Pumping

sgerrity23

I have been back to work for 2 weeks now and I have been pumping breastmilk for my lo.  She seems to drink about 4.5 ounces 3 times while I am at work.  I can barely get that much milk pumped at each pumping session.  Sometimes I can pump 5 ounces, but then other times (like today), I can barely pump 3 between both breasts.  The only thing I did differently today was that I bought a handsfree bra strap so that I could pump while being able to use my hands.  Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to get more milk out?  I have read tons of articles on what foods to eat and to drink water and all that.  But I still struggle with pumping enough milk to leave her and I don't want to feed her formula.

MrsWindyCity

I don't pump enough at work (and no amount of herbs/food/whatever seems to make much of a difference) but I pump about 1.5-2 hours after DS goes to bed and that is enough to make up the difference. 

whtny

Anytime I use my hands-free bra strap, I have to massage or compress my breasts occasionally while pumping.  I know this totally defeats the purpose of wearing the hands-free bra, but for some reason when I'm wearing it I just don't get as much milk.  Not sure why! 

kelly422

I let my pump run for about 15 minutes with the hands free and then I will massage a lot.  I end up getting WAY more milk out at the end with the massage.  It may not be an issue with how much you're making, maybe just the efficiency of the pump getting it out!

amcongdon

Not sure what kind of pump you have but I was also told to make sure you replace the membranes every 2 months or so with the Medela pumps. They can get tears in them and then they won't pump as well. I also massage towards the end to make sure I get as much as I can. I also drink a ridiculous amount of water and make sure I get enough calories. Ultimately if I don't get enough during the day I will add a pump at night. 

pinottoparenthood

Make sure you're relaxed when you're pumping. When I feel stressed and rushed, I get less milk. How much time do you have to pump? Sometimes I have to pump for 30-40 minutes... Try to take as much time as you can. Two more things that help me are looking at pictures of DS and doing breast compressions while pumping.

 Also, do the best you can, but you are.NOT failing at breastfeeding if you have to supplement with some formula. All that matters is that baby gets fed, and society feeds way too much guilt to new moms about formula. Your baby will still get all the great benefits of breastmilk, even if you have to mix in some formula here and there!

Eleventy11

I pumped as soon as I got up when I was pumping for DD. I would pump while putting on my makeup. She would usually be up to nurse about an hour later. If I didn't get enough during the day, I would sometimes pump as soon as I got home on the opposite breast than I fed on. Remember that you can use the weekends to catch up for the week...though I never did. I loathe pumping!