Alright Ladies, I need some BF/Pumping help (sorry, long)

Mommysaurus123

...and I don't know who else to turn to because I don't know anyone who has ever BF past 6 weeks or used BM exclusively. (For the "Help" section, feel free to skip to the last paragraph.)

Recap: This past weekend was crazy. I had a job interview, a Praxis test, a birthday party, and work. I left my house at 8:30 AM and got home at 10 PM. I pumped 3 times while I was gone, at 10, 2, and 3:30. DH had to dip into our freezer stash (we used 9 oz of frozen milk) because I didn't have enough stored up.

Then I told DH that I hate that L won't nap for me. Whenever anyone else watches him, he sleeps at least an hour. For me? Nothing. So DH recommended that I use a bottle to feed him during the day because "He doesn't get full enough when you breastfeed him and if he's not really full he won't sleep." So I gave him 5 oz in a bottle but he still acted hungry. Then he spit up probably about half an oz. I just pumped 4.5 oz, so I'm a little behind on the day. Plus L hates being left alone so pumping during the day is nearly impossible.

AND I just got a full-time waitressing job... so I know I won't be able to pump at work.

Here's where your help comes in. I really need to know how to be able to pump 3-4 times/day and still keep my supply up. I'm drinking lots of water, pumping an extra 2 minutes after the last few drops fall, etc. I just got larger breast shields which I think has been helping, too. What else has worked for you?

nursedevivo

1ht

idk if everyone is like this but i always have 2 letdowns. i always pump abot 15 mins.for the 1st 5-7 mins i have a continuous stream . then nothing for 5 mins. but just when i think im done i always have another letdown that makes another oz per boob! have you tried that?

Mommysaurus123

Sort of... I always pump at my computer (they are set up next to each other), and I usually get distracted by FB or TB while I'm pumping, so I pump a while after each side is "done."

kat81

I was the one who posted that picture today with all of the milk...so yeah, I'm a pumper! Not EP by any means; just this weekend when I was out of town, and then I pump at work as well. 

I bet you will not have trouble keeping up your supply pumping just a few times a day. It is at least worth a try. Here are a few tips:

1) pump for a LONG time each session. I never really did the, "2 minutes after the last few drops fall" because in honesty I think it was like popcorn...there was always another drop here and there, and I'd just cut it off after I was getting major diminishing returns. But, unlike popcorn, you can get another let-down. This weekend I didn't pump overnight because I knew I was getting a decent amount of milk during the day and I really wanted to sleep. I went 6 hrs each night (I'd have liked to get 8 hrs sleep, but my schedule didn't allow it.) When I got up in the morning my boobs were giant rocks. But I'd pump and get 10-11+ oz! But rather than it taking me 20 min to get 4-5 oz, I had to take 40 min. If I took 20 my boobs were still not empty. So if your sessions are few and far between, they need to be long to get empty. Just make sure you empty out. 

2) shower beforehand (or use a warm compress if you're not at home). That helps get the milk out in my experience. 

I always thought that pumping more often would mean more milk, and less often would mean less. And that is true to some degree...but I've also found that pumping less often I end up getting more milk in each session. Again, just make sure you really empty out the boobs when you pump! You might even try to switch between sucking modes to get more let-downs...I've never actually tried that myself, but I have heard it might work.  

Mommysaurus123

kat81:

1) pump for a LONG time each session. I never really did the, "2 minutes after the last few drops fall" because in honesty I think it was like popcorn...there was always another drop here and there, and I'd just cut it off after I was getting major diminishing returns. But, unlike popcorn, you can get another let-down. But rather than it taking me 20 min to get 4-5 oz, I had to take 40 min. If I took 20 my boobs were still not empty. So if your sessions are few and far between, they need to be long to get empty. Just make sure you empty out. 

I always thought that pumping more often would mean more milk, and less often would mean less. And that is true to some degree...but I've also found that pumping less often I end up getting more milk in each session. Again, just make sure you really empty out the boobs when you pump! You might even try to switch between sucking modes to get more let-downs...I've never actually tried that myself, but I have heard it might work.  

Good advice. 40 is nearly impossible when I am home alone with Landon, but I think I will move my pump next to the couch so I can pump and watch TV with DH in the evenings and I won't mind spending the better part of an hour pumping because I won't be so removed from the action.

I have tried switching between settings (1-5 and the min-max dial settings) and that has helped too. I think I may just be too impatient... but I will definitely try the shower idea (though I always seem to leak in the shower!) and pumping longer (especially when DH is home and can watch DS).

Mommysaurus123

I was thinking of getting one... but we are super strapped for cash right now and the cheapest I've seen is $30. Know where I can find one cheaper?

Mommysaurus123

stephyrey:

MLS_Becker:

I was thinking of getting one... but we are super strapped for cash right now and the cheapest I've seen is $30. Know where I can find one cheaper?

No but I can give you an alternative. Take an old cloth bra or sports bra that you don't care about and use scissors to cut a slit where your nipple would be. It works. Although I find the bustier holds the shield in a little better. I did this to an old bra so I'd have something to use when bustier is in the wash.

They sell the bustiers at babies r us so if you have a coupon or a gift card I'd go for it to me it is worth the money.

 

I think I might grab an old sports bra and try it... that sounds like a great idea! Thanks!!!

kat81

stephyrey:

MLS_Becker:

stephyrey:

MLS_Becker:

I was thinking of getting one... but we are super strapped for cash right now and the cheapest I've seen is $30. Know where I can find one cheaper?

No but I can give you an alternative. Take an old cloth bra or sports bra that you don't care about and use scissors to cut a slit where your nipple would be. It works. Although I find the bustier holds the shield in a little better. I did this to an old bra so I'd have something to use when bustier is in the wash.

They sell the bustiers at babies r us so if you have a coupon or a gift card I'd go for it to me it is worth the money.

 

I think I might grab an old sports bra and try it... that sounds like a great idea! Thanks!!!

You're welcome. I hope it helps. I don't know that I would've lasted this long without it. I do so much while I pump fold laundry, play with LO, go on the laptop etc.

This. ("I don't know that I would've lasted this long without it.") I have the freestyle, so the pump is literally designed to be used hands-free all of the time. Hence the 40-min pumping sessions I did this weekend, plus, the 20 min ones I usually do. I am ALWAYS doing something else while pumping. I would go crazy if I just had to sit there. Or even if I had to be in one place. Part of my morning routine is to shower and then pump before leaving. I need to be able to dry my hair, pack my lunch, pack my work bag, clean up, eat breakfast, etc during that 20-min post-shower pumping!