Not able to pump enough milk

[rolienolie]

I am exclusively breastfeeding my 2 month old right now but will have to go back to work in 4 weeks. I am only able to express about 1 ounce total when I pump. I think my supply is sufficient because my baby is gaining weight and has plenty of wet diapers. He only poops once every 5-10 days but I have read that is normal for breastfed babies.

I am concerned about not having enough milk for him at daycare and when he is with his dad (I work 12 hours shifts 3 days per week and will be away from him close to 14 hours with travel time). He will be at daycare for 8.5 hours and then home with dad. Is there anyway I can increase my pump output?

I have tried pumping at different times of the day (even got up at 3 am once) but still the most I have ever pumped in one sitting is 2 ounces combined and that was only twice. I have pumped 3 times today...so I have gotten out 3 ounces. I have a total of 20 ounces stored up in the freezer but I won't be able to pump more than 3 times at work and 3 ounces won't be enough for the entire day. Also, I have tried pumping one breast while feeding from the other and still only get .5 ounces to 1 ounce. Any suggestions? Should I try Fenugreek? One more thing- I usually get out .75 ounces out of the right breast and only .25 out of the left. I have also read this is normal but just thought I would add that in.

[Nurseliz]

This question has been answered many times in the forums. browse through the general questions forum and you will find lots of suggestions.
In a nutshell:
1. Pumps are NOT a good indicator of supply.
2. Using a good pump is of supreme importance: only 3 brands I recommend Ameda, Medela and Lansinoh.
3. Make sure you are using the correct size flange (see a LC to make sure)

I am confused about your pumping, are you pumping before, after or during feeds? At one point you said during the feed.
I do not recommend pumping 3 times per day in addition to feeding the baby. You are likely to get engorged at night if you do this and that can lead to mastitis. I recommend pumping once maybe twice per day at the same time every day. And even if you only get .5-1 ounce per day, within 4 weeks you will have more than enough reserved. And if you are using a good double electric breastpump at work and empty when the baby should have been feeding you should be able to empty near what the baby is taking at those pumping sessions.
I would concentrate now on enjoying your newborn and storing what you can. You already have a great amount in the freezer and you will have lots more gradually.
Hang in there,
Liz Pevytoe, RN, IBCLC
www.askthelactationconsultant.com

[rolienolie]

I have pumped before (not intentionally...thought the baby wouldn't be hungry for awhile), after, and during breastfeedomg and I always get the same amount out. I have a Medela Pump in Style double pump. I am one of the lucky ones that have never got engorged and never leaked except for once in the beginning. I will look through the forum for more suggestions and try to pump at the same time each day. I have been doing just random times so maybe that is part of my problem. Thanks for the advice! :)