Not getting much when I pump (DD 6.5mo)

[nm123]

It's been a while since I've pumped as I've not really needed to leave any ebm for DD but I've got a weekend away coming up in July, so I'm trying to get enough (thinking approx 80oz for the 48 hours I'll be away for)....

The other day it took ages to get 3oz and this morning it took over 10 minutes to get 1.5oz... Granted I timed it slightly wrong and hadn't not long fed DD, but it's starting to worry me!! I used to get 4oz in about 10 minutes and if I didn't get bored or DD wasn't needing something I could get up to about 6oz in 15 mins......

Am I just out of practice pumping? ie Will my boobs get used to me pumping again and I'll yield more if I keep going? Or is my milk drying up?!

DD feeds at about 8am, 11am, 3pm and 6.30pm during the day then at approx 2am and 5am at night. My boobs never get that engorged feeling anymore...

Im the same op

Can only get 1/2 oz I kid you not..I used to be able to easily pump a big bottle per day for dd who is now 9 months. I had a break from pumping and it seems tpo have majorly affected me. I have tried fenugreek, drinking more water and trying to chill out as recommended by experts, but no difference whatsoever. I dont ever have the engorged feeling anymore, havent had it since dd was 4/5 months old.

From what ive read on kellymom.com and speaking to others, it is completely normal if very frustrating. As your lo is still pretty young i would say to try the fenugreek capsules or seeds boiled in tea and drink water loads, see if it makes a difference for you. I still have enough milk for dd but itn just wont come out in the pump which they say is normal and that a baby milks you properly and strongly whereas a pump just doesnt have the same strength.

hope it goes well for you op and many sympathies!

Don't worry there is nothing wrong. As you have had a break in pumping your body has adjusted to meet your lo demands and not make any extra. This is what an established milk supply is like.

If you need to pump for being away then try to do it regularly at the same time each day. As long as your nipples aren't soured you can dry pump for about 5 mines to increase stimulation and help up supply. You don't need to take anything just pump.
Remember what you can pump is no indication of supply at all.

My best advice would be to pump whilst looking at new born pictures or videos of your dc.

I pumped a few weeks back when dd was 9 months old, sat there for 10 min and had less than 1 oz. I was on the computer checking email etc so flicked open the folder of dd's newborn days...I had 8 oz 5 minutes later!!

It's all about your oxytocin and prolactin hormones!

Ok thanks ladies that's all really reassured me...

I'll try again tomorrow morning.. Thing is DD isn't a great napper so unless I stuck her in front of the telly whilst I'm pumping it's hard to pump and entertain her! Then I feel bad for using the tv!!

Would it be worth trying to get an evening pump going - ie when she's gone to bed? I know that's usually when supply is low and in a way I don't want to start another feed / get engorged when I stop it but wondered if that might be an idea??

I've just started to get an evening pumping session established. Took a week of pumping at the same time every night, often only getting 1floz in 15 mins. Tonight I got 2floz in 5 mins!

Not everyone can pump. I had a friend who could express 8oz in about 15 mins. When I went back to work after mat leave with DC3, I couldn't get anything out, not a drop. And she was ebf until 6 months and was on 99% centile so I must have had milk...

Can you express from one side while she's feeding from the other? That way you take advantage of the letdowns she's causing. And what Godisa says works then too.