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I have a 6 month old, been pumping since I went back to work 3 months ago. I hardly get anything when I pump-3 ozs on most days, sometimes 4 if I'm lucky. I'm very discouraged about this and constantly worry about having enough milk to make it through the work week. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a medela pump in style and pump about 2 times while I'm at work, coming home to feed my baby at lunch for the 3rd feeding.

I am doing the same thing and expeiencing the same exact problem. Oh - I hope somebody replies soon. I'm very worried. Have you made any discoveries??

I'm experiencing the same problem, except I used to get a few ounces. I have not needed to pump in a few weeks, but when I pumped yesterday, I didn't even get an ounce... from both breasts! I'm not sure what's going on but I know I'm producing the milk. Any thoughts?

Are you taking any supplements to increase supply? Google galactagogues for lots of info. Fenugreek capsules are very popular, I was advised to take 3 caps 3X a day by an MD who is also a LC. I have also recenyly ordered More Milk Plus made by motherlove.com though I haven't tried it yet. Also try to get ahold of a book called Making More Milk fot lots more ideas. Hang in there!

Thanks for the info! I have tried the More Milk Plus, but I think I may be allergic to something in it. I feel like my throat will close up when I take it and I cough. I will check out the book and try the Fenugreek! Thank you! I'm pretty sure the baby is getting enough, he has lots of wet/soiled diapers. Its just me who can't seem to pump enough. Very stressful for this working mommy.

I have the exact same problem! I'm a first time mom to a 12 week old little girl and my pumping only yields 1 oz per side per pump. This yield is the same regardless of whether she is latched onto one side while I pump from the other, if I'm pumping before a feeding when I'm very full, or even after taking Fenugreek/Blessed Thistle combination recommended by my hospital's LC. It is so frustrating, and now that I have to return to work next week from a 12 wk maternity leave, I am scared that supply will dry up where I won't be able to nurse before and after work, if I can't pump during the day. I'm interested in hearing any suggestions from any more experienced pumpers out there, and thanks in advance for your help!

Try to breastfeed as much as possible. I find my baby can suck more milk out than when I pump. Also I found that my swing pump sucks more milk out than my hand pump. So pumps do make a difference. Also, I find that feeding my baby from just one side in the AM is enough food. Then I pump the other said that is engorged and that is another meal for later in the day when I'm at work. I also go to bed a few hours after my baby so I do a pump right before I go to bed which gives me an extra ounce or two for the next day. Don't give up!

If you can, maybe on Saturday and Sunday when you are not at work, I would start pumping every hour and a half for a few days...after doing this for at least 2 days you should see an increased production by the third day. Don't be discouraged if you get very little for the first 2 days as it will take your body a day or two to kick up the production- just keep it up. Also, I would make sure when you are puming that you do it at a high enough speed instead of just keeping it at level 1 or 2 and make sure the suction dial is up high enough as well. Make sure you are drinking enough water and if you do all these things, I think you'll see your production increase! Good luck!

I agree with pp that pumping in the morning is a big help. I pumped for my last DD (now 2 1/2) for 11 months while I was at work. She began to sleep through the night at about 4-5 months so in the morning, I would feed her only on one side and pump the other which resulted in about 4-5 extra ounces to add to what I had pumped the day before. My new DD is now 5 1/2 months old and I was able to build a good freezer supply before going back to work. She also is not sleeping through the night which also helps keep up a good supply by eating every 3-4 hours through the night (gotta look at the bright side on that). One thing I didn't realize is that the second time around you have more milk ducts and get more milk. It's amazing how having the freezer back log keeps you relaxed about having enough. I also made sure on the weekends to do that pumping in the morning as well to help get a few extra ounces to get through the week. Keep up the good work! You're doing what's best for your baby. I know it's hard but the best thing is to relax as much as possible and not stress over it.

I went back to work when my daughter was 4 months old. I am only able to get about 2-3 oz each time I pump and I pump about 3x while I work (I'm a teacher so it's tricky)- so this is the system that works for me. I wake up extra early and pump in the morning and get about 4-6 oz since she sleeps all night. Then I nurse her when she wakes up. I pump at work and then nurse as soon as we get home. Then I nurse before bed and then pump before I go to bed. Every little bit adds up! I think what has kept my supply adequate is also our weekend routine. I nurse her as frequently and for as long as she wants. I pump on the weekend too just to try to get at least one bag of extra to freeze. I have tried the More Milk Plus and didn't see much increase in my supply, but I was also on antibiotics at the time so I think maybe it just helped keep my supply at a normal level while I was sick. My baby is 7 mo. now and I still haven't supplemented with formula. Don't give up!

I have had some luck with this. A few things helped me that may help you: 1) are you in a quiet and relaxing place while pumping? I'm an RN and I work long 12-hr shifts. If I'm sitting in my office but thinking about everything happening with my patients, I don't have a milk ejection reflex. 2) are you feeling milk let down while pumping? It took my breasts a while to clue into pumping. In other words, my Free Style pump wasn't quite perfect a mimicking my baby's eager sucking. After a few weeks of pumping my milk ejection reflex kicks in as soon as I sit down at my desk and start attaching the pump parts. 3) have you tried hand-expressing or pumping and using hand-compressions simultaneously? Some women have more luck hand-expressing with the Marmet Technique or using their hands to compress the breasts while pumping. I can almost double my milk production by doing this. So on days that I work, it goes like this: wake up at 6 am and pump. Then wake the baby up and nurse him before I leave for work. I pump 2-3 times while at the hospital. Then I come home and nurse the baby again when he wakes up. And I pump one last time before I get into bed. I also pump once a day on my days off. I hope this helps.