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Pumpers please come in

tmp-195892875001867tmp-195892875001867
in Northern California Babies

I tried pumping 2x yesterday.  I have the Medela Freestyle and love it!  I just want to get used to it and have a little stash on hand.

1st pump - full breasts , pumped in lieu of feeding, didn't attach one pump correctly - got 3 oz+ after 20 minutes, L6 speed

2nd pump - in between feedings, got 2.5 oz after 20 minutes but it made my nipples pretty tender (didn't happen first time) and I was sore during next b/f session, L6 too much so I did L5

Did I pump too long the 2nd time?  Just trying to figure out why my nipples were sore the 2nd time.

When you first started pumping, how did you do it?

Time(os if day), length of time, speed, etc.

Thank you!!

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Re: Pumpers please come in

  • we-love-to-trywe-love-to-try

    oh man... when I first started pumping, I pumped so much it started my pp bleeding again! (I was trying to be a rockstar and get it all done quickly!) It made my nipples sore, too. Still does at times.

    So, for me, I turn on the machine and leave it at that (low) level. I'm still able to get plenty of milk, but I don't need to 'crank it up'. Also, 'grease' your breast shields with some lanolin (right around where it goes from the breast to the nipple part.

     I had to stop pumping while I was still out on leave because it was just too much for my nipples to take. Also, my supply was really responsive (I'm not complaining) so I gave myself an 'oversupply' issue and I would wake up leaking all over because I just had too much milk. I didn't start pumping regularly until I went back to work. Now, I only pump twice a day while she's getting feedings at day care. I still have a bit of an oversupply (I pump 4 'tubes' she eats 3) but I'm working on matching it perfectly. I have only 2 frozen bags and I should throw them out because I had thrush, but I can't bring myself to do it.

     I hope this helps you a little bit! I really wanted a 'freezer stash' but now that I'm at work, I've realized that I don't need it.

     

    Oh, and I wouldn't pump for 20 minute sessions... 15 min max... OR, 2 minutes after the milk stops flowing. I tend to pump for 10 minutes (that's just what works for me).

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  • SeasonalCookSeasonalCook

    Ugh I wrote a response and the Nest ate it. Boo.

    I honestly don't remember what I did in the beginning. I think I pumped twice during the day...once before I went to bed and once after E's first feeding of the day.

    I have an Ameda Purely Yours and when I first started pumping I'd only crank the speed and suction up halfway. It hurt pretty bad but I got used to it and now I crank the speed and suction up as far as they go.

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  • tmp-195892875001867tmp-195892875001867
    Wow, Janessa - thank you so much!  I did tons of Internet research and your reply was far more helpful!  Thanks for the tips.
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  • we-love-to-trywe-love-to-try

    Work and pump

    Kelly Mom

    are both GREAT resources! Also, look for local BF support groups (have you been to Day One in SF, I think you have but want to confirm) their BFing group is free :) There's also others, I'd research SF to see what you can come up with!

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  • tmp-195892875001867tmp-195892875001867

    Thank you too, B!

    I planned to go to Day One and was just looking at their site yesterday!

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  • luojjangluojjang

    I always pumped at the lowest setting. I don't have the freestyle, but what size breastshields do you have? I know the standard is 24 mm, but my LC said that most women need to use a 27 mm. ONce I switched to a 27 mm - no problems.. if you're nipples are rubbing up and down the shields, you might need a bigger size.

     

    Good luck! I had oversupply issues also, so I didn't pump too much - but I did have a nice stash that became SUPER handy.. didn't think I'd need it, but right now that stash is what is allowing me to EBF till 1 year. 

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  • My.ABC.LifeMy.ABC.Life
    Thanks Ladies... I'm cutting and pasting this post for future referance!!!
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  • RevJGRevJG
    I was a huge pumping slacker until recently.  When N was born my milk supply didn't come in for over 10 days, so I pumped my poor boobs within an inch of their life.  So, when I didn't have to pump anymore, I didn't.  Then my DH worked like a maniac and went out of town for 3 weeks during the 2nd and 3rd months of her life and I never had time to pump.  Now I am realizing that I have to build a freezer stash, so I am pumping after her first morning feed and then again before I go to bed.  I get about 5 ozs total each time and it takes me about 10 minutes.  I think I may try and add another session in during the day, but we'll see.  I have the Medela Pump In Style and have always had to use the very highest setting. 
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  • joeysbabejoeysbabe

    At this stage I would just pump once per day for 10-12 minutes after a morning feeding or just before going to bed.  You may get a few ounces the first few days then you will start producing more. 

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  • futrkingsleyfutrkingsley member

    Janet, I'm jealous!  I barely get 4 oz if I pump at work when I haven't fed him!  5 after feeding would ROCK!  Go girl.  :)

     And I'm pumping 4 times a day at work, plus two at home to get 15 or 16 oz a day.  My crazy boy ate 18 oz one day last week.  I'm in over my head...Wish I still had some in my freezer!

     

    Off to pump!

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  • SeasonalCookSeasonalCook
    imagefutrkingsley:

    Janet, I'm jealous!  I barely get 4 oz if I pump at work when I haven't fed him!  5 after feeding would ROCK!  Go girl.  :)

     And I'm pumping 4 times a day at work, plus two at home to get 15 or 16 oz a day.  My crazy boy ate 18 oz one day last week.  I'm in over my head...Wish I still had some in my freezer!

     

    Off to pump!

    OMG! People have been interrupting me all morning and I'm so tired that I just remembered I haven't pumped this morning! Ack! I'm off to pump too!

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