Breastfeeding and Breastpumping

Re: Not getting much when pumping

Meg.a.walsh — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 01:22:38 GMT

I have had some luck with this. A few things helped me that may help you: 1) are you in a quiet and relaxing place while pumping? I'm an RN and I work long 12-hr shifts. If I'm sitting in my office but thinking about everything happening with my patients, I don't have a milk ejection reflex. 2) are you feeling milk let down while pumping? It took my breasts a while to clue into pumping. In other words, my Free Style pump wasn't quite perfect a mimicking my baby's eager sucking. After a few weeks of pumping my milk ejection reflex kicks in as soon as I sit down at my desk and start attaching the pump parts. 3) have you tried hand-expressing or pumping and using hand-compressions simultaneously? Some women have more luck hand-expressing with the Marmet Technique or using their hands to compress the breasts while pumping. I can almost double my milk production by doing this. So on days that I work, it goes like this: wake up at 6 am and pump. Then wake the baby up and nurse him before I leave for work. I pump 2-3 times while at the hospital. Then I come home and nurse the baby again when he wakes up. And I pump one last time before I get into bed. I also pump once a day on my days off. I hope this helps.

Re: Not getting much when pumping

Katy J — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:57:56 GMT

I went back to work when my daughter was 4 months old. I am only able to get about 2-3 oz each time I pump and I pump about 3x while I work (I'm a teacher so it's tricky)- so this is the system that works for me. I wake up extra early and pump in the morning and get about 4-6 oz since she sleeps all night. Then I nurse her when she wakes up. I pump at work and then nurse as soon as we get home. Then I nurse before bed and then pump before I go to bed. Every little bit adds up! I think what has kept my supply adequate is also our weekend routine. I nurse her as frequently and for as long as she wants. I pump on the weekend too just to try to get at least one bag of extra to freeze. I have tried the More Milk Plus and didn't see much increase in my supply, but I was also on antibiotics at the time so I think maybe it just helped keep my supply at a normal level while I was sick. My baby is 7 mo. now and I still haven't supplemented with formula. Don't give up!

Re: Not getting much when pumping

JFogleman — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:50:54 GMT

I agree with pp that pumping in the morning is a big help. I pumped for my last DD (now 2 1/2) for 11 months while I was at work. She began to sleep through the night at about 4-5 months so in the morning, I would feed her only on one side and pump the other which resulted in about 4-5 extra ounces to add to what I had pumped the day before. My new DD is now 5 1/2 months old and I was able to build a good freezer supply before going back to work. She also is not sleeping through the night which also helps keep up a good supply by eating every 3-4 hours through the night (gotta look at the bright side on that). One thing I didn't realize is that the second time around you have more milk ducts and get more milk. It's amazing how having the freezer back log keeps you relaxed about having enough. I also made sure on the weekends to do that pumping in the morning as well to help get a few extra ounces to get through the week. Keep up the good work! You're doing what's best for your baby. I know it's hard but the best thing is to relax as much as possible and not stress over it.

Re: Not getting much when pumping

Jawfish12 — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 17:01:03 GMT

If you can, maybe on Saturday and Sunday when you are not at work, I would start pumping every hour and a half for a few days...after doing this for at least 2 days you should see an increased production by the third day. Don't be discouraged if you get very little for the first 2 days as it will take your body a day or two to kick up the production- just keep it up. Also, I would make sure when you are puming that you do it at a high enough speed instead of just keeping it at level 1 or 2 and make sure the suction dial is up high enough as well. Make sure you are drinking enough water and if you do all these things, I think you'll see your production increase! Good luck!

Re: Not getting much when pumping

MamitaLinda — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 23:00:17 GMT

Try to breastfeed as much as possible. I find my baby can suck more milk out than when I pump. Also I found that my swing pump sucks more milk out than my hand pump. So pumps do make a difference. Also, I find that feeding my baby from just one side in the AM is enough food. Then I pump the other said that is engorged and that is another meal for later in the day when I'm at work. I also go to bed a few hours after my baby so I do a pump right before I go to bed which gives me an extra ounce or two for the next day. Don't give up!

Re: Not getting much when pumping

rwood — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:57:16 GMT

I have the exact same problem! I'm a first time mom to a 12 week old little girl and my pumping only yields 1 oz per side per pump. This yield is the same regardless of whether she is latched onto one side while I pump from the other, if I'm pumping before a feeding when I'm very full, or even after taking Fenugreek/Blessed Thistle combination recommended by my hospital's LC. It is so frustrating, and now that I have to return to work next week from a 12 wk maternity leave, I am scared that supply will dry up where I won't be able to nurse before and after work, if I can't pump during the day. I'm interested in hearing any suggestions from any more experienced pumpers out there, and thanks in advance for your help!

Re: Not getting much when pumping

mrs.sam — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:50:43 GMT

Thanks for the info! I have tried the More Milk Plus, but I think I may be allergic to something in it. I feel like my throat will close up when I take it and I cough. I will check out the book and try the Fenugreek! Thank you! I'm pretty sure the baby is getting enough, he has lots of wet/soiled diapers. Its just me who can't seem to pump enough. Very stressful for this working mommy.

Re: Not getting much when pumping

boosmom1 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:20:04 GMT

Are you taking any supplements to increase supply? Google galactagogues for lots of info. Fenugreek capsules are very popular, I was advised to take 3 caps 3X a day by an MD who is also a LC. I have also recenyly ordered More Milk Plus made by motherlove.com though I haven't tried it yet. Also try to get ahold of a book called Making More Milk fot lots more ideas. Hang in there!

Re: Not getting much when pumping

Michaels Mommy — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 01:29:46 GMT

I'm experiencing the same problem, except I used to get a few ounces. I have not needed to pump in a few weeks, but when I pumped yesterday, I didn't even get an ounce... from both breasts! I'm not sure what's going on but I know I'm producing the milk. Any thoughts?

Re: Not getting much when pumping

MamitaLinda — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:48:11 GMT

I am doing the same thing and expeiencing the same exact problem. Oh - I hope somebody replies soon. I'm very worried. Have you made any discoveries??

Not getting much when pumping

mrs.sam — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:46:20 GMT

I have a 6 month old, been pumping since I went back to work 3 months ago. I hardly get anything when I pump-3 ozs on most days, sometimes 4 if I'm lucky. I'm very discouraged about this and constantly worry about having enough milk to make it through the work week. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a medela pump in style and pump about 2 times while I'm at work, coming home to feed my baby at lunch for the 3rd feeding.