Breastfeeding Mums....?

Question

I have been breastfeeding my 4 month old daughter since she was born, I have a breast pump but when i try and use it i only get a tiny amount, and only from my right breast.. I know i have a good milk supply as my daughter is gaining weight and doesnt seem hungry... Is there any tricks to this expressing that im missing? i start an evening course on tuesday and will need to leave something for her to have and i really dont want to give her formula.. What should i do?

Answer 1

Your pumping output is totally normal! When you are pumping to replace a feeding, you will get more milk. Are you using a good double electric pump? That makes all the difference. Also, breast massage helps the milk flow. Massage around areola in a circular motion, then tickle your fingers down the breast and bend over and shake your b*****s before pumping.  

Answer 2

it will take a little bit of time for your body to adjust- the more the pump the more you will get. I pump first thing in the morning after my sons first feed. The time your baby is asleep your body will produce milk, you will get the most milk in the morning. Plus if you have your baby close by it helps with the let down. GL

Answer 3

The only thing i can think of is the next time you feel the milk coming in (the let down) try pumping some first, then nurse your daughter.  Your body will produce more thinking she is taking more.  It is much easier to pump when you are full.  It is also easier for the baby to get it then trying to pump it.  With my daughter i would usually pump some first you kind of trick your body into thinking she is taking more.  I hope this helps you.  Good luck!!

Answer 4

The first time you pump you will only get a small amount. I was lucky if I got even an 1oz the first time. It also depends when you pump. If you are pumping right after a feed you will probably not get much unless its the first morning feed. You usually have a lot more milk in the morning. You might be able to collect enough milk with two pumps in the morning to leave her for Tuesday. Then Tuesday night when you get home from class, pump and you will probably pump a lot because of the missing feed and you can use that milk for the next class.  

Answer 5

What breast pump do you have? If it is one that makes different size shields then you might want to try switching to a size that fits your breast. Medela pumps makes personal fit breastshields. I had a lactation consultant tell me which is the proper shield for me to use. I was also told that when you first start to pump you only get a little bit, the more you do it the more you will pump out. That statement was true for me.