pumping questions

mtlotslove

I've been back at work for just over a month now and recently I haven't been able to pump enough during the day to keep up with LO. So I've been trying to add a pumping session or 2 during the day and also pump a couple times on my days off as well. I don't want to dip too much into my freezer stash.

My questions...

Do any of you have this problem? If so how often do you pump?

Also, how often do you wash your pump parts? I keep my parts in the fridge at work and wash them when I get home. But when I'm at home I was them after every use since it's usually about 12 hours until I pump again. I feel like I'm washing everything all the time!

How much do your LO's eat?

Thanks!

mtlotslove

I have the Medela pump in style. I did just change the membranes the other day but I haven't worked since. I'll have to see how it goes.

Vavavictoria

I have the exact same problem. I pump at 5am or after whenever DD wake up motn. I also pump 3 times at work and once before bed. I started eating lactation oatmeal and I feel like it has helped. However right now DD is finishing up her second meal of the morning (she ate at 0430 refused to go to sleep and is now eating again an hour later) which leaves me with nothing to pump now and running late for work so we will see how things go today.

Eta: same with the pump parts. Fridge at work, constantly washing at home.

doglover31

I pump in the morning before work and 3-4 times at work. I've been pumping about 20 ounces a day, which is just enough for DS. On the days I pump less we've had to use my freezer stash.
I haven't changed my membranes yet but I need to look into doing that. Also breast compressions while pumping, video of baby crying, looking at pictures of baby, and not focusing on how much is coming out helps me. I've found if I don't look at how much I'm pumping during my session I get more by the end of it. Pumping is so hard compared to breastfeeding. I applaud the women who exclusively pump.

mana8503

I noticed a drop last week.  I didn't know if it was from having the flu, or being off almost 2 weeks without pumping.  This weekend I added flaxseed and brewers yeast to everything, drank a ton of water, mother's milk tea and changed out the pump parts.  I really think it was the pump parts.  I was back up yesterday, and so far so good with my first pumping this morning.

I only pump 3 times a day at work, as that was enough before.  We really had to pull a lot from our freezer stash last week and while I was sick so I might start pumping on weekends again to build it back up.  I like starting the week with 20 oz, but she usually eats 12-16 oz while I'm at work.  My mom (who watches her during the day) wants to start cereal to see if that helps, but I'm holding off until her 4 month apt next Friday.

Alessia87

I will be having the same issue. I go back to work in 2 weeks and I am a teacher and teach three periods in a row so I just looked at my schedule if I feed dd at 6:30 ish drive to work prepare my day period 1 starts at 8 and I won't be able to pump until 10:20 will that be too much time without pumping... Also I produce a lot more in the morning

HorseLover11

Right now I pump 4 times per day so I can send her with 3 6oz bottles - I nurse her on one side and pump on the other and I get 4-5 ounces from just that one side. I will then nurse her at 730 before bed and if my boobs feel full or if I'm up later I might pump once more before bed. I notice drinking plenty of water, massing my breasts while pumping, and going for about 30 minutes gets me what I need for her. I work from home and still keep my parts in the fridge to make it easy. 

To get started for the week I do have to dip into my freezer stash to get the 3 bottles ready and get caught up but then on the days she's home I'm able to save an extra 4-6 oz from each morning pump. I was stressing big time about keeping up and experimenting with formula just to know she would be fine and it made me feel less pressure. I hope that is helpful! 

Daisy1232

I've been pumping more than LO is eating, but the Dr said he needs to gain more weight so I'm going to have DH start supplementing with formula in the bottle.  If LO would take formula...I might hang on to BFing for another 2 months to 6 mo and then stop.  He needs to gain weight and if the formula helps, it might be better for him.  He's only taking 4 oz at a time but we're trying to up that, so he will probably eat more than I can make.  

I put my parts in a cooler bag with the milk and usually an ice pack.  I do keep one of the medela steam sanitize bags in my pump bag just in case I drop parts.  

Pumping at work sux, but at least we can if we choose to.  I've been thinking about investing in some Freemies.

camichael84

I'm a SAHM, but I've been EPing since DD was 6 weeks old. I dealt with supply issues in the beginning and Fenugreek (3 pills at least 3xday), lactation cookies, lots of water, and frequent pumping for extended periods of time helped.

I pump at least half an hour each session, longer if I'm still getting good let downs towards the end. I pump 5x/day and get enough for the day (DD takes about 27 oz/day) and some to freeze (usually 2-4oz). The things that seem to effect my output the most are not drinking enough water and stress. I can also tell a big difference between new membranes and old membranes.

I wash my parts every time I use them, but since I'm home all day that's feasible. I definitely feel like I'm washing parts and bottles all day long.

Daisy1232

@ArkansasMom22 the word of the day is "galactagogues"!

mtlotslove

Thanks everyone!

I'm fortunate enough not to send my LO to daycare, my DH watches him 2 days a week and my mom on Saturdays. But I do usually leave 3-4 3 oz bottles for my mom (I make DH get them ready himself) but there is always my freezer stash if more is needed. But I've been giving him 3 oz and he seems satisfied. 

I pump 3-4 times at work but I think I need to get on a better schedule and pump 4 times (I'm at work between 10&11 hours). I've only been getting 2 oz per session. Ugh.

I do have to massage every time or else I get nothing. It didn't use to be like this, I'm not sure why it's changed.

I don't think I'd be able to pull of pumping while he nurses. He moves around too much and I generally give him both boobs anyhow. 

I've started drinking the Mothers Milk tea. But I'm probably not eating enough. =/

mtlotslove

ArkansasMom22 said:

And with the mother's milk tea you are supposed to have like 5 cups of it a day to make any impact. What I do is steep 3 tea bags at once in 16oz of water and do that twice a day, it makes it more concentrated but I like it that way

5 times a day??? holy cow!! I guess I need to up my intake! Thanks!