Not Pumping Enough Milk

by Charlyn
(Nampa, ID, USA)

Visitor Question: I don't think that I am producing enough milk. And I am unable to pump very much even when away from baby.

I work 12 hours shifts and with 2-3 breaks can only pump less than 6oz. My baby is 4 months old and I know that that is not what she is taking when at day care. She is taking three 4oz bottles, half formula half breast milk.

I have tried for about 2 weeks now to pump one side while feeding on the other to see if that helps, but still I get no more and baby has been getting mad, because she gets a little less.

What can I do??

I have also tried drinking more water, roughly 2-3 liters a day. I am really stressed right now but would that do all of it?

Also, I haven't been getting engorged or anything, and with feeding and pumping I only notice/feel one let-down and pumping one session gives me .5-1oz from each breast.

Thanks for the help.
Charlyn

Breastfeeding Magazine Response:
Pumping is never as efficient as your baby, but this problem may have more to do with your breast pump than your breast milk production.

Some moms can use any pump and be successful, but for most, only really good ones will do the trick.

We have known women who could get almost NOTHING with their current pump, but then switched to a better pump and could get 2 full 8oz bottles in a matter of minutes!

We would suggest buying a really good pump or renting a hospital grade pump to see if this is the problem.

If she is getting enough from you when you feed her, but not when you pump, there is a very good chance that an improved pump will solve your problem.

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