RE: How much breast milk should I be producing?
I have never been able to pump much more than 1oz or 2oz from each breast and my DD was exclusively breastfed (really ate virtually no solids) until around 10 or 11 months. Pumping is no indication of how much milk you are producing.
It is also normal for your baby to need to nurse very often. Especially in the evenings. This is called "cluster feeding". I had never heard of this and when DD was new, I asked my pediatrician about it. I was slightly worried about my supply but he said not to worry at all - it is normal for them to cluster feed, especially in the evenings or when they are having growth-spurts (which can seem like all the time.)
The best thing you can do for your supply is just to nurse, nurse, nurse, and not supplement. The more you nurse, the more milk your breasts will make.
It is also perfectly alright to nurse when you are sick. There is no need to stop nursing for that reason. I would put your baby to the breast right away and continue to do so as often as you think she might be hungry.
RE: How much breast milk should I be producing?
Congratulations and a big Welcome to your new baby girl!
All the PPs gave lots of excellent advice, so I don't really have much to add (except listen to them! :))
My left and right side were totally different in terms of production. No matter what I did, my left side just never produced as much as the right (and yes, I looked a little lopsided sometimes! lol) It bothered me at first, but I figured they did what they did, and that was that. I don't think it's uncommon, although women who pump probably notice it more (since they're quantifying how much milk is produced).
Also, I never squirted or leaked, and I made plenty of milk for E, so don't let that discourage you.
Good luck...you can do it!
Jen
RE: How much breast milk should I be producing?
Congratulations on your new baby! Okay, unless there is a problem I would stop supplementing and let your baby nurse on demand. The more she nurses, the more milk your body will generate.
If you get sick there is no need to stop nursing unless you are taking medication that the ped says is dangerous for the baby. For a stomach bug I wouldn't worry. And pumping never gets you as much as your baby.
I've never taken the herbs you mention but I used to drink lots of Organic Mothers Milk tea. It's very easy on the stomach. And drink lots of water! Get plenty to eat, esp. protein.
I'm glad you told your mom and grandma not to say discouraging things to you anymore. Last thing you need!
RE: How much breast milk should I be producing?
You have gotten a lot of great advice so far. Just wanted to chime in that if you are taking something that contains fenugreek, that can cause diarrhea. Stop the herbals for now and find a good lactation consultant to help you calm your worries and make sure your babe is getting enough. They have special scales that they use to weigh DC before and after a feeding that will give you a better idea of how much she is really getting.
Supply issues do exist (unfortunately, I have personal experience with this) and you do want to be sure that your DD is getting what she needs. A good LC will help you build a successful BFing relationship so you don't give up as many women do who don't have the support they need at this difficult time.