pumping only works if I use a heating pad

MCC1010

at the highest setting for 30 minutes before pumping. With the heating pad I can pump 5/6 ounces (combined) without it I get maybe 2 oz (combined). Anyone else having this problem? Is there anything else I can do besides the heating pad? The hot washclothes aren't helping anymore.

sassafras007

I will have to try that...do you use a towel on the heating pad?

MCC1010

No, I wasn't that smart. I just sit here with it laying across my breast at the highest setting for 30 minutes or so. I keep it on the one I am not pumping and then I switch. It still massage my breast while pumping and I swear the heating pad makes the milk shoot out.

Tina562

Hot shower?

MCC1010

Tina562:

Hot shower?

I've tried that and it used to work but I think it takes me too long to get to the pump.

brennatay

MCC1010:

at the highest setting for 30 minutes before pumping. With the heating pad I can pump 5/6 ounces (combined) without it I get maybe 2 oz (combined). Anyone else having this problem? Is there anything else I can do besides the heating pad? The hot washclothes aren't helping anymore.

 I was not aware that the heat pad could help, but I might have to try it. I seem to be having problems keeping up with DD's demands lately. I used to be able to pump 5 oz. total but the last couple days it's only been about 3. Hopefully my supply will naturally increase to keep up with her demands, but so far, it has not. 

Sorry I don't have any other advice for you. I'm sure you've tried all the standard things to increase supply. But if you figure something out that works, let me know! I can imagine how annoying using a heating pad for 30 minutes must be. So much more time-consuming.  

MCC1010

So far it is the only thing that works. I was so desperate I almost used an icyhot patch. Almost. I don't even remember how I thought to use a heating pad. I will warn you guys that you will feel like you are in a sauna after a little while but it helps make the milk flow easier. That is why I was hoping someone had a better idea.

squishles10

Do you pump with the pad on? I'm definitely going to try this...

MCC1010

squishles10:

Do you pump with the pad on? I'm definitely going to try this...

no cause it is too uncomfortable and hot but i have done it. I am clumsy and can't seem to hold both at the same time

squishles10

Hmm- I have a hands free bra. Maybe I can hold it that way. I'm sure going to try! I bet it helps me- when I get out of a hot shower I'm a dribbling mess!

blissfully_caffeinated

I've found that sometimes it really helps if I massage my breasts while pumping. It especially helped when I first started. I would only get a couple ounces. Then I would turn the pump off and back on (to get it to start another letdown) and massage my breasts. I could get another several ounces after that. Maybe it'll work for you too? I should add that I don't have to do that anymore.

MCC1010

blissfully_caffeinated:

I've found that sometimes it really helps if I massage my breasts while pumping. It especially helped when I first started. I would only get a couple ounces. Then I would turn the pump off and back on (to get it to start another letdown) and massage my breasts. I could get another several ounces after that. Maybe it'll work for you too? I should add that I don't have to do that anymore.

I just tried that - turning the machine off and on - it worked! Thank you!