How to increase output from pumping?

[mrs.t]

I'm currently exclusively breast feeding but I started pumping last week to build up a freezer stash, just once a day. I'm only getting about 1 and 1/2 ounces per pumping session, which isn't a big deal right now, but I will possibly be going back to work for 2 full days a week in september and obviously I will need more from my pumping sessions. At this point I will start working one full friday a month so I need a lot more just to get DS through 5-6 hours without me.

I don't really want to increase my supply all the time, so far DS is gaining properly and I had issues with engorgement in the first few weeks so I don't want to start that up again...

Should I be pumping in the morning? I have been doing it in the afternoon because DH is home then and I don't have to try and juggle a fussy baby while pumping.

I have a medela freestyle.

[MEcatlady17]

I was going to ask this very question.
From what I have read (and experience) you will pump more in the morning than at night. Also, when pumping in addition to nursing rather than replacing a feed you will get less. I have struggled with oversupply, engorgement, plugged ducts...so I didn't really pump much before returning to work. Just an ounce or two here and there to relieve discomfort (early on I could pump 2 ounces with the manual pump in like, 3-4 minutes...not anymore ). Because I was pumping so much so fast I didn't think it would be a problem when returning to work. Anyway, now that my supply has regulated a bit I don't seem to respond to the pump as quickly. If I pump at night in addition to nursing DD I will get 1/2-1ounce from the right, 1-2 on the left after a good 20-30minutes. So not great output considering how full I am all the time. At work I have pumped 4+ ounces from one breast, but lately it seems like I am pumping 2-3 ounces per breast when I have time to sit. I know stress can affect output (like the stress of watching the milk drip and worrying about how little there is...).

What I am doing now is eating oatmeal for breakfast on days that I work. Keeping hydrated to thirst but not worrying about going crazy with the water since I recently read it doesn't make a real difference, but to just drink to thirst. I did a search and found a video on doing breast compressions and using your hands to maximize pumping output. This includes hand expressing after pumping to get anything that the pump didn't extract.

http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastf...roduction.html

I notice some days I pretty easily pump 10 ounces at work and others I work really hard to get the 8 that I need to leave with the sitter.

Definitely make sure you are using the right sizes flanges, this made a difference for me as I needed smaller than standard.

kellymom.com has some good info on what to expect from a pumping session, how much milk baby really needs (they will take a whole lot more than needed if your child care provider lets them suck down bottles to meet all their sucking needs rather than just hunger).

Hope that helps.

[mrs.t]

Thanks for all the info...it's nice to hear from someone who is already working.

Your reply brought up another question...how much do you leave with the sitter? I will be gone for 5-6 hours, and at this point DS usually wants to eat every 2-3 hours. I figured I would feed him right before I left, but he has his own schedule sometimes! I read somewhere (I think on kellymom) that 2.5 ounces for a feeding is enough, but how do I know how many times DS will want to eat? I guess I'll find out, but what's typical?

[hildare]

Hi! I wanted to share this site with you: http://www.workandpump.com/
It was really helpful to me when i started back to work.
Pumping in the morning was always great for me. I had so much milk then.
I've been back at work for 3 months, and it's going fine.
What i did to make the stash was make a "pretend" feeding at night when dd was asleep. Once you start working and pumping there, you can drop this pumping.
what i do for my 6 mo that i've done since 3 mos is:
pump in the morning before i leave to go to work
pump every 2 hours/ or 3 times a day. i have a long commute and work ft, though. it seems like i have lots- and the babe eats what i pump, usually around 4 oz at a time, sometimes more.
best tips: stay hydrated. drinking enough water REALLY makes a difference.
stick to pumping at the same times every day- at first getting in the routine was hard, and i'd end up waiting too long to pump and leaking, etc. a schedule really helps. that website is awesome and full of good info too.
Good luck!