Milk Supply

Pumping output is not indicative of how much milk your baby is getting. If she's putting on weight and having wet and dirty nappies then she's getting enough. The behaviour change is likely just a developmental stage

So first thing, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding otherwise then average pump output is between 0.5 - 2 oz both boobs combined! So 1oz is about right :) Also, pump output isn’t indicative of what baby is getting as baby is more efficient at milk removal than a pump is. So long as baby is gaining weight and having good nappy output then your supply is fine! Babies feed for more than just food. hydration, comfort, pain relief etc. So sometimes for a nap they may suckle for longer same as they would on a dummy during a nap :) My son used to latch almost 24/7 during the night 🤣

Thank you! I would just love to be able to pump enough for a bottle so my partner can help out. I mean she has plenty of wet nappies but can go days without pooping? Would that be something to worry about?

My son used to poop like once a week and they were never concerned as long as they are getting wet nappies. Apparently there just isn’t as much waste with breastmilk. A bottle needs 3-4 oz max no matter babies age so you could pump an oz here and there and combine them to get a feed amount frozen and slowly collect up a stash if that’s what you want. you can combine as long as you get the milk the same temp before combining x

Ah ok phew, she seems to be going 48 hours at the moment before the next poop so that’s reassuring! Thank you, think I will persist with the pumping and hopefully it helps. It’s so difficult as friends/family who haven’t breastfed and had “hungry babies” keep saying maybe she needs a top up and it’s getting me so worried I am not giving her enough!

48 hours is a great interval between poops, completely normal. As hard as it is tune out the unhelpful comments and don't fall into the top up trap if you're not wanting to formula feed!

1oz an hour for pumping is normal

How old is your baby? When I first had my little guy my supply was super low, especially being a FTM. After a week it increased to about an average of 3oz combined, sometimes more. If you're ever worried or need help, there are a lot of sources that offer free lactation support, especially depending on where you live! Don't be afraid to look at your options!

3 months old now. I have never really pumped up until recently where I’ve realised I just need a bit of a break so be nice to be able to have milk ready for partner or parents to take over!