When to pump if breastfeeding

[Amigoingmad88]

I’ve been breastfeeding my 5 week old since birth, and have in the last couple of weeks been giving 3 or 4 oz of formula as the last feed before bed. I then breastfeed through the night, and he has a bottle of expressed milk in the morning given by DP when he wakes. I also pump at this time.

I have usually been pumping immediately after each feed for 10 mins or so to empty my breasts, and I get about an 1oz from both sides combined. If I haven’t pumped when I wake and baby has the expressed milk, I get about 4-5oz combined.

Baby seems satisfied when it’s been a couple hours since last feed, but sometimes if he feeds sooner he will just cluster feed and when I try to pump there’s not much at all, maybe 0.5 oz. I feel he gets frustrated.

He was born 7lbs2, had dropped to 6lbs11 at 5days and was back up to 8lbs5 by the next check so no weight concerns. Plenty of wet and dirty nappies. He has outgrown all his clothes and is now in 0-3 months.

So, is this a supply issue? Am I draining my boobs too soon? What is the best way to do this? Or is this just normal?

In the evenings he seems to always want to be on the breast. On and off constantly! But through the night he sleeps 2 hours at a time.

I have a 7 week old and in my experience I am always able to pump the largest quantities in the mornings. Not sure whether milk production is greater while sleeping or it’s because there’s been a longer time since the last breastfeed. I don’t measure in oz but in ml I can get around 250ml (both breasts combined) on a morning pump session of 20-30 mins.

Can l ask why you are pumping?
If you're breastfeeding.. the more you feed the more milk comes in.
No need for pumping.
But if you really feel the need to ..stop using a pump.. do it manually with hand massage.. fill a bowl with very hot water and lean your breasts over.. gentle massage and squeeze your breasts into a sterilised jug..then pour into the bottle.. but you still need to do this as often as you would feed on demand. ( Ex la lechè advisor).

@Moier because I’m exhausted and feel like I can’t keep up some days. It really helps having DP give that bottle of expressed milk in the morning.

If you're giving formula anyway, I wouldn't add the burden of expressing as well. Feed as much as you can-it's the best way to increase your supply, but use formula for any top ups. Make your life as easy as it possibly can be.