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Cincinnati Babies
Help!! Supply Issues
I'm still pumping every 2 hours. This is just not feasible for the entire run of Nolan's NICU stay as I need some sleep!! No matter what I do, I can not get past only getting 10ml total. That takes a LOT of work to do as well.
I'm only pumping on one side at a time now & massaging the HECK out of that breast trying to get that milk down. For a couple of days I had big knots that needed to be massaged but now they are gone as well.
I met with lactation on Monday who sat with me through one of my pumping sessions. We switched pumps & she REALLY massaged me - we were able to get 20ml total but obviously again- lactation can not sit with me through every pumping session as much as I want them to.
Any suggestions on increasing supply? Any help is appreciated 
I'm trying to keep the attitude that if I "only" ever get 10ml total then that's o.k. it's better than nothing for him.
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Re: Help!! Supply Issues
Drinking lots of water and eating oatmeal always boosted my supply, also sounds easier than it is but worrying about 'how much?' is counter productive. Ceck Kellymom too.
HTH
My supply didn't start making huge increases right away, it took some time to build up. Keep trying! Are you eating and drinking enough? You need a ton of calories while you're BFing. You also need to drink a lot of water. Some people swear by oatmeal, I had some success with wheat beers.
How long are you pumping at each session? Unfortunately, it really is all supply and demand so the best thing you can do is to just keep pumping. I know it sucks, I've been there, too.
Emeline 5.28.13
My Blog
Post-Baby PRs
Esri 5K 7.16.2014 - 21:30
Heart Half Marathon 3.16.2014 - 1:43:30
Canton City Marathon 9.8.14 - 3:30:56
Emeline 5.28.13
My Blog
Post-Baby PRs
Esri 5K 7.16.2014 - 21:30
Heart Half Marathon 3.16.2014 - 1:43:30
Canton City Marathon 9.8.14 - 3:30:56
Are you using one of the hospital pumps? When P was in the Good Sam NICU they sent me home with one of their hospital grade double pumps. I pumped both sides every 2 hours while he was in the hospital.
I agree with the water and oatmeal...both of those things really helped me.
20ml isn't too bad for his tiny self... how much is he typically taking in a session?
Hang in there mama! Pumping is HARD HARD work and its also stressful which I am sure you already have a ton on your plate with Nolan being in the NICU. My best advice is like pps have said, drink TONS of water (I tried to drink at least 12oz of water after each pumping session). Also you need to make sure you are eating enough. I can remember in the beginning feeling like all I did was eat, drink water and pump but really you need to keep your calorie intake pretty high.
How long are you pumping for during each session? I agree with pumping both sides at once, go ahead and do yourself the HUGE favor of investing in a hands free bra...I had one of these and it was truly a lifesaver! It made pumping so much easier! Keep massaging while you pump and also I found in the beginning that I needed to pump for at least 15- closer to 20 mins to get my max output. It took probably 2-3 weeks to pump more than 60mls so 20mls is pretty good at only 1 week! I stayed pumping every 2-3 hours for at least 3 weeks to make sure my supply was established and then I moved to every 3-4 hours.
Also, cut yourself some slack! You have a lot going on right now, stress and poor sleep can effect your supply too. You are doing a great job and Nolan is benefitting so much from every drop you can give him! You also had him really early, so it will take your body some time to realize that the baby is here and really needs your milk. I hope things improve for you! GL and keep us updated!
You've gotten some really good advice from PPs. And I agree that you have to give yourself some credit, you are doing a great job pumping as much as you are at this point!!
A couple other ideas: do you have a picture of Nolan you can look at while pumping? Having a picture of DD to look at seemed to help me during pumping sessions. Also, would you be able to apply warm compresses before pumping...or at least have a pumping session after you shower each day? That was typically my "best" pumping session.
You could also try Mother's Milk tea. I drank it a couple times a day and I'm not really sure how much it helped but it just so happened that I liked the tea and it was another way to get some additional fluids. I was able to find it at my Kroger in the organic section.
