Aug 21 2007
What is Your MPI?
We breastfeeding moms are like factories, we also have our production index, that is called the MPI – Milk Production Index.
(This is actually not the official term, I think.)
MPI is very important for moms who pump/express their breastmilk, because we need to constantly monitor whether our MPI can meet our children’s milk demand or not. If it drops to a ‘dangerous’ level, then something needs to be done to boost it.
The issue is, in this ‘industry’, there is no standard way of measuring the MPI. But from my years of ‘hands-on experience’, I’ve come out with my own standard.
From observations through daily conversations with other BFG moms, MPI is often and commonly referred in amount (in fl oz) of yield per hour.
There are 2 ways to say this – per side, or by total of two sides. I tend to like the latter, coz to some people the production is not even for the two sides.
So, I’d take one day’s total ‘production’, divide by the total hours of ‘production’, to get the MPI. It works for mothers who express exclusively and for moms who feed direct and also express at work.
Example: The last direct feeding is at 6am, and the working mother pumps at 11am and 4pm with total yield of 20 fl oz on average daily. There are 10 hours between 6am and 4pm. So, I’ll say the MPI is 2 fl oz for every hour.
And you may ask me, what about those moms who feed directly? Well, they don’t need to measure MPI, it wouldn’t be a concern for them. 
So, what is your MPI then? Mine is already dropped to a pathetic 0.67, less than half of my MPI 6 months ago. When traveling, MPI can drop to 0.5. I’m not worried coz Isabel is already on solid and the demand can be met even with this reduced MPI.
I think we should also use the same method to calculate MDI – Milk Demand Index. Hahaha!
I stopped pumping for months, and didn’t have to worry about MPI. Only SAHM can do this though. If I’m working, I will be the same like you, monitoring the MPI.
haha, i like your way of writting about it, so amusing but hit the point.
My MPI is also dropping especially prior to mensture and during travelling but still sufficient with help of frozen stock.
This is a new one! Ethan is now 18 months plus, and my MPI is a very very humble 0.55
This is a good one.
When I was still pumping, I always had this worry and I would measure my daily “harvest”.
When Ryan turned 2, I stopped pumping … and so, no worries now.
Only worry is when will he stop bfg???
But I treasure every moment we have together in this, gave me my biggest satisfaction as a mother!
shoppingmum: hehe, yes, MPI is not a concern to you… so good huh!
Siaw Fui: Thank you! Thank you!
So, what is your MPI now? Mine also fluctuates, can be 0.3 during menstruas or traveling. I think these are the 2 things too stressfull/harmful to us. hahaha! Isabel also lives on frozen milk nowadays. Luckily stocked up a lot earlier.
Giddy Tiger: Wah, 18 months already still got 0.55! I am now almost at the same level. I think yo are doing very well!!
Busy Bee: Hehehe, I think it is time to go for #2 already ya? MPI will be important again if you get #2.
Please don’t hate me for asking. Kekeke!
Oh well, this blog is interesting.. Hahaha. Keep it up
Love love love
This is sure an eye-opener…you are really good to come up with such a calculation.
choohk: tankiu, tankiu! :p
Eh, I thought I should be the one thanking you, no?
I’ve never heard of MPI. I’m a WAHM, though. Thanks for sharing this!
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