stupid pump, or is it me?

[shirleyhyypia]

My DS is 3mo and exclusively breastfed. I have also been expressing milk for him, which hasnt been a problem until now... However, I'm trying to build up a few spare bottles ready for DHs xmas do next week, when my mum will be minding him.
But I cant get any more than 30ml from both boobs, where I used to get 100ml, even straight after feeding him!! Do you think its me, or has the pump had it??
Its then stressing me out, and I'm sure that's not helping either!!

Btw, its an avent manual pump and cant pump from the other boob while he feeds as its just too darn awkward...

Plus, would I be any better off with an electric pump? at the mo, it seems a waste to spend the money when he feeds straight from me 99% of the time??

[Haggisfish]

I have found the same thing - my wee one is 6 mnths old, and I can't reliably get more than 50ml - I think the supply and demand is much more finely tuned now. I have given up on it and will be mix feeding - as she is 6 months old, it's not so much of a problem. I would just try and feed, feed, feed in the afternoon and then when you get back - I found she often didn't want any feeding, or very little, while I was out for 4-5 hours.

[shirleyhyypia]

Thanks for reassuring me Haggisfish!

Its next Thursday night, so I think I'll just stock up what I can til then so she has some milk at least. Its my birthday Friday so I didnt want her to have him overnight anyway

[PenguinArmy]

was the being able to pump loads at 6 weeks or less?

anyway as haggisfish says it's quite normal. Your body has just got excellent at knowing exactly how much is needed. If you express at roughly the same time each day then after about 4 days you should see a difference as your body adjusts again. Though be warned if you them stop again, you're back to square 1.

[TruthSweet]

You will only need approx 1oz per hour without you - so if you are pumping 30mls (about an oz) a day and are planning to be away for less than 8 hours you will be fine even if you have no stock pile.

Have you tried hand expressing after using your pump? This can get the that little bit more out and every drop counts when you are expressing.