Small Storage Capacity

[ittybittycoy]

No real long explanation needed, I am just wondering if there is a way to increase the storage capacity of your breasts? The most I have ever stored is 3 ounces in each side, but that was after almost a full night sleep.

Any help would be great and greatly appreciated... thanks!

 

[Monalissa]

I asked the lactation doctor I've seen and she said there isn't a way to increase storage capacity (aside from future pregnancies but that doesn't help you now). I think I can only store up to 3 oz per side also.

 

[kissesandhugs]

I'm not sure what you mean exactly. Do you mean how to increase your supply so you pump out more?

 

[Monalissa]

from https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/milkproduction-faq/

Storage capacity: Another factor that affects milk production and breastfeeding management is mom’s milk storage capacity. Storage capacity is the amount of milk that the breast can store between feedings. This can vary widely from mom to mom and also between breasts for the same mom. Storage capacity is not determined by breast size, although breast size can certainly limit the amount of milk that can be stored. Moms with large or small storage capacities can produce plenty of milk for baby. A mother with a larger milk storage capacity may be able to go longer between feedings without impacting milk supply and baby’s growth. A mother with a smaller storage capacity, however, will need to nurse baby more often to satisfy baby’s appetite and maintain milk supply since her breasts will become full (slowing production) more quickly.

Think of storage capacity as a cup – you can easily drink a large amount of water throughout the day using any size of cup – small, medium or large – but if you use a smaller cup it will be refilled more often.

 

[kissesandhugs]

from https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/milkproduction-faq/

Storage capacity: Another factor that affects milk production and breastfeeding management is mom’s milk storage capacity. Storage capacity is the amount of milk that the breast can store between feedings. This can vary widely from mom to mom and also between breasts for the same mom. Storage capacity is not determined by breast size, although breast size can certainly limit the amount of milk that can be stored. Moms with large or small storage capacities can produce plenty of milk for baby. A mother with a larger milk storage capacity may be able to go longer between feedings without impacting milk supply and baby’s growth. A mother with a smaller storage capacity, however, will need to nurse baby more often to satisfy baby’s appetite and maintain milk supply since her breasts will become full (slowing production) more quickly.

Think of storage capacity as a cup – you can easily drink a large amount of water throughout the day using any size of cup – small, medium or large – but if you use a smaller cup it will be refilled more often.

Ahhhhhh.........very very interesting. Had no idea about this. thanks!!!!

 

[TigerLady]

Nope, you can't really change it and it has nothing to do with breast size.

Just FYI, 6 oz total in two is quite good! A BF baby generally only takes about 3-5 oz per feed no matter their age. If you can pump that much you can probably store 1-2 oz more (pumps aren't as good at extracting it.) Which means you can store double what your baby would eat at any one feed.

 

[ittybittycoy]

Thank you for everyone's replies... I figured there was no way to increase my storage capacity, I figured I would ask though.

My concern was LO's weight gain, but I finally think we have a handle on that and it seems it was not a supply issue !