Hang in there...you are doing a wonderful job (and yes, it's a job...the hardest, yet most rewarding, job ever!)
All of the PPs have given great advice. My biggest helpers are drinking water, a hands-free pumping bra, and giving it lots of time. Sometimes I need to pump for 30 minutes to make sure I get a second letdown. And definitely pump both sides at once. Are you using lanolin or something similar to help your poor nips? Pumping can be hard on them. Also, try turning up the power on the pump. Sometimes I can get more in a shorter period of time if I turn up the power a little. Mine's usually about halfway between min and max.
Everyone has given great advice. I had horrible supply issues with DS1 (due to an undiagnosed postpartum thyroiditis condition), so I know how [seemingly] low output can weigh on your mind. However, as PP's have mentioned, give yourself credit for every drop you pump - every little bit helps, even if you have to supplement.
All that said, my biggest tips are:
You've been given some awesome advice and I really don't have anything to add, but just wanted to send you a big virtual hug!
Oh, do you have anything that smells like him or maybe try smelling baby lotion? Make sure you are warm and relaxed when you pump. I also have one of the elastic bands with hold for the flanges. That helps a ton so you don't feel so trapped.
This video, https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html, coupled with a handsfree bra are my 2 best tips.
The other big tip is 1 am - 5 am is when your prolactin levels rejuvenate... pump then. You might also try sleeping from 9p-1a (skip 1 pumping session), as rest does help your supply. But don't skip the 1a-5a/early morning sessions... those will be your best ones and the ones that help you bulk up your supply.
GL!
If you don't feel like paying $30 for a fancy pumping bra, I would just cut slits into an old sports bra. I cut slits into 4 sports bras and they worked great for the year I EPed.
I will ditto what kel716 said, try to get some rest it will only help your supply. I would stretch out to get 4-5 hours of sleep, otherwise you will wear yourself out. I would massage while pumping hands free so you can squeeze every last bit out of your breasts.
Also, drinking plenty of water and eating when you're hungry helps a lot too! You are doing awesome for as early as you are with pumping, you're ahead of where I was. I would keep up with your schedule and just remember to take care of yourself. Being a milk factory is tiring.
Keep up the good work mama!
DS #1 born January 2010. DS #2 due June 2014.
Thank you everyone for the suggestions- I'm going to be trying ALL of them!!
I know a big part of it is that I'm NOT drinking enough water. We are not allowed to have water at their bedside at the NICU however, a few of his nurses said don't worry about it & to go ahead & bring it anyway - I'm just not supposed to make it "obvious" Also, with everything going on I've LITERALLY forgot to eat for two days. I got home from the NICU last night at 11:45 p.m. & realized that I had TOTALLY forgotten to eat for the last two days. My mind is shot with all that is going on. My mom went to the grocery today for me so that I will be packing a lunch & eating while pumping. I will start eating oatmeal before I leave in the morning- good thing I LOVE oatmeal.
I am using a medela hospital pump. They provide them in the NICU & we rented one before leaving the hospital. I usually pump in the pump rooms but every night when Kevin does his kangaroo care - I pump at bedside - it's our "family" time - my favorite part of the day! I then again pump at his bedside before leaving for the night. They have screens that you can put up. It's a pain the ass to do it at bedside (getting screens, finding a pump, setting up, etc.) but I love that part of the day.
I'm pumping for 20-30 minutes at a time but I really only get milk in the first 10 minutes then things really stop.
I will really have to look into a bra that allows you to be handsfree - that will be a lifesaver!
I do have lanolin cream that they gave me.
The lactation consultant wanted me to see if my doctor would order a blood draw to measure my prolactin levels. However, from what you all are saying it sounds like I shouldn't be so worried about the quantity that I'm getting right now as it seems pretty normal?
I think I will try fenugreek & some mothers milk. I'm willing to try anything
Thanks again everyone...I'll keep you updated!!