Pumping

Susan2685

Hello everyone,

I know I'm being silly and a lot of you have to pump all day but I am nervous about this Saturday. I will be going shopping alone (without DS) with my sister 2 hours away (to a small village ..no malls or big baby stores with nursing rooms). This is going to be my first time leaving DS for more than 3 hours. When I pump at home I can't seem to get any out unless I'm watching tv (even if I'm super engorged at night..I'm super worried about being engorged shopping and not able to get any milk out. I'm actually thinking of excuses as to not go (even though I really want to...and I don't really want to bring DS because we have snow here and we will be going in and out of shops all day). Any advice?

Mzbr

Can you do hand free? Bring a book or magazine that interests you. I find the more distracted I am the better results.

lady_tytah

Try record his noises and some of his cry. Our baby's cry, for some, help activate our let down. Also like pp said and bring something to distract you. The old saying 'a watched pot never boils'goes for pumping too

klmcguire

If all else fails and you get engorged just hand express enough to make you more comfortable.

Have you tried looking at pictures of your baby?

Whittyone12

The LC that taught the class I took said to try 30 sec. Of nipple stimulation before you pump. It has helped me become much more efficient at work. If you have a phone with internet You could also pump and bump. We are always a good distraction.

Susan2685

Thanks, 

I have a manual pump so I end up using both hands but maybe I'll bring a magazine or my kobo so I can distract myself. I must be one of the few people that doesn't have internet on my phone. I have an IPhone but cancelled the internet because it is so much cheaper. (I just use wifi at home and therefore do not use a data plan). I'm so nervous about going away and having to deal with pumping.

If I do manage to pump a fair amount can I save it. I think I saw somewhere breast milk is ok for 24 hours at room temperature. The temperature will probably be changing quite a bit because of going in and outside ...would it still be good? Or if I put the milk in my car (and it is below 10 C...do you think it would be ok)? 

latnprincess

Susan2685:

Thanks, 

I have a manual pump so I end up using both hands but maybe I'll bring a magazine or my kobo so I can distract myself. I must be one of the few people that doesn't have internet on my phone. I have an IPhone but cancelled the internet because it is so much cheaper. (I just use wifi at home and therefore do not use a data plan). I'm so nervous about going away and having to deal with pumping.

If I do manage to pump a fair amount can I save it. I think I saw somewhere breast milk is ok for 24 hours at room temperature. The temperature will probably be changing quite a bit because of going in and outside ...would it still be good? Or if I put the milk in my car (and it is below 10 C...do you think it would be ok)? 

BM is good at room temp for 6-8 hrs.  If its in the car and its 10 deg outside, your milk is more than fine.  Try hand expressing and reading a book on your phone or a magazine.  Anything to take your mind off of it.  If you're too nervous about it, just take baby.  Engorgement is NO FUN!