Do you ever feel like your breasts are empty?

Question

I’ve been exclusively breastfeeding for 6 weeks now. I started trying to add a pump in the morning to create a stash, but after the pump I feel like I don’t have enough milk. And like the baby is hungry. Somehow I can’t catch up for half the day at least, she’s fussy and seems unsatisfied after feeds. I ended up giving her some of my frozen milk and she downed 3oz! 😳 I’m not sure how I’m supposed to pump like this.

Answer

I always pumped before bed after baby nursed at that age. You can also get a Haakaa to catch your let down from the other breast while nursing during the day.

Answer

I would pump after every breastfeeding session, but only pump for half or a quarter amount of time your baby eats. You won’t get much but it will signal your body to make more milk.

Answer

You should look into power pumping. This will create more milk for you to store and satisfy baby when feeding from the breast. Basically pumping for 10 mins resting for 10 mins pumping again for 10 mins resting for 10 mins. Repeat cycle for an hour.  Milk will come in either the next day or day after.

Answer

My son only nurses on one side while I pump or collect with the Haakaa on the other side in the mornings. I sometimes also do that throughout the day. He will empty the one side and the Haakaa can collect up to 3 or 4 oz on the other side. That thing is why I have such a stash in the freezer. He does not make it to both breasts typically. Sometimes he does not empty the breast so I will express the rest of the milk into the Haakaa as well. I don’t want any waste.

Answer

I pump while baby goes down for her first nap in the morning. I get 2 to 3 ounces, so a bottle. It doesn't seem like a lot but it adds up in a couple weeks. Once baby wakes up, no issues. You will technically never be empty. Baby only gets fussy and nurses for longer if she wakes up earlier than I expected.

Do you ever feel like your breasts are empty?

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