About Michele Carnesecca, RN, IBCLC Expertise Author of the book "MOMMY"S LITTLE BREASTFEEDING BOOK: 101 TIPS YOUR BABY WANTS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT NURSING" (Go to littlebreastfeedingbook.com). I can answer questions on the benefits of breastfeeding, how to increase your milk supply,
engorgement, mastitis, scheduling feedings, going back to work, sore nipples, correct
latch and positioning, pumps, bras, bottles, pacifiers, breastfeeding products, how to
know if your baby is getting enough, and most questions about breastfeeding. I have
worked as a Registered Nurse in Pediatrics, Newborn ICU, and Mother/Baby. I have been a
Lactation Consultant for 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I teach Prenatal Breastfeeding
classes and I currently work as a Lactation Consultant and Registered Nurse at a "Magnet" hospital. I have
breastfed 4 children of my own.
Experience I have worked as a registered nurse in Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, and Newborn ICU. I have been a Lactation Consultant for the past 10 years and I am IBCLC certified. I currently work as a lactation consultant in a "Magnet" hospital. I also teach Prenatal Breastfeeding classes. I have breastfed four children of my own. I am the author of "Mommy's Little Breastfeeding Book: 101 tips your baby wants you to know about nursing". This book is a "must have" for every breastfeeding mother. It contains invaluable information about nursing in a quick, easy-to-read format.
Organizations IBCLC
Publications
Education/Credentials High School graduate, RN degree from Weber State/Utah State University, IBCLC member
Education/Credentials High School graduate, RN degree from Weber State/Utah State University, IBCLC member
Question My little guy is breast feeding and doing well. He is about 5 weeks old. I will be going back to work soon and am trying to build up a supply so I can continue breast feeding when I go back to work. however When I pump I only get about 2 oz and sometimes can only get an oz. it is never consistent. I know there is more milk then that. Should I be able to pump more then that by this point? When should i be pumping? If my son sleeps for 3 hours i try to pump at the 2 hour mark but it is hard to do that when we are out somewhere. He is not consistent either. Sometimes I feed him every hour and half and sometimes its 3 hours. Any suggestions?
Answer Hi Christina,
Thanks for the question. The type of pump you are using really determines how much milk you can get out. You will need a good double electric pump in order to really determine how much milk you can get. I would recommend getting a rental pump and trying it out for a week. See if that makes a difference.
In order to maintain a good milk supply, you need to pump or nurse at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. I recommend pumping every morning. Have your baby feed on one side and pump on the other. Many moms have more milk in the morning than later on. So, it is a great time to pump. Anytime your baby sleeps longer than usual, try to get a pumping in. You can just pump on one side if you aren't sure if he will be waking up soon. Just pump when you can. Hopefully by the time you go back to work, there will be enough milk for a few days because you will also be pumping at work to help feed for the next day.
When at work, you will need to continue pumping with a good electric pump at least every 3 hours to maintain a good milk supply.
