The dreaded pumping... tips, advice, and recommendations

[sundrip]

Please post all your lovely advice...

[stephiegirl]

Rent a Hospital Grade pump! I was using the PIS and not having much success. I rented a Medela Symphony and it is wonderful. Even if you just rented one for a few months to build up your freezer supply!

[naturekate]

alternate the speed of your pump to mimic baby's sucking action. if you use a pis start at a 6, once the milk starts flowing, go down to a 4. when it slows down, go back up to a 6, and so on. you should do this 3 times in a pumping session. :)

[haydensmom]

Try to do something besides *thinking* about pumping - like reading a book while you pump.

[austin hope]

Use a touch of olive oil to lube up the cone part where your nipple slides back and forth - good advice from my lactation consultant!

[Crunchymomto3]

Power pump. 10 minutes pumping, 10 minute break, 10 minutes pumping, 10 minute break, 10 minutes pumping :)

Also, if concerned about supply if you are not already middle of the night pumping, set your alarm (if you need to) and pump every 3 hours for a week.

[austin hope]

If the pump requires the mother to break the suction, it is because you are pumping too long apparently.

http://www.breastfeed-essentials.com/pumps101.html

Are you pumping too long?

Most moms should limit pumping to no more than 20 minutes at a time. Pumping for very long periods is more likely to make your nipples tender. Shorter, more frequent pumping sessions do more to increase and maintain supply than longer, less-frequent ones anyway.

[bethadele]

Keep a bottle of water handy and look at a picture of your baby. It's amazing what looking at a pic of baby will do for your let down.

[liedkesluckylady]

If you have a manual pump, try storing it in the fridge. I pump throughout the day to increase my supply for when I start donating my breastmilk and since I don't get a ton at each pumping (except the morning pumping), I store my pump in the fridge. The cold suction actually feels great on my nipples and helps to reduce the slight pain I get when I pumped. Just a thought!

[LuMo]

I had trouble with my Medela PIS getting water droplets in the tubing. I would wash the parts and let them air dry on the dish rack, but found that if I took a q-tip and wiped out the tiny crevices where the tubes attach at the back, it would decrease the water droplets going into the tubes (which mess up your suction and are a PAIN to dry out). Also buying a 2nd (or 3rd) set of valves, shields, etc. to use while your others are drying is a great idea if you are pumping several times a day.

I also had better luck with a hospital rental pump than the PIS.

[sundrip]

Move the horns around a bit on your areola to be sure that you're stimulating and emptying all of the ducts.

[vidya_lr]

Do not keep looking at the bottle to see how much you've pumped, if you are engaged with something else, the supply is better.

[MamaJen]

I made myself a 'hands-free' nursing bra. I used a 'sport style' nursing bra, and cut slits in them for the horns to go in, that way I didn't need to hold them.

It was great for pumping at work - I just closed the door to my office and was able to continue to work. It helped with let-down as well as I wasn't sitting there holding the horns waiting for the milk. Like the saying goes - a watched pot never boils!

[jelybean]

Hands free is the way to go :-)

I googled Hands Free Bustier and ordered one--best $30 I have ever spent!

[imported_admin]

bmp

[sarahlynn]

I HATE PUMPS

[mrswilson]

I read somewhere if you suddenly have a decrease in amount when pumping, get new membranes for your pump (the little white circle things that go in the bottle part)....I guess they break down over time and can get tiny little tears in them that decrease suction.

[cjsmom]

I have a question that no one, including my doc seems to answer with a clear answer. I keep getting all breast feeding or nothing speach. So I'm looking for a judgement free/real knowledge from someone out there that has gone through this.

I'm on my second pregnancy. I tried breast feeding my first child and it was a nightmare, I have inverted nibbles and needed to wear some plastic device, I cracked, I bled even though I used the cream. I ended up with post pardum and life was not fun for me for a while. I ended up going to formula and a bottle with her.

I do not want to go that route again, but do want my next child to have the benefits of breast milk. I would like to pump from day one not even attaching my next child to the breast. I know I'm going to get such a hard time from the nurses that I don't want to breast feed, but no one has walked in my shoes. Anyway, I just want to know if anyone has pumped from day one and fed by a bottle without ever attaching baby?

Thanks

[Kendra's Mom]

I did. I knew I was going back to work after 6 weeks plus my baby had some breathing problems and was not with me for the first 2 days. So I pumpped from the beginning. Don't feel bad! The most important thing is that your baby WILL get the breastmilk.

Let me know if you have any questions.

:) Kasia

[KimJ]

I want to go this route as well with number 2. I also had issues with flat nipples/cracking/pain with my DD and do NOT want to have to go through that again. My solution is going to be try to latch DS on at the hospital and pump and get him on a bottle as soon as i bring him home. I already got flak from one dr. because i said i just wanted to pump and rather than argue with every freakin nurse in the hospital i'll just do it my way!

