Expressing question...

[Samantha55]

I was just wondering how much milk should I be able to express off with an electric pump, or what would be an ideal amount. Baby is 4 weeks today if that helps...

At the moment I usually try first thing to express so I have some in fridge for the evenings to use occasionally if he won't settle. I'm only getting about 1.5oz off with this first express and sometimes later in day I can get another half an oz off. Also this is usually nearly all from one breast. I seem to get all from one, and next to nothing from the other breast... Is this normal? I know there must be milk in there as baby does feed on it (always offer both breasts at a feeding) and it leaks but just not working with the pump.

Any guidance on expressing breast milk would be great xxx

 

[Tigger87]

If I'm really full, I can get about 3oz off if I'm lucky. Usually no more than 1-2oz, and that's first thing. During the day I can't get more than 0.5oz!!

As a word of warning, if I take too much off first thing, baby is quite unsettled because I've taken "his milk" so I try to express about 1-2oz off the boob he isn't feeding on, when I know there'll be 1-2 hours till his next feed (or ill do 3oz at 2.30 because he's dropped that feed for the night... Isn't regular though!)

 

[Samantha55]

Oh okay thanks, sounds fairly similar to me then. I don't have much of a routine yet, just feel like I'm constantly feeding in the daytime/eve as only way to settle my little man so only ever really have time to express first thing in morning.

Xx

 

[l_maclean]

Some ladies never get much from a pump. Hand expressing might make a difference. X

 

[Gemsy]

I get about 4oz from each boob, 5oz from each if they are really full!!

 

[Samantha55]

Wow that's great Gemsy! I will keep trying to get more, am worried how I will manage when I go back to work as worried I won't be able to express enough off to see him through the day without me...

 

[madmillie92]

Video your lo feeding then watch it when your expressing, really works for me to get the let down reflex going when pumping... Also when I feel the tingly feeing of let down and I'm at home not doing anything, ill run to grab my pump as it comes out so well... If lo hasn't had a feed for an hour or 2 I can pump about 5 oz of both breast but if he just been cluster feeding I can barely get a dribble! X

 

[Mum2betash]

I'm sorry i can't really help as i was never able to express much so I gave up lol. Though when I did it usually only came out of the left side. X