Expert: ruth kraft - 8/6/2011

Question
I've been breast feeding my 7 week old son since the day he was born (and everything's going wonderful#. Unfortunately, I have to go back to work in 3 weeks so I've been pumping for the last week or so. My baby always seems to get enough to eat but I don't feel like I'm pumping out as much as I should be #2 to 3 oz at a time, tops). I pump in between feedings and while I'm feeding him; switching breasts to make sure I always have enough when my baby needs to eat. Is it possible to actually empty my breasts and run out to milk? And what can I do to get a better result when I pump?

Answer
Your breasts can feel "empty" but they never truly run out of milk. THe letdowns just get further inbetween. Once you use the milk that is waiting for the feeding your body will continue to make more as long as there is demand for it. It just takes a while so let downs may be a few minutes in between each time. the longer you pump the farther between are the let downs. Try to pump every day at the same times each day that you will be pumping at work. if you want to try some suppliments, mothers milk tea, fenugreek and increasing your fiber can all help. You can also check on your pump valves as if you use them full time for 6 weeks, they get weak. Although 2-3 ounces doesnt actually sound bad for a 7 week old baby. Considering you are nursing him and trying to get more out, thats not bad at all. You gave birth to one baby and have been nursing, now you are in essence telling your body you want milk for 2 babies with the extra pumping. It may take a bit for your body to adjust. Remember also that even if you don't get enough during the day, your baby will make up for it when you return to him and nurse . and he will let your breasts know he wants more in the evening :)

Hope that helped!
Ruth Kraft
www.honoringwomen.com