no let down at work!!

globalwife · February 2012

I'm getting so frustrated which I am sure is making this problem worse. My DD is over 6 months and I am quite proud that we have EBF. I've been back at work full time for a month and half now. Things have been going well plus I have a stash of over 200 oz. Well, last week, I stopped having a let down when I pump at work. I could try for 30 minutes and would be lucky to get an ounce from both boobs! Sometimes on my second attempt of the day, I would have one though. I also pump first thing in the morning while DD feeds on one side and never ave an issue then so I know it isn't the pump. Today I have tried to pump twice (spent about 1 hour total now trying) and havn't had a let down. My boobs are full!!! I'm at work till 6pm today and I have one more chance to try in a couple of hours. Fingers crossed it goes better this time or I can't imagine what my boobs will feel like. I have a camera with pics of DD that I look at and try to relax by breathing but I don't know what else to do. Any tips? and what is this going to do to my supply? will I start drying up if this continues?

farmlinz · February 2012

I always pumped more milk if I looked at pics of DS and visualized theilk coming out. Imagine baby at the breast and how it feels, how warm baby is, how they smell... Good luck!

Tink112011 · February 2012

I'm sure you're heard this before, but for me, pumping is all about relaxing and visualizing my LO. My boss thinks I'm working while I pump, but I absolutely cannot multi-task or I don't get any milk. If I'm distracted, I could be attached to the pump for hours and not get anything.

Sit back in a chair, relax your body, close your eyes and visualize LO nursing. When you feel the tug of the pump, imagine that's LO.

Try not to get frustrated hun, it will only make it worse!

daniella2727 · February 2012

Are you squeezing your breasts and doing compressions? Try that.

BradleyInstructor · February 2012

I just came back from my lactation specialist training and my instructors said that breast massage prior to pumping for about 5 minutes helps with let down. Rule of thumb, sing Happy Birthday 3x first. You can also try hand massaging your breast while the pump is working and hand expression after pumping. I saw one video where the woman got twice as much milk with hand expression AFTER she pumped. It just stimulates the breast in a way that the pump cannot. GL!

JillianAshley6 · February 2012

If nothing else works, Fenugreek is a let down aid. I notice that my let down is MUCH more forceful when I take it.

globalwife · February 2012

JillianAshley6:
If nothing else works, Fenugreek is a let down aid. I notice that my let down is MUCH more forceful when I take it.

I have a feeling this might be the problem. I was drinking fennel tea daily and stopped drinking it last week. I'm going to be drinking it tonight and before work tomorrow in hopes it helps.

Thanks everyone!!! I'm off to go pump again and hope to fill up the bottle!!

cyprissa · February 2012

I sometimes have this issue when I travel overnight. I think it is stress related and is self-perpetuating. All the pps gave really good advice. The only thing I have to add is try using a manual pump when you have problems. That typically does the trick for me when I don't let down with my double electric (PISA). Good luck and try, try, try to relax.

Eta the last 2 words!

AmyRI · February 2012

All of these suggestions are good.

I have to lean forward slightly to get a letdown sometimes, and compressions always help. Making sure I'm warm enough also helps.

courtneyklv · February 2012

Ok wait..so you should pump when u have let Down only? I feel it Thoughout the day but do not run and pump then. I guess I do it when it is convenient. I will get more milk if I do it when I only feel the tingles?

mabst196 · February 2012

courtneyklv:
Ok wait..so you should pump when u have let Down only? I feel it Thoughout the day but do not run and pump then. I guess I do it when it is convenient. I will get more milk if I do it when I only feel the tingles?

No the pump should bring about let down. You will not get more or less milk if you have a letdown at some random time during the day.

AmyRI · February 2012

mabst196:

courtneyklv:
Ok wait..so you should pump when u have let Down only? I feel it Thoughout the day but do not run and pump then. I guess I do it when it is convenient. I will get more milk if I do it when I only feel the tingles?

No the pump should bring about let down. You will not get more or less milk if you have a letdown at some random time during the day.

This. Your pump should be stimulating a letdown for you, and the milk should start streaming out much faster when that happens. It is possible for the milk to stop flowing, but if you keep pumping you can get a 2nd letdown. What pump are you using?

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no let down at work!!

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