Breastfeeding

[Rose1999]

Hello. I've been EBF my 6 month old since her birth. Today, I tired pumping (with a handheld pump) so as to have some milk to make a purée. Hardly any milk came out at all! So now I'm worrying that my baby doesn't get enough milk.
She's been on the 50th centile for weight although I haven't had her weighed for a few weeks.

How else will I know she's getting enough?

Pumping doesn’t give the same amounts as breastfeeding - especially if you’re not used to it.

Some people barely express anything, whereas others can do lots. The action of a baby feeding on the breast is very different. Pumping is mechanical, ensuring correct fit etc. You don’t release the same hormones so really try not to worry if you’re not getting much. It helps to look at your baby/photos when pumping as it gets the hormones going.

If you want to try pumping more, it might be worth looking into hiring an electric pump.

I can guarantee that she’s getting enough from your boobs directly if she’s producing wet nappies and generally healthy.

You can also use formula, cows milk or plant milk in puree - or just some water if you want to loosen it.

Pumping doesn't get off what a baby can. Please don't think you don't have enough milk look at how your child has grown in the last 6 months and how they are on a perfectly healthy centile.

Everything as above. I EBF'd two babies for the full 6 months. Hardly got anything with pumping which is why I didn't even bother trying with DC2. Your baby will have been getting plenty.

You don't need to make purees at all but if you want to and want to add milk then cow's milk or formula is fine

It's absolutely no indication of your supply. The indication of your supply is a happy baby gaining weight. She'd be screaming the place down if she was hungry.

Don't bother with breastmilk for purées, porridge and so on. Full fat cows milk is fine or an alternative if dairy free.

OP I assume you are using a store bought pump?
They never worked for me - never got more than 2ml's!
I too was worried how much my baby was getting then - but wet nappies and content baby told me all was ok.
I did get a more powerful pump from a breast feeding association group - they hired out pumps and that seemed to get more out....
But honestly - I got fed up of pumping and would just feed bub on demand.
She's now a happy healthy 6 year old.

You are doing great! Do what feels best and it will work out...

50th centile is fine. You know baby is getting enough milk because she's growing and having wet and dirty nappies, if not alot was going in not a lot would come out either

If you weren't producing enough you wouldn't have a happy, healthy, growing baby.

If you did want to express a little just to mix in to food you might be better hand expressing after a feed.

I had great flow breastfeeding but very poor when pumping, tried hakkah and an electric one. Think the difference in suction is the culprit!

I successfully breastfed two babies. Never had any success pumping.

It's because your supply is completely settled now, o was the same. You'd know if you had a supply issue 6 months in x

THANK YOJ everyone. You have really put my mind at ease x

Well done for BF feed so well so far. If baby is on 50th percentile, then he is doing fine. And now you can begin to slowly introduce other foods to complement BF- but make sure baby suckles regularly to keep milk coming. And enjoy- there is nothing like that bond <3