LC and/or EPers: pumping problems

Re: LC and/or EPers: pumping problems

• LeighAnneIBCLC

  August 2011

  Hi Rachel,

  Regarding the pumping - you may want to rent a pump if you are not already using a rental grade.  Also, you may want to try to pump in shorter bursts more frequently - this mimics a baby more. I know you cannot do this at work but it can help in the big picture.

  Also, relaxation techniques truly work. Try closing your eyes while pumping, deep breathes,imagine water flowing, water falls, the ocean, etc.

  I know, I know - it all sounds so new-agey - but it works!

  It is hard to work outside th e home and keep up a milk supply.

  Also, try lots of skin-to-skin with your baby - this creates a hormone exchange which can have a positive impact on your milk production.

  Another idea - it is not too late to try to get her to the breast. Why not give it a try?

   Let me know how it goes.

  ~Leigh Anne 

    

   

   

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• AmyRI member

  August 2011

  Do you have a pump that has membranes that you could replace? If that doesn't help, I'd try renting a hospital grade pump ASAP, and keep hand expressing as much as possible so your supply doesn't dip from never being emptied.

  
  

  #3 Due April 2016

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• mamababyrn member

  August 2011

  LeighAnneIBCLC:

  Hi Rachel,

  Regarding the pumping - you may want to rent a pump if you are not already using a rental grade.  Also, you may want to try to pump in shorter bursts more frequently - this mimics a baby more. I know you cannot do this at work but it can help in the big picture.

  Also, relaxation techniques truly work. Try closing your eyes while pumping, deep breathes,imagine water flowing, water falls, the ocean, etc.

  I know, I know - it all sounds so new-agey - but it works!

  It is hard to work outside th e home and keep up a milk supply.

  Also, try lots of skin-to-skin with your baby - this creates a hormone exchange which can have a positive impact on your milk production.

  Another idea - it is not too late to try to get her to the breast. Why not give it a try?

   Let me know how it goes.

  ~Leigh Anne 

    

   

   

  I am using a hospital grade pump while at work, and it doesn't seem to make any difference. I had been able to put her to breast occasionally, but she has been refusing now because it is taking too long to let down. 
  

  Hannah born 4/5/11
  TTC #2 since 1/14
  Miscarriage d/t blighted ovum 8/14
  

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• LeighAnneIBCLC

  August 2011

  Rachel,

   

  Would you consider acupuncture or herbs to increase your milk? These have proven helpful to many moms.

   

  ~Leigh Anne 

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• mamababyrn member

  August 2011

  LeighAnneIBCLC:

  Rachel,

   

  Would you consider acupuncture or herbs to increase your milk? These have proven helpful to many moms.

   

  ~Leigh Anne 

  I am not as concerned with my supply at the moment (I had an oversupply before, so while it is decreased, it is still adequate.) I mostly just need to figure out how to pump in a timely manner to maintain the supply I have.
  

  Hannah born 4/5/11
  TTC #2 since 1/14
  Miscarriage d/t blighted ovum 8/14
  

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• Kymbirleigh member

  August 2011

  racheleo:

  LeighAnneIBCLC:

  Rachel,

   

  Would you consider acupuncture or herbs to increase your milk? These have proven helpful to many moms.

   

  ~Leigh Anne 

  I am not as concerned with my supply at the moment (I had an oversupply before, so while it is decreased, it is still adequate.) I mostly just need to figure out how to pump in a timely manner to maintain the supply I have.
  

  I'm sure the LC can confirm this, but from what my lactation nurse told me, the pump isn't as good as baby... So it's not always going to be consistent, and isn't an accurate representation of how much milk baby is getting.
  

  

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• AmyRI member

  August 2011

  racheleo:

  I am not as concerned with my supply at the moment (I had an oversupply before, so while it is decreased, it is still adequate.) I mostly just need to figure out how to pump in a timely manner to maintain the supply I have.
  

  Can you control the speed at which the pump runs? I usually need to have it pump quickly to trigger a let-down and then it can switch to slower to get the milk out. (The PISA has 2 phases, one that is quick to help trigger letdown and then it switches to more efficiently remove milk, to simulate how babies suckle while bfing. I switch between the phases as necessary to get as many letdowns as necessary to empty, or nearly empty.)

  
  

  #3 Due April 2016

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