Pumping tips?

3 oz is a normal amount to pump, so you’re doing really well! The average is 2-4oz if you’re pumping to replace a nursing session, or 0.5-2oz if you’re pumping in addition to nursing (both breasts combined).

Milk is supply and demand so regular pumping should increase supply. You can try power pumping (pump for 20 min, break for 10, pump 10, break 10, pump 10) and should see a result after 3-7 days (then you can return to a normal pump time!)

You’ve said that’s not even one feed, how much is she taking from a bottle at the moment? All babies are different of course, but if you’re estimating based on formula fed babies, EBF babies don’t necessarily increase the amount they eat as they get older, your breast milk changes in composition to suit their needs.

You can also combine today’s 3 oz with tomorrow’s to make up a bigger feed if you need to. Milk is fine for 4-6 days in the fridge, just mark with the oldest date and use it/freeze it by then.

As above, from la lèche League:
If you are breastfeeding full-time, expect to express around 15–60ml (0.5–2 fl oz) in total from both breasts per pumping session.

If you are exclusively pumping, consider the overall volume in 24 hours. Full milk production is about 750–900 ml (25–30 fl oz) per baby. Milk production reaches its peak at about five weeks and stays relatively stable until around six months.

Once milk production peaks, a typical feed is about 60–120ml (2–4 fl oz).

Definitely pump both sides simultaneously if you can, bag up whatever you get and be aware that the bags can be combined. Better to have a few small bags than 1 giant one because if baby doesn't drink it all and it goes to waste you'll be gutted!

AHH that's pleasing to know I'm not doing to bad then, well she will drink the 3oz and then still cry and take the boob and she's not just doing it fir comfort as I can hear her gulping and swallowing. Id say if she could she would be drinking about 5oz from a bottle. I'll try power pumping see how I get on with that. Thankyou very much it's all so confusing and new it gets overwhelming at times. X

also I pumped some milk this morning that she didn't take from the bottle it was left out for three hours as we fell asleep is it ok to pop in the fridge and re use? X

if she didn’t drink from it, yep! Milk is good at room temp for 4-6 hours (in the UK, we’re advised 6 hrs, in the US I notice it’s 4, I usually tried to stick to 4 in the summer to be on the safe side).

Good luck! It is confusing and a lot to learn, especially while also caring for an infant, struggling with no sleep, physically and mentally exhausted… you’re doing great ♥️