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January 2012 Moms
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pumping sucks

HuahineHuahine member
in January 2012 Moms

I'm lucky enough to be able to work from home.  So usually the nanny hands me LO, I nurse him, then go back to what I was doing.  Totally easy.  Occasionally I use my manual pump to fill a bottle for a night out or when I know I'm going to be away from LO for a feeding.  But later this month I'm going to be working onsite at a client for a few weeks.  So for the past two weeks I've been trying to build a stash.  And I've got to say, pumping blows. 

First off, this sht is inefficient.  I know I'm getting so much less out, even when double pumping for 20 minutes at a time, than what LO can slurp down in 5 minutes at the boob. 

Secondly, what a hassle!  Cleaning pump parts, reassembling them, what a time suck.  Whipping out the boob is so much faster and easier. 

Thirdly, the worry!  Do I have enough? Is it going to stay frozen during our flight?  Will I be able to keep up with his needs pumping at the office?  If I'm not pumping enough out during the days I am separated from him, is my supply going to tank?  What a stressful situation. 

I've always had mad respect for the EPers and moms among us who pump during the day to fill bottles for daycare.  But now I can really empathize. My hat is off to you ladies. 

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Re: pumping sucks

  • Mrs.MauiBride24Mrs.MauiBride24

    It is a lot of work, that's for sure!  You're normal work @ home set up sounds awesome.

    Have you tried different size breast shields?  I know pumping is never as efficient as the baby, but I did notice that when I moved up to Large shields (vs. Medium) I was able to get more milk while pumping.  Just an idea!  Plus all the other tricks - look at pictures of your baby, drink lots of water, oatmeal, lactation cookies (milk makers if you don't want to bake).

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  • HuahineHuahine member

    Ooh.  Thank you for the cookie link!  I just ordered some.  I have been mainlining the Kashi Oatmeal Dark Chocolate cookies lately.  Maybe my body was telling me something. 

    I'll have to look into bigger shields.  My nipples are pushing against the walls of the flange as I pump, which is just not that comfortable. 

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  • kali55kali55 member
    Amen sister!  I can't seem to get it figured out.  My hat's off to EPers!


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  • NiniJ55NiniJ55 member

    Yeah it's a lot of work -- but coming from an ex-EPer -- you get used to it.  I was able to pump for DS until he reached 12 months.  I just stoped last month for DD due to her severe food allergies.

    Tips:

    • use your hands to manually compress and massage the breast before and during your pumping sessions.
    • Keep pump parts in the fridge -- that way you only have to wash pump parts at the end of each day vs. in between pumping sessions.
    • As long as you continue to nurse your supply will not tank.  Have faith. 
    • The key is to serve what you pump and nothing more.  Try not to dip into your stash unless you need to.  If you are pumping 4oz every 3 hours -- then LO needs to only be drinking that much.  If he is still hungry at the end of the day he can nurse off of you when you get home at night until he is satisfied.

     

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