How much milk should I get?

There is no right answer to how much milk you should get when pumping.  If you pump after feeding your baby, you'd be doing well to get an ounce at first.   If you pump instead of feeding, you may get as much as your baby would have eaten (~2 ounces early on, more later), or you may get less (remember, your baby is much more effective than the pump-- don't assume lack of pumping output means your baby isn't getting enough to eat.)  On the other hand, I've exchanged e-mail with one mom that regularly pumps 16 ounces per session.  Don't count on that :-).

If you aren't getting as much as you would like, there are some things you can do.  

1. Check out my pumping tips on the main pumping page.
2. Try increasing your supply via herbal means--
   1. I liked fenugreek, available at most health food stores.  I took 3 capsules 4 times a day.  If that doesn't do it for you, keep increasing until your sweat/urine/breastmilk smells like maple syrup.
   2. Blessed thistle is also supposed to be good, but I'm not sure of the dosage.
   3. Mother's milk tea has both of the above (plus some other herbs), but in fairly small quantities.  If you just need a little boost, I'd try it.
   4. More Milk drops have a mixed record among those I've talked to.   One person had tremendous results in hours by following the instructions, another had no luck at all.
3. Above all, relax.  Make every effort you can, and be secure you are doing the best you can for your baby.  If you have to add some formula to your babies diet, temporarily or long term, so be it.  It is an adequate substitute for when breastmilk isn't available.  Don't let this discourage you into giving up entirely, since every drop of breastmilk  is precious.