back at work and trying to continue breastfeeding

so... in the beginning we had a really hard time with sore nipples and supplementing with formula, etc. we finally got everything going just right. i always had enough (no supplementing) and barely got engourged through the night.

so now... i'm back at work. i'm pumping 3 times a day at each of my breaks, but i'm only getting about 1 or 2 ounces from each boob. i KNOW my daughter eats more than that.

so what the heck?

i'm still breastfeeding in the morning before work and in the evenings, and i will have 3 days off a week with only breastfeeding.

will having such small amounts during the day effect my supply in general?
how can i keep my supply up? ( i don't want to have to supplement on my days off or at night)

any other advice or comments on the issue of going back to work, pumping, and continuing breastfeeding while going back to work would be appreciated.

Just keep pumping and your body will eventually get used to the pump and produce more milk. You can try taking fenugeek too. The pump sucks differently than your baby so it just takes time for your body to get used to it. Try bringing along a picture of your baby to look at while you pump to trigger your "let down" reflex.

if all else fails fenugreek (i think thats how its spelled) is an herbal supplement that will boost your supply.

keep puping, your breast should get use to it. And if they don't , you may have to pump more inbetween feedings on your days off. That's what I had to do after having surgery when Brooklyn was 6 months old. Also try fenugreek or I realy like these products.
http://www.motherlove.com

Don't give up. It requires some work but it is totally worth it! Good luck!

working and pumping tips
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bf-links-pumping.html


http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
What is normal when it comes to pumping output and changes in pumping output?
Most moms who are nursing full-time are able to pump around 1/2 to 2 ounces total (for both breasts) per pumping session. Moms who pump more milk per session may have an oversupply of milk, or may respond better than average to the pump, or may have been able to increase pump output with practice. Many moms think that they should be able to pump 4-8 ounces per pumping session, but even 4 ounces is an unusually large pumping output.

It is quite normal to need to pump 2-3 times to get enough milk for one feeding for baby (remember that the pump cannot get as much milk as a baby who nurses effectively).