how many ounces is "normal" for a BF pumping session?

[Anonymous]

First timer here, and I'm curious how many ounces is typical to produce in a pumping session? thanks

[Anonymous]

Really depends on:
1.) How long has it been since you first started pumping
2.) How long in between pumping sessions
3.) What time of the day is your pumping

It's been about 4 months since I started pumping. I had pumped at least 9x a day before returning to work to establish my milk supply. Now, I pump 4 times a day. First session in the morning I get about 15 ounces. Subsequent sessions I get about 9 - 10 ounces.

[Anonymous]

I agree w/ PP. I've never pumped more than 4-5 times per day, I usually get anywhere from 3-5 oz. per session, now it's been 3 months and I still get that amount. Usually in the morning it's 5, and subsequent sessions 3 or 4.

[Anonymous]

Don't be too hard on yourself when you first start. You'll get the most in the morning. There were some times that I got 1-2 oz, and now I'm getting 3-5oz (my DD is 9mo).

[clarabow]

The one thing that seems to be consistent across moms is that early morning is the highest-volume. We've all got different storage capacity, if you will -- from boob to boob even, which is why you may notice that one side consistently produces more than the other. People with lower storage capacity might need to nurse/pump more frequently to get to the same total volume versus those who can hold a ton and can therefore go longer in between. I found it somewhat frustrating to compare myself to others, as it made me feel that I was "behind" or something, but the key is to just adapt to what your particular situation is (and what your goals are). There are a ton of tricks for increasing output if it's concerning you, from supplements to extending pumping sessions beyond 10-15 minutes to get to the second "let-down" to probably bunches of others that people can share.

[Anonymous]

Sounds crazy but I used to power pump...pump, take a hot shower then pump again. Each pumping session would last about 20 mins. I did this for a few days and it really built up my supply. I also added a 40 min session once a day for a few days. It only worked if I had someone to keep an eye on the girls. You just need to tell your body that you have a higher demand. My twin girls are 4 months now and I have been able to EBF. I have worked hard to keep up my supply. I agree witht he PP you can't compare yourself to anyone else or you will get frustrated.

[Anonymous]

I can't imagine getting 15 oz. I would love that. I only get about 2-3 per session, and I pump 3 x a day at work, and once before bed, and once overnight to get enough for the next day.

[Anonymous]

It ranges! I exclusively breastfed for almost a year. I began pumping at around 2 weeks after delivery.

When I first started pumping, I would get a half ounce or an ounce, sometimes 2 or 3. After a few weeks, I would get anywhere from 1 to 5 ounces. It all depends on when baby last ate, if I was eating/drinking enough, if I was tired, if I had enough sleep. The better rested, hydrated, and nourished typically equates to more milk.

After I got into the rhythm, I could double pump 8 ounces at a time regularly - weird. The all-time weirdest was when I pumped 16 ounces. This was, however, highly unusual - after an extremely long meeting at work when I was not able to pump during my regular time. I was in so much agony!!!

Breastfeeding is definitely supply and demand, so the more you nurse/pump, the more you will produce!

[Anonymous]

Each mom is different and 605 (and other PPs) summed it up well.
Plus, it depends on your established system. For me, I was only producing 3 oz. from each boob in the beginning. Since DD was eating a lot and hitting a growth spurt, I pumped more, established a good supply & demand, and now can predictably pump 5 oz. from each boob (I pump every 3 hours religously). I be sure to drink A TON of water to replenish. Yes, by the way, I've taken over the freezer with extra milk.

[Anonymous]

I pumped or nursed every three hours and got 3-5 oz per pump (not per boob -- I wish).

I used to envy the moms who came in with 9 oz bottles of expressed milk. I couldn't imagine producing that much. Then again, my kids just got used to small, frequent serving of milk, either from bottles at daycare or straight from the breastaurant. One more lesson in not comparing yourself to other moms, I guess.