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If you're also nursing, you should pump immediately after feeding. Anything you get after a feed is good, and if you're close to 2 oz, that's great! You could actually build a great supply this way and be able to freeze a lot. Three weeks isn't too early to pump - I've been exclusively pumping since my LO was 1-2wo.

Pumping really puts a strain on the nipples but you'll get used to it. If you want to be comfortable, I suggest Pumpin' Pals (www.pumpinpal.com) and a hands-free bra. It makes the chore so much easier! Lubricate your nipples or flanges to reduce friction - olive oil or coconut oil will do. I use Earth Mama Angel Baby nipple butter myself directly on my nipples and areolae and it's made with olive oil. No problems so far and I'm 7.5mo pp. (Side note: I don't think I've written "nipple(s)" this many times in one paragraph before! :))

Flange size is trial and error, but you should base it on how much your nipples swell up while you pump. If at their biggest/most swollen your nipples constantly rub the tunnel of the flange, you might want to upgrade. If you get Pumpin' Pals, it comes in a set with three sizes so you can try them all to see which one gives you the most comfort. It's really worth the investment.

Hope this helps and good luck!

I think pumping after the first morning feed is a good way to start and three weeks is a great time to start! I agree that in the very beginning, 1.5 oz is normal. The more you pump, the more you will produce, you just have to give it a little time for your body to catch up! I think a lot of people's nips are sore while pumping, mine were a mess at 3 weeks pp.

I pumped after the first feed of the morning, usually both sides. Then when he was a little older he only ate from one side at a time so I would pump on the other side. When he started to sleep for a longer stretch at night I would also pump before I went to bed.

I probably would not pump after each feed (unless you're trying to increase your supply overall) because you may end up with an oversupply and your baby may get too much of the foremilk. I am a SAHM also and found that pumping 1-2x a day was more than enough for the occasional outing. I used the majority of my pumped milk when my babies were older, to mix with cereal and solid foods and when transitioning to whole milk.

What kind of pump do you have? I used a Medela the first time and had to get different sized flanges, it made a huge difference and didn't hurt at all once I had the right size. The second time I used an Ameda and found that I had to adjust the suction down quite a bit.

I also used the Motherlove nipple cream and gel pads for the soreness, the gel pads really helped!

I started pumping at 4 weeks old to build up a stash. I would pump in the morning about an hour after her first feed (she would eat again an hour after that). While things started off slow (an ounce or two), my body quickly adjusted and compensated for the extra. I continued the extra pump per day while I was on maternity leave and built up quite the stash---every ounce counts! I honestly think that this was one of the best things that I did, because even though my supply dropped a bit when I returned to work, I have been able to pump enough milk for LO (just no extra now after the supply dip).

My advice would be to keep doing what you are doing. It is amazing how our bodies adjust given a bit of time...

@abbydabbydoodlebug: What @Foodnerd81 mentioned does sound like a good plan for you to try! I think when I first started pumping I only got 1-2 oz. but it increased when he wasn't eating every 2 hours overnight. You might want to look into the different sized flanges for the Medela because pumping shouldn't hurt that much especially after you've already been breastfeeding for a few weeks.

Yes, the gel pads are for between feeds, I think I had the Medela brand.