Is it even worth pumping?

[JLN]

I pump at work, but only get ~ 1 ounce each time. I nurse DS in the evenings a couple times along with his bottle.

Is it even worth putting all the effort into pumping when I'm getting hardly anything? I'm really bummed and just get more frustrated each time I pump. I enjoy nursing him at night, and I think I'd be happy with continuing to do that.

[Ashley&Scott]

What level are you pumping on?
Are you doing breast compressions while pumping?
Are you drinking enough water?
Have you tried looking at pictures & videos of LO while pumping?

Sorry to bombard you with questions

[JLN]

Jun 5, 2012 18:39:59 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

What level are you pumping on?
Are you doing breast compressions while pumping? I'm pumping at full strength.
Are you drinking enough water? Probably not.
How much should I be drinking?
Have you tried looking at pictures & videos of LO while pumping?
I've never heard of this, but I'll try it.

Thanks for the tips! I'll try these.

[Ashley&Scott]

Don't pump on full strength, that could actually be reducing your output. Try turning it down & see what happens. I pump on level 4, my pump goes 1-9.

I'm not sure of the exact water intake recommendations, I drink at least 4 10oz glasses while I'm at work.

Hopefully the pics & videos will help. I keep pics of DS in my pump bag & on my phone.

Have you always pumped this amount or has it reduced recently? If it's reduced you might want to check you pump membranes.

Have you been to kellymom.com? There are more pumping tips there including ways to increase your supply.

Good luck

[Ashley&Scott]

Also how old is your DS, how long are you pumping & how long between sessions?

[JLN]

Jun 5, 2012 21:23:55 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Also how old is your DS, how long are you pumping & how long between sessions?

DS is almost 4 months. I pump at work, 4 hours between sessions. And I've always had a really low supply.

[bugandbibs]

Are you pumping hands free with compressions? This doubled my output. Personally, I think any bmilk is worth it. How much is your baby drinking at one time? My LO never takes more than a 4 oz bottle at the most, but at 4 months she only drank 2 oz at a time max.