[MommaBear]

Bump!

[hollyn]

I have a question that no one, including my doc seems to answer with a clear answer. I keep getting all breast feeding or nothing speach. So I'm looking for a judgement free/real knowledge from someone out there that has gone through this.

I'm on my second pregnancy. I tried breast feeding my first child and it was a nightmare, I have inverted nibbles and needed to wear some plastic device, I cracked, I bled even though I used the cream. I ended up with post pardum and life was not fun for me for a while. I ended up going to formula and a bottle with her.

I do not want to go that route again, but do want my next child to have the benefits of breast milk. I would like to pump from day one not even attaching my next child to the breast. I know I'm going to get such a hard time from the nurses that I don't want to breast feed, but no one has walked in my shoes. Anyway, I just want to know if anyone has pumped from day one and fed by a bottle without ever attaching baby?

Thanks

I started out trying to BF but dd was readmitted to the hospital at 4 days with problems so I began to pump plus we were already having BFing issues. After 2 weeks of not being able to eat she was allowed to receive ebm. Well that's when the confusion began. In order for her to come home she had to eat x amount of ounces from a bottle x amount of times a day and the other times she could try to bf. So everytime we were going to bf I would call the LC to help over the course of 4 days and 2 LC's later it just wasn't working and she was having awful confusion with choking. When we got home I was going to pitch the bottle's and just do breast well before being released we were given a weight check day since she had already lost so much. The pedi told me basically if she didn't gain then they would have to discuss readmitting her for further watching to that scared me. I continued to pump and try the breast but in the end she had so much confusion that I exclusively pumped until she was 7 months when I had to have 2 surgeries. So yes 100% pumping can be done. It's not easy I would of much rather her of bf but she really didn't want to and fought me. So if it's what you want to do I say go for it!

[Lore's Mama]

Try to do something besides *thinking* about pumping - like reading a book while you pump.

This doesn't work for me. If it doesn't for you, stare at the pump and watch the milk flow. Will it to flow faster. It works for me, and maybe for you, too.

Also, get comfy. For different people, comfiness is different! I, for instance, find that spreading my legs and putting my head/pump parts down between my knees is the best position while others most likely feel differently.

Just find out what works for you and fly with it. :)

[MommaBear]

Bump! Pouring a glass of milk and leaving it out in view while you pump can also be helpful, for those who have difficulty thinking milky thoughts (visualization).

[maggie]

bump!

[Woogelaide]

Any other tips?

I'm still getting less than 1/2 an ounce per session. I just can't seem to get letdown with the PISA. :?

[mommy kate]

Watch Tv..have a snack and a bottle of water close by and invest in a electric pump.. and set up a pumping schedule.

[MommaBear]

Bump.

[haydensmom]

bumpalump

[stephmama]

What helped me was to watch the milk come out. Be amazed at what your body continues to do for your baby. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and feel the milk letdown as you exhale.

So, I guess I was meditating in a way.

[sourlemon]

I don't have a problem with let down, but it seems that my baby is taking more than I can replace now that I am at work. She is taking about 3 bottles 4 ounces each and I am only pumping about 8 ounces while at work. I am getting a hopsital grade pump on Thursday to see if that helps get more. I just don't want to give up.
Amber

[lukeskristie]

I plan to strictly pump for baby.

[sartre]

I found that massaging my breasts and rubbing the nipples a bit between my fingers until milk starts to come out before pumping really helped. I will do this again after the milk appears to have stopped flowing. Has increased the amount that I get by about 30%!

[bmfosterbarrett]

Due to my baby being in the NICU the first 12 days of his life I was required to pump from day 1. I've been having problems pumping - mainly I'm tired of it and I'm struggling with getting my son to not go to sleep at the breast. I guess it gets better but I'm glad to know that everyone seems to struggle with one or the other a bit.

I had 10 different lc s in the hospital while he was there and none seemed to help us they all just either irritated me or repeated what I had heard 14 different times already. Since we are all home now I've had a little easier time with the pumping and the breastfeeding. He doesn't go for long but its a start. I had to start taking the regland which only makes me more exhausted than ever before.

[lara's mommy]

I get a lot more milk right after a warm shower. I guess I'm more relaxed and the heat from the shower lets the goodness flow!

