How much breast milk pumped?

Question

I was wondering what the typical volume of breastmilk other mothers get from pumping. I am breastfeeding my 2 1/2 month old daughter, but am trying to increase my stockpile b/c I am going back to work in one week. I try to pump for 10-20 minutes at least 3 times per day...and I get anywhere from 1/2 - 3 1/2 ounces per pumping session...though lately it seems that I have not been getting as much despite the fact that I am taking 12 capsules of fenugreek/day. For the moms out there who are pumping and breastfeeding how much can you get in one pumping session immediately after feeding? How much do you typically pump when you are at work away from the baby and in how many sessions? I plan to pump 3 times in my 10 hour day..how much milk should I anticipate?

Answer 1

How much you pump is actually pretty psychological - so you may be getting less milk these days because you are stressed about needing more once you go back to work.  When I pump, I usually get about an oz after I feed, but more in the morning.  When I am at work, I get between 3-4 oz per pumping session and try to pump three times per day.  The amount that you pump will relate to how much your baby is eating, how comfortable you are when you pump, and how often you are pumping.  You may need to pump at night or on the weekend to make up for pumping less than the baby needs while you are at work...I know a lot of Mom's that have had to do that.  The most important thing...don't worry about it.  You will be able to make it work!  The prior poster was correct too, about pumping in between feeding sessions.  It's better to pump about an hour after your baby eats than right after...that will trick your body into thinking it needs to produce a lot more than if you just pump right after you feed.  Good Luck and congrats on the baby!!!

Answer 2

if I pump after feeding I get maybe 2oz..and that is from both b*****s...if it is at a normal feeding time and I am away from her I can get up to 6oz...again from both b*****s total...

Answer 3

Here's what I did: continue taking the Fenugreek daily; pump your milk AFTER you nurse your baby, as well as in between feedings. At first, this will probably decrease the amount of milk your baby will get at a feeding, therefore causing him to want to nurse more often. But once your body realizes that it needs to make enough milk for your baby and your pumpings, things will all fall into place. It takes a couple of days. And don't bother pumping for more than 20 minutes at a time. I never went past 15...you won't have anymore letdowns after that. It's not how long you pump, it's how often. The pump isn't as efficient as your baby at getting the milk out, so you can only pump out as much as your body will give. So, increase the # of times you pump in a day (in between feedings) and also do it when you finish nursing. Oh yeah, and have you tried to gently squeeze your b*****s while you are pumping? It helps the milk come out. Good luck!