Any advice on how to achieve a let-down?

SyrKristina

I've been BF DS for 2 weeks now and, besides the early on latch issues, we have been doing well. I go back to work full time soon so the pediatrician suggested that I start trying to pump. I bought an Ameda Purely Yours pump after using it for 2 days, the motor burned out. Customer service was great and a new motor was mailed to me. I just received it this past Tuesday and started trying to pump again. I seem to be only pumping less than an ounce between both breasts. I read that this is normal if you do not have a let-down. Tonight, I tried to pump one breast while DS was latched to the other and I pumped just under an ounce. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Luv2Run1st

Time of day may matter. Morning is always best to pump more.

Sometimes it is hard to get a decent let down if you pump right after feeding the baby.

For me, what helps, is to relax and just looking at a picture of my baby. I keep the pump going for 20-30 mins and am usually able to get at least 2 let downs in that time. So maybe try pumping a little longer too. This is a weird one, but sometimes if I am sitting, standing up (maybe gravity) helps me to get another one.

If you get a handsfree bustier that can help make pumping much easier for you to relax and get a let down. I love the SimpleWishes Hands free 

 I use the same pump as you and it has worked great.  

misssurly

Try pumping more often during the day... I didn't start getting more until I signaled my body to make more. Or maybe just over time my body got more used to the pump. To get letdown usually I have to take a huge deep breath and try to totally relax.

My LC said to pump until it's drops - or about 15 minutes max each side. I've also read that first thing in the morning is best and make sure you are really hydrated! 

katcarls

That's completely normal at this point.  Right now your body is making milk based on what your LO is eating, so there isn't going to be much leftover to pump.  Continued pumping will stimulate more production and you'll start getting more.  Time of day can have an effect too, like PP said.  I usually got the most when pumping after our first morning feeding too.  Kellymom is a good online BF resource.  Here is one page about pumping output.

SyrKristina

Thank you so much for your advice and suggestions! I'm just getting really frustrated. I would hate for DH to have to formula feed DS when I go back to work. Glad to hear that this is normal, especially when nursing full-time, which we are.