[cali_girl]

Well I actually just stopped pumping. My son never took to my breast so I started pumping from day 1 to 13 months. All I can say is the first week is really critical on building the supply or that was what i was told. I used the medela advanced from the store. I pumped every 2 hours for 10 minutes on both breasts for the first week after that i only pumped when he was hungry. For a while i would pump when he ate, it seemed like the crying really helped with getting the milk out. I actually had a lot of extra milk. When I got to about 7 months my milk became kind of moody. When my period was coming i would get a lot of milk then when it was there I would have very little. So at that point i started to pump till they were empty about 15 min on the pump i had. the milk will come out and then it will stop for about 4 minuted and then the thicker stuff will come out. make sure you get the last stuff, i guess thats the most important part. hope this is helpful.

[JaysMommy]

Alternate breasts often, once one is empty, do the other, then go back to the first. I got a lot more that way. Atleast another oz off each side by going back. I'm an exclusive pumper, and aside from mastitis, haven't had any problems with pumping. I actually have my station set up in the living room next to the computer so I just surf the net while I pump and often I look down and the bottle is overflowing. I look at baby stuff alot of ebay and amazon, so maybe that helps with the let down :-) I also read and post here while I pump. The distraction makes it less of a chore.

[amilyarnaud]

wow i thought i was the only person in the world with these problems lol its so stressful i wanted to be a strictly bf mom but actually im a pump and formula mom i hate it

[tennisgirl]

wow i thought i was the only person in the world with these problems lol its so stressful i wanted to be a strictly bf mom but actually im a pump and formula mom i hate it

I am in the exact same camp as you - pumping and formula feeding. BF just has not been working for me and my LO. This thread has been unbelievably helpful and informative. Thanks to everyone for their input and advice!!

[jeryn80]

Be amazed at what your body continues to do for your baby. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and feel the milk letdown as you exhale.

So, I guess I was meditating in a way.

I am pumping as I read this and tried it--- Yay!! Great advice!!!!:hooray:

[NathansMom]

I find that heat packs help with letdown too.

[gottbaby]

I bought this hands free pumping band to go back to work, and it has been great! It's not very attractive, but it works! It fits over your existing nursing bra, and it's fully adjustable. I am very large breasted, and don't have a problem. It's a little tricky getting the flanges in and out (I have an Ameda pump), but I don't know how else you would design it to make it work better.

http://www.diapers.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?productId=8565

[lhill8]

i pumped for the first 18 months, and my pump was like my shadow-it went EVERYWHERE with me! if i only gave one piece of advice it would be to never be caught without your pump. always have batteries and a car power adapter for the unexpected engorgement. and an insulated cooler with ice packs if you don't have access to a freezer.

as far as pain with nursing your baby, pump instead! you can make it suction softer :)

[Olivia2009]

Sorry meant to start a separate thread...

[babykenny]

I read somewhere if you suddenly have a decrease in amount when pumping, get new membranes for your pump (the little white circle things that go in the bottle part)....I guess they break down over time and can get tiny little tears in them that decrease suction.

My LC told me exactly this too. She had me rent a hospital-grade pump (the Symphony wasn't available, so I have the Lactina for now...) and showed me the extra discs and reminded me to replace them if I find myself turning the pump up to full-blast to get anything out...



What helped me was to watch the milk come out. Be amazed at what your body continues to do for your baby. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and feel the milk letdown as you exhale.

So, I guess I was meditating in a way.

I agree. My confidence to produce shoots way up when I see what was in my breasts...I also have to remind myself to loosen up my shoulders and chillax!

:bigbfd:


I also find massaging my breasts while to empty the ducts helps a lot, and I am learning where the ducts that produce a lot and need a little coaxing to empty are...it also makes me for comfortable - instead of sitting there not moving at all.

[Tsuuriki]

Now, I just started pumping. I got 2 mL the first time, and I know that's to be expected. I was just wondering how long it took any of you for the actual milk to come in, or even to have a decent amount to feed your baby?
I'm pumping exclusively for now; my angel is in the NICU, and is only just beginning to take to the bottle; and I know I just started, but it seemed to take forever to get just those 2 mL..

[Mommy2009]

Now, I just started pumping. I got 2 mL the first time, and I know that's to be expected. I was just wondering how long it took any of you for the actual milk to come in, or even to have a decent amount to feed your baby?
I'm pumping exclusively for now; my angel is in the NICU, and is only just beginning to take to the bottle; and I know I just started, but it seemed to take forever to get just those 2 mL..

Sounds like your off to a good start - - - Best Wishes to you & your sweet little one!

Just stick w/ it & try to get at 8 pumps these early days. I KNOW it's hard w/ running back & forth to the hospital etc but this is the time that 'sets' the demand for your milk production.Oh & don't forget to EAT & DRINK!!! it's hard when u can't in nicu - but once i started eating more protien i got better pumping.

My son was in NICU for a week & it took a few days for me to even make enough to fall into the bottles. At first my husband (bless him) would use the little droppers they gave us to sort of suction the milk out of the flanges around the nipples...... oh boy...seems forever ago.

