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How Often Can Breast Milk Be Extracted With A Breast Pump?

Posted on Sat, 11 Nov 2017

Question: how often we can express breastmilk with breastpump. how to use

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
3-4 times

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
I have gone through your question and understand the concerns.x
You can express the breast milk at least 3-4 times using a breast pump.
Depending upon the type of the pump, manual or electronic, the nipple should be covered fully with the areola by the nozzle and then the milk should be expressed.
Wrong usage may lead to sore nipples and pain.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma
OBGYN
Maternal and fetal medicine specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (3 days later)

how can i know is my baby getting enough breastmilk? she sleeps through out the day and feeding her for every 1 to 2hrs in the day and she sucks for 20 to 30mins and i have to wake her inthe middle, not sure she just sucks or drinking. she is active from 5pm and she cries in the evenings. thinking my milk is not sufficient feeding her with formula 45ml and later she sleeps again. if i express with hand am getting only 10ml. i tried with breastpump aswell sometimes i get abt 30ml sometimes none. if i express with hand while breastpumping milk drops drop by drop. am worried my baby is getting sufficient milk ir not. but during day i see 6 to 7 wet cloth nappies. and she passes her stool on alternative days from last 4days. please guide how can i know am getting enough milk or not. i dont feel my breasts are heavy, its soft.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
If the baby is sleeping for 1 hour after feeding, then the breast milk is enough for the baby.
There is nothing to worry
Breast is soft if the breastfeeding is regular and baby is feeding regularly.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (1 hour later)

thank you but if i express milk with hand or breastpump it is not more than 10 to 20ml. and baby is not getting satisfied after sucking for 30 to 40mins, feels hunger and after feeding with formula she sleeps. unable to understand the reason.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Measures to increase the breast milk flow

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear,
Expression of breast milk with hand or pump is always less than than when the baby sucks.
So, one can never estimate the amount of the baby drinks during feeding.
If the baby is not satisfied with the breast milk, then it is likely to be less and you should take measures like taking high protein diet, drinking plenty of fluids and take cumin and carrom seeds.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vishesh Rohatgi

Follow up: Dr. Deepti Verma (9 hours later)

sure thanks. am topping her eith formula milk after i feed her for 20mins. she cries a lot to have it, unable to understand if she really hunger or not if i offer mine at the sametime she sucks.

Answered by Dr. Deepti Verma (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Feed on demand

Detailed Answer:
Hi dear, if she demands for more milk after feed, then she is hungry.
You can feed her on demand.
There is no problem in frequent feeding.
Regards
Dr Deepti Verma

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D