Hi all! I'm back to work and trying to pump for my 5 week old LO. I've pumped twice this AM and have gotten about 4 ounces total. I'm pumping every 2 hours because thats when he eats normally.
Any tips or suggestions would be great! I want to make sure he's getting plenty of milk. 
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
What kind of pump do you have? Is it a double electric? Do you have a hands free pumping bra? How long do you pump for?
I have to pump 20-30 minutes in order to maximize my output and get a second letdown. Although since you're pumping every 2 hours, I don't think you need to pump for 30 minutes each time! I also have to massage while pumping. And I hand express after to make sure I really empty my breasts!
Good luck to you, Mama! 
pear / 1563 posts
I found that my pumping output per day increased over the first few weeks, so I wouldn't judge how much you can produce by the first few days. Unfortunately I've also found that I have to pump outside of work in order to make enough, so keep the idea of adding a pumping session in the back of your mind as well.
I second the suggestion of the hands free bra.
Good luck!
grapefruit / 4663 posts
@Adira: I have a medela PISA I use at work, I also have an ameda PY but I don't like it as much. Both are double electric. I just ordered a hands-free bra and larger breast flanges. I pump for 15 minutes. I'd rather not pump every 2 hours if I don't need to but I was just trying to match when he eats. Thank you for your help!
@revel: I thought I'd heard this somewhere so hopefully it will increase! Thank you and I'll keep that in mind!
bananas / 9357 posts
Massaging my breast before pumping (like when you check for lumps) and doing compressions while pumping helped my output. also, watching videos of DS and looking at pictures of him helped me relax.
Good luck!
eggplant / 11716 posts
@jetsa: you may already know this, but olive oil on the tube of the flange (where your nipple is sucked in) really made pumping a lot more comfortable for me.
grapefruit / 4663 posts
@Anagram: did not know that I'll have to try it. I didn't realize until today that the nipple wasn't supposed to fill the flange oops.
@mrskc: I'll try that as well!
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
lots and lots of water, looking at pictures, and just relaxing in general!
wonderful pomelo / 30692 posts
@jetsa: The hands free bra should help since you'll be able to do other things while pumping, which will help relax you! I usually read a book or watch TV while pumping!
Also, you may not need to pump every 2 hours, but it will all depend on how much milk your boobs can store! Xander eats at 9:00, 12:00, and 3:00 at daycare, but I pump at 6:00, 11:00, and 3:30. So for me, the number of times I pump is more important than the actual times.
pomelo / 5628 posts
How long are you pumping for? I think that's the most important thing. Also right now you are still building your supply since you are only 5 week pp, so 4 ounces is pretty decent for now. For at least the first 12 weeks, pump for 5 minutes after the last drop of milk (or about 30 minutes if it never seems to fully stop).
I also agree that every 3 hours should be fine as long as the time is long enough. The pump is not as efficient as your baby.
Good luck!!! (Oh and 8x a day minimum for pumping and bfing.)
GOLD / papaya / 10166 posts
Relaxing was the biggest thing for me. Don't think about work, don't think about how many ounces you need... just relax and your body will almost always get what you need.
At first, I was pumping every two hours to keep up with her schedule, but then I got it down to 3 and then 2 times per day, while still maintaining the same output.
grapefruit / 4663 posts
@Mrs Green Grass: I'm pumping 15 mins every 2 hours., I should be doing 30 mins every 3 hours? I'm getting 2 oz per session, I got 4 Oz in 2 sessions.
GOLD / papaya / 10166 posts
@jetsa: It used to take me a long time to get empty (25 min), and then another 5 min for the 2nd letdown.
grapefruit / 4663 posts
I pump way more in the AM rather than the afternoon. Is this normal, is it possible to increase it? I pumped 8 ounces today, I need 9 for daycare.
pomelo / 5628 posts
@jetsa: It's totally normal to have the amounts differ throughout the day. Your lo will be okay with one less ounce (most likely), he'll make it up at home with you.
@jetsa: I definitely think you should do at least 20 minutes, maybe 30...it depends on your letdown/flow.
grapefruit / 4663 posts
Hey ladies! I normally get 10 oz per day and my baby eats 12 oz at daycare. How do I increase the amount? I don't have a freezer stash because he still eats every 45 mins-1 hour when he's with me and if I pump he just cries and gets frustrated at the breast. He also doesn't sleep through the night, he sleeps 2-4 hours and then is up every 1.5 hours. Jack has a fit if he isn't full so there's no way to have her feed less per bottle. Can I just add an extra session at work? Right now I get to work at 7:30 pump at 9:30, 12, 2:30 for 20 mins each time and leave at 4:45, we get home around 5:30.
pear / 1563 posts
Sounds familiar to my situation. Can you add a pump before bed, or pump a few times on the weekend? I do both of these things to keep up, although it is a pain. I don't know if you'd get more out of another work day pump because you're already pumping every two to three hours. I've also had some luck with more milk plus, and making sure I eat a lot of protein. Good luck!
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