[Tsuuriki]

Pumping Day 3, and still just getting drops.. And now righty is sore and not producing anything! When I was discharged from the hospital, the nurse gave me a handful of syringes to get the little amounts out of the pump bottles.
Tonight, I tried pumping every couple hours for about 10 minutes, and I've achieved a whole half mL altogether.
Try again tomorrow morning!

[sophie'smom]

Keep on doing it, short pumpings as many times as you can handle. I did 10 minutes every two hours then 15 every two hours now I do 20 every two to three hours.

Drink lots of water too, I mean looots of water.

[alison1278]

hope you're getting enough milk now...just read from some other site that if you're having sore nipples, you can try some lanolin. If the sore is caused by thrush, gentian violet will do the trick

[babykenny]

Ok, my babe is 17.5lbs and 3 months old now. I exclusively pump and give him EBM. I pump approximately 40 ounces a day, and pump about 4-5 times a day. I need to produce more though, because soon I will not be able to produce as much as he needs. I've increased pumping from every 5-7hrs to every 4 hrs on the dot. I drink CRAZY amounts of water too. Any ideas on how to increase my supply??? :eyebrow:

[heatherk]

Ok, my babe is 17.5lbs and 3 months old now. I exclusively pump and give him EBM. I pump approximately 40 ounces a day, and pump about 4-5 times a day. I need to produce more though, because soon I will not be able to produce as much as he needs. I've increased pumping from every 5-7hrs to every 4 hrs on the dot. I drink CRAZY amounts of water too. Any ideas on how to increase my supply??? :eyebrow:

Is he already eating close to 40 oz/day? That seems like a lot to me. Breastfed babies do not increase the amount that they eat like formula fed babies do. I think kellymom says the average amount is 25 oz/day between 1-6 months. My DD never has taken more than 4-5 oz in a feeding and she just turned one.

If you do need to increase supply, I'd suggest supplements like fenugreek or mother's milk tea. I have not tried them, but others have had success.

[Burtonbabyhopeful]

How many ounces per feeding should a newborn get? My baby is 5 days old. I have been nursing, but considering switching over to pumping. I have no idea how much she is getting while I am nursing.

[lucee09]

Sandy-here is a good resource: http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

[Eve15]

question

is it bad to wait more than 4 hours to pump? will my supply go down? i try to pump every 3 hours but at night i some times go longer

[lhill8]

TiP!:

if pumping slows down, STOP. get up and do something else for 5 minutes and then try again. this always helps me to re-start my letdown and get more milk per pumping session!

[Luna]

Pumping w/ hand expression/hands on info. http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html

[elle77]

How many ounces per feeding should a newborn get? My baby is 5 days old. I have been nursing, but considering switching over to pumping. I have no idea how much she is getting while I am nursing.

As long as you are getting at least 4 poopie diapers a day you know baby is getting enough. That's what my LC says.

Question: Could pumping have caused my problem with fast letdown? I'm trying not to pump twice a day like I was doing to help regulate my supply more to my baby's appetite. I am leaking all the time like crazy and she is choking on my letdown. If I stop pumping will my letdown and leaking get better?

[lhill8]

the letdown will get better eventually regardless of pumping. if you have to pump (trying to build a stash?) then would keep doing it and not risk running out of ebm while you're gone for work!

[AHankammer]

I hated getting the water in my tubes. I pump 6 times a day and the moisture collection is horrible! I had the crazy idea to use my husbands compressed air. I put it in the end of the tube that meets the motor and send air through. I checked it and clear! It worked great! I keep a can with my pump at all times now!

Moisture in tubes + Compressed Air = Dry Tubes!

[Smplyme89]

Anybody have any advice on getting a let down on a Medela Lactina?? I rented one from the hospital for a month, but can't seem to get more than 1/2oz to an 1oz in a pumping session :headbang:

[AuGratin]

Awesome information ladies! Wow! Thanks so much for all the resources, tips, and feedback! I love this thread.

[Taz]

Hi ladies!

My little one is almost 6 weeks and because he had such an appetite from the start, I BF him on both breasts and then topped him up with a formula bottle. I was gonna maintain this until my milk came in nicely to exclusively BF, but because of the formula he slept for long hours and so BF was far appart. My milk never came in properly to give him a full feed without topping him up with formula and I'm sad to say that my milk is bussy drying up. I have to pump at least 4 times a day to get enough milk saved up for one full feed.

My question is this:
After 6 weeks and milk drying up, is there any chance for my milk to come in again and how can I achieve this? I should have pumped 2 hourly in the beginning instead of waiting for him to wake up to feed, next time I will know better.

Please help as I would really like to keep breast feeding him!