping 2-4oz after LO nurses, you will likely be fine because you'll not be nursing just pumping. I would say for 11 hours that you should try to pump 4 times though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960238 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:28:01 +0000 lindseykaye 960238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been able to keep up with her demand and also save some for my stash this whole time. LO is 8 months old and I don't see it changing before she's a year old.<br /> I even dropped a pumping session last week and things are so far still good.</p> <p>I was pumping 3x a day and getting 14-18 oz, now I pump 2x a day and get 14-16 oz but she eats a bit less at daycare having started solids. LO is at daycare from 7:45-5:30. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960237 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:27:54 +0000 Adira 960237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would suggest doing a test-run the weekend before - pump when you think you will during the day and give your LO bottles to determine how much she actually eats so you know if you'll be able to keep up. Maybe you can add a pumping session in the morning before work or after your LO goes to bed to make up the difference as necessary.</p> <p>I've been back at work two months and have been able to keep up with Xander's needs. I'm gone 10 hours and he drinks three 5oz bottles while I'm at work. I am able to just pump 15oz (thought sometimes I pump more!). On days I don't pump enough, I'll pump after I nurse him and at night to make up the difference. I have not needed to supplement. It's TOTALLY doable!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960219 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:23:38 +0000 DillonLion 960219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lovejoy: I always do a before bed pump so top off my bottles (or save it for the following day if I don't need it yet) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960215 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:23:07 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 960215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: sounds like we produce similar amounts. My one boob gives me almost nothing, so the other picks up the slack. I might think about doing a 10pm pump too. That's what I'm doing now to build stash, so I could just keep it up. </p> <p>@cmomma17: you're encouraging me to keep building my stash! I only have like 40oz right now, but I can do more! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960198 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:20:14 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 960198@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@BlueWolverine: yeah I definitely don't seem to pump as much as she transfers from nursing, but it seems to be getting better (I'm taking fenugreek, eating oatmeal, etc.)</p> <p>@mrskc: that us encouraging to hear! I'm still hopeful. </p> <p>@highwire: I know! I was shocked she was so quick to push formula. She said she's been doing this for 35 years, so maybe she just didn't want to set me up for disappointment, who knows.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960196 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:19:50 +0000 cmomma17 960196@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lovejoy: I have been able to keep up so far! I have a shorter work day than you so I just pump twice and nurse at lunch. I have been back at work almost a month. I also pumped at home for a few weeks and built up a freezer stash to reduce my stress about this issue. I also recently started taking fenugreek preemptively, I eat oatmeal every day and I drink tons of water every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960193 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:18:01 +0000 Corduroy 960193@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been back at work 3.5 weeks and so far I've been able to keep up, barely. I give LO three 4.5oz bottles at daycare. She's there 7-5:30. I pump 3x at work and once at 10pm. I get about 4-3.5-3-2 from my one producing boob. I make up the rest with the little bit I pump over the weekend. Daycare wanted more milk but I pushed back (thanks to all these ladies) and our current amount is working well. </p> <p>When I pump on days that I feed LO all day I get 2-3oz. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960178 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:15:48 +0000 DillonLion 960178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know why the LC said that! MANY of us are able to keep up with our LOs while pumping at work. </p> <p>I only ever made enough to give her 50% breast milk, but that was the case from day 1 of her life. I've been easily able to keep up with that the whole time I've been back at work since she was three months old, until now at 8 months. The only reason my supply is going down now is because I am intentionally pumping less and starting to wean. </p> <p>Obviously my situation is kind of different, but the point is that my supply has remained steady. I'm sure a lot of others will chime in to say they were able to continue EBFing while working. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960172 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:14:35 +0000 mrskc 960172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've been lucky in that I'm able to pump enough for my son. I haven't had to supplement and he's 9 months and I'm pretty certain we can make it to a year. Part of the reason is that he reverse cycled and refused the bottle most of the time and made up for it by nursing a lot at night. He just now not stopped being so finicky with the bottle and is drinking more. </p> <p>I think there are a lot of ladies on here who have made it w/o supplementing and a lot that do supplement. I think it is doable to pump enough, but I wouldn't beat yourself up if you have to supplement. And I don't pump a lot if it's right after LO nurses. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960166 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:14:08 +0000 BlueWolverine 960166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lots of bees keep up with demand, but I have not been able to. I pumped on weekends and in the evening to get enough for LO. At five months, I had decimated the freezer stash and just couldn't keep up. LO has had some formula since then, but it's usually 4oz bottles with 3oz BM and 1 oz formula. All is well. When we're together I have no problem meeting her needs, so it annoys me that I can't pump more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wohm-are-you-able-to-pump-enough-to-keep-up-with-demand#post-960147 Wed, 24 Jul 2013 15:08:14 +0000 Mrs. Lovejoy 960147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm headed back to work in 3.5 weeks and at breastfeeding group today I shared my concern with the LC about possibly not being able to keep up with LOs demand when I go back. </p> <p>She basically told me I'll probably have to supplement or maybe to just wean her off BM during the day and not pump at all. It definitely discouraged me but maybe she is just a realist? </p> <p>I will be gone for 11 hours a day (so that I can have Fridays off) and was planning on pumping at least 3 times a day. I don't have an oversupply, I usually don't pump more than 2-4 ounces, but most times I pump are right after I feed so I'm not sure how much I'd really get away from her. </p> <p>What has your experience been at work? Have you been able to keep up with your LOs demand? </p>