working and pumping

[Murph12334]

I just started working 2 weeks ago. I'm currently using a hand pump medela brand i don;t remember which one. It was one i got free from the hospital 3 years ago when my daughter was born.
Monday i have a WIC appointment and I'll talk about getting a better pump then.

When I started working I'd pump on break and get about 1 1/2 oz on each breast - so total of 3 oz at each pumping session

Now I'm averaging about 1/2 oz per breast at each session.

The bags in the freezer for my son and quickly dwindling down to almost nothing.

Will a better pump work better, is it because my pump is too old, or just a combo of things?

He's never had formula and I really don;t want him to, but i'm not bringing home enough milk for when i'm gone so if it keeps up he;ll have to get some formula

[LindsC]

It's possible that it is your pump. Hopefully WIC will be able to provide you with a double electric pump that might help.

I started to notice a small decrease in my pumping output (from 9oz to 7oz during my morning pump) a couple of weeks ago so I made sure to increase my water intake, eat oatmeal twice a day and I threw in an extra pump session during my lunch break. I am still getting about 8oz in the morning, but I am getting 4-5oz during the lunch pump and 4-5oz in the afternoon so that more than makes up what she needs and I am able to freeze some.

[hotharmony]

Pumping is really hard, and even for two days a week I would suggest getting a double electric breast pump it will make all the difference in the world. A hand pump unless your really good at it isn't enough to maintain your supply while you work so your body adjust by not making milk during the time your not using the milk.

If you want to provide your milk for you baby while you are away your going to need to get a better pump. You may also need to pump while your with him, in the morning, while he's down for a nap, after he goes to bed at night. It can be hard but if you make the commitment to provide him your milk it's a good feeling.

Also there is a good pumping forum on kellymom.com for more pumping help.

[Murph12334]

yeah i'm guessing it was the pump. the occasional pumping i did with my daughter is just not the same as pumping multiple times a day with it. Hopefully I can get a better one from the WIC office today because there is no money to purchase a pump.

With working 3rd shift i'm still not even on a schedule of my own, probably not drinking enough water either