Breastfeeding & Working Outside the Home

Amy Spangler, MN, IBCLC, has answered many of your breastfeeding questions.  Amy is a nationally known perinatal nurse, lactation consultant and member of the Breastfeeding.com medical advisory board.  She is the author of "Amy Spangler's Breastfeeding, A Parent's Guide," which has sold over 300,000 copies.

Not pumping enough - How can I increase supply?

I went back to work after six weeks and my baby is in daycare.  I pump 3 times during my work day, but am only getting a combined total of 3 ounces each time.  My baby wants 4 ounces.

Is there anyway I can get my body to produce more?  I eat healthy, drink plenty of fluids and let Andrew feed as long as he wants, when he wants when we're at home.  Nothing seems to work.  I would appreciate any help you could offer.





What you are experiencing is a very normal phenomenon, and is frustrating for many working mothers!  There are only two ways to increase breastmilk production.  First, try to give your son a couple of extra breastfeeding when you are together.  Many mothers who work outside the home find that a couple of extra feedings during the evening and early morning hours and on weekends when they are with their babies help to increase their milk supply.  In addition, try to pump more often at work if your work schedule will allow.  The frequency of pumping is more important than the amount of milk obtained.  No pump, however, will be as efficient as your baby.

Only pumping 1 oz. - Is my supply decreasing?

When my baby was 1 month I breastfed and would pump extra to get ready to re-enter the work force.  I would pump 3 to 4 ounces at a time.  I pumped over the weekend (after she went to sleep) and only got 1 oz. I had let down and was pumped empty within 2 minutes. Is my milk supply decreasing? She has been gaining about 2 lbs. a month and looks healthy.  Am I worrying about nothing?





Yes, you are worrying about nothing.  As long as your baby is gaining weight well and is happy and healthy, you should not be concerned about how much you pump.  Remember that babies are the most efficient pump and they will always get more milk from the breast than any manual or machine pump.  Also, remember that breasts are never empty! There is simply more milk or less milk available at different times.




 

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