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Working and Pumping: Do you ever get discouraged?

KGskyKGsky member
in Babies: 9 - 12 Months

(sorry, this is kinda long)

I imagine if you have no supply issues, this probably doesn't apply at all, but I am really frustrated at the moment.  I feel like pumping and feeding and doing all the things I need to do to keep my supply up are a full time job within themselves. Now I'm stopping every 2 - 3 hours, 20 minutes or more a day (by the time you set up, pump, break down, wash and store) for a measly 2.5 oz or less!!!  I come home at the end of a day with barely enough for one feeding.  Then I'm pumping after she goes to bed, up in the middle of the night--that is if I can will myself awake that long--to pump, sometimes only to end up feeding her what I just pumped because she's still hungry. 

Then I have to wash all the parts again--and her bottles from daycare and the one she just drank.  I won't even go into all the fenugreek tea and barley water I prepare and drink--on top of the liters of plain water I try to drink.  Oh, and calories.  One missed--or really small--meal and my body says milk? what milk?    I'm wondering if it's not time to just throw in the towel--of course that would be now that DD is extremely aware of and attached to the boob.  Now, I'm sick (which seems to happen every time I try to start a workout regimen so it appears I will NEVER lose this weight!) and have been for the past 2 months!  I already had chronic sinusitis pre-pregnancy, so no meds is not an option. 

Did I mention she won't eat solids?

 Oh, and the freezer stash is gone...

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Re: Working and Pumping: Do you ever get discouraged?

  • LovingMyHubbyLovingMyHubby member

    Lots of views and no replies...I'm guessing you aren't alone Wink

     I understand, and I am starting to get pretty discouraged as well.  My supply is taking a huge drop, event though I pump 3 times a day at work. I am also getting really worn out by it all, and I feel that it is taking a toll on my body.  DD's pedi recommended one formula bottle (or cup) a day now though b/c she hasn't gained weight for a couple of months.  He wants her to have the extra calories.  I am taking this as an opportunity to cut down on my pumping sessions and slowly wean.  I am disappointed because I really wanted to go to a year, but I feel like 9 months is a HUGE accomplishment and we should be proud of ourselves.  Good luck, hang in there, I know it's hard.

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  • digginjadigginja

    I just passed the 6 month mark this week, and I am starting to get very discouraged with pumping at work. It is a huge PITA and huge time committment, and my supply has TANKED in the last couple of weeks. I am now supplementing with almost every bottle. My original goal was 6 months, but now that I made that, I would like to keep going....but holy cow!

    You have made it 9 months. That is fantastic!! I hope I can make it that long...I haven no advise...but I feel your pain!

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  • tanny05tanny05

    Me!  I won't complain after seeing your post though.  My supply is tanking.  Meaning instead of 20 oz in the am pump session I'm down to 12oz per session. 

    I hope it gets better but know you're not alone. 

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  • B*B*
    I totally feel your pain!!  OMG...I am starting to worry as well. I haven't supplemented yet. When I started back to work I had about 30 5oz bags of milk in the freezer. Today I have 4! I pump every 3 hours at work and usually get 4oz each time...I then have to pump twice at night inbetween feedings because my DS still eats EVERY 3 hours, I have to try and get at least another two ounces to make two 5 oz bottles and one 4oz bottle for daycare the next day. Sometimes I can't get enough so Daycare has to use freezer stash...I'm really starting to worry. Waht do I do when there is no more freezer stash?? DS has never had formula and I was hoping to EBF for at least 9 months. So Kudos to you on making it thsi long.  I just wish I could leave to BF. I have NO supply issues when I EBF. I HATE pumping!!!! Oh and I feel on on the calorie thing..If I don't eat enough in a day I can see it damage my supply.
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  • SeasonalCookSeasonalCook

    Big hugs.

    Sounds like you've done a great job of pumping and BFing for 8 months. Might be time to give yourself a break!

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  • melsengmelseng
    I think we are in the same boat.  Don't know if the recent holiday and traveling (and not consistently drinking enough fluids) is hurting.  I'm trying to drink a lot at work and just finished some oatmeal and will probably try fenugreek again b/c I too would like to make it to a year.  Good luck! 
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  • DKM2006DKM2006
    It's slightly comforting to know I'm not alone in this. My son is almost 7 months. My freezer stash is officially gone, too. I pump about 12 oz. a day in four sessions, and I need at least 15 oz. to send to day care. I think supplementing is in my near future, followed soon by weaning. Sigh...
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  • mrsmoultonmrsmoulton member
    I was in the same boat as the rest of you until a few months ago, when someone on this board suggested a prescription drug called Reglan. It's actually for stomach problems, but as a side effect it causes your body to produce more prolactin (you know, the stuff your body DOESN'T make when you pump). I called my obstetrician and got a prescription, and saw an increase in my supply immediately. It wasn't drastic - I went from 12 oz pumped in a day to 20 or so - but it was enough to keep me from having to supplement, and let me relax. It can have side effects like depression and excessive tiredness for some people, but I never experienced any. They typically prescribe a two-week supply, then have you wean off the meds and hope your supply stays up. Mine didn't, but because I don't have any adverse reactions, I've simply stayed on it. I can't tell you how big of a relief Reglan has been for me. I would advise anyone to give it a shot. Good luck!   
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  • eowynmneowynmn
    I feel your pain, and I only pump 3 x a day at work. It sucks.  Moms who can just bf all day (stay at home and dont have to pump) and FF moms really have no idea.  I wasup int he middle of the night all the time too.  I do understand that you are completely fustrated.  Maybe you could think about FF while at daycare and bf at home?  Just cause you stop pumping doesn't mean you wouldnt produce at home.  I normally wouldn't recommend that but if you are only getting 4-5 oz a day at work....  There's a tradeoff somewhere where it does get to be too much for working moms.
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  • MollyK0222MollyK0222 member
    I am right there with you!  I pump 3x a day and I get 7-12oz. (if I'm lucky) TOTAL per day.  What makes it worse, is that DD is having a harder time BFing b/c she is curious about the world and I think she's getting frustrated w/ my supply too.  We HAD to start supplementing at around 6 months.  It is frustrating, but I'm trying to hang in there until a year too... I guess I'll just pump until I dry up??
    Lilypie Maternity tickers Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