EBF and going away for the weekend :/

Mommabroad

Hi ladies! Some boob questions for you:
My LO is 6 mo and EBF but I've been lucky not to have to pump very much because I work part-time. In fact I've only been successfully pumping out of a breast when my LO is eating out of the other one- then I can pump 3 oz in 10 minutes but without her eating on the other side I can't get the letdown reflex and it takes me 30 fairly painful minutes to get 1.5 oz or so and my boob still doesn't feel empty. I have to go away for the weekend and I'm worried about not being able to successfully express the milk when I'm away from her. (And possibly my boobs EXPLODING as a result! / not going to feel fun) Did anyone have similar pumping troubles and find a way to make it work?
Thank you!

orangecurls

I like to use a warm compress before and during pumping. I use lansinoh therapearl. And then I use visualization to help let downs. Like think of baby drinking yummy milk or how breasts are like Niagara Falls, overflowing with milk. Whatever is calming and positive that may work for you.

Mommabroad

Still no luck... I ordered a new pump in case that works better but I'm still so stressed about not being able to get the milk out and having them so sore all weekend or my milk drying up! Has anyone been in a similar position and what happened?

marijaa333

I had good luck with the Spectra but lately I've been hand-expressing. I'm actually away right now for work (1 day down, 4 to go) and hand-expressing has worked well.  There are some great tips here: https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/bf-links-pumps/ 

You do need to get the milk somehow if you don't want the supply to drop.