Pumping Questions

ZAngel

I try to pump 3-5 times per day.  In the morning, I can usually get 8-11oz and then 6oz each time after that.  However, I have to spend at least 30-45 minutes on each boob and the milk comes out drop by drop.  I have to squeeze pretty hard to get it to come out.  LO doesn't really like to give me a whole hour to myself so I find it a real struggle to pump.  I am trying to figure out if I need a better pump or if this is just the way it is.  So, my questions...

1.  How long do you pump and how much do you get per boob?  Do you pump until nothing comes out or do you stop when you get a certain amount?

2.  Do you have to squeeze your boobs or does it come out "without assistance"?  If you have to squeeze, do you have a lot of pain afterward?

3.  Does your milk come out drop by drop or do you get a constant flow?

update -- also, please let me know which pump you use.

tez2101

I pump about every 3 hours, if possible. I get anywhere from 3 to 5 oz each time. I massage, squeeze, etc and try to get every last drop. However, I usually can only pump for about 15 minutes at a time since that is all DS will allow. I usually get a constant stream and then it stops. I am barely getting enough to cover DS, so I have had to start adding a little bit of formula to each bottle.

myantonia

1.  How long do you pumpand how much do you get per boob?  Do you pump until nothing comes outor do you stop when you get a certain amount?  

 I usually only pump for about 15-20 minutes, but I don't stop based on time.  I stop when it seems that both boobs are soft and my flow stopped or slowed to a trickle.  I pump both sides at the same time.  I get anywhere from 1-4 ounces per boob.  But, I pump at night and I've often had to feed DS several times throughout the evening, so I'm sure I could get more if I pumped at a different time. 

2.  Do you have tosqueeze your boobs or does it come out "without assistance"?  If youhave to squeeze, do you have a lot of pain afterward?

No squeezing and no pain! 

3.  Does your milk come out drop by drop or do you get a constant flow?

I get sprays that are in rhythm with the pump suction (if that makes sense). 

majors31

1. i usually pump for about 15/20 minutes.  i have a double electric.  if i'm not getting the output i need, i will give it a break and then single pump while massaging for an additional 5/10 minutes on each breast. It is recommended to only pump for 20 minutes per breast continuously.

You should try to empty the breast to make sure you get the hindmilk.

2. sometimes, i have to massage my breasts.  most of the time, i start at the top cupping in a "c" hold and massage down toward the nipple.  i don't do it really hard.

3. most of the time, it is a mix - drops with a stream.

if you don't have a double pump, i would really recommend it, especially if you are only pumping.  is your LO eating more milk than you are producing?  doing the math, it seems like you are getting a pretty good amount.

also, make sure your breast shields fit properly.  if they are too small or too big, it can affect the output.

ETA: i use the Ameda Purely Yours.  If you want to stay with Medela, i know a lot of girls on here use the Pump in Style Advanced.

ZAngel

Thanks girls!  Can you tell me which pump you use?  I am currently using the Medela Swing and think I need to try something else.

3VIBride

Completely unrelated- but your DD is gorgeous and where did you find the outfit she has on in the picture?  It is beautiful!

ZAngel

awww thanks!  I got the outfit at BRU

majors -- I am getting enough BM to cover LO.  Sometimes she will eat more at night and DH will give her one bottle of formula... but that is rare.  I would like to try a double pump.  I purchased the swing because it was less expensive and I wasn't producing much when I first started.  I didn't know if I would be able to continue BF, but my supply finally picked up and I want to keep going.  I will try some smaller breast shields as well.  I've noticed that the nipple does not fill the area.  It usually swells up to fill most of it, but I'm not sure if it is supposed to be that way.  I am using the softshields.  Thanks for the suggestions!

 

 

soontobemrslee

I use the Medela InStyle Double Electric Pump. 

I try to pump at least four times a day and I try and do it at the exact same time everyday.  When I'm it's easier to keep to a schedule, but I know that it is harder when you're at home and your LO is demanding your attention. 

I usually get about 12oz. with my 9am and about 6-7oz with my 1pm during the day.  Mine comes out pretty steady without having to massage.  I find what helps me is that while I pump, I think of my baby girl smiling and laughing.  It has seemed to really work in getting my flow going strong. 

Another thing is that I put the pump on the highest dial, so it is a little bit of a stronger sucking.  It hurt for the first few times, but you get used to it.

Hope this helps.

btw...my little girls name is Katelyn too!  She will be 3 months on the 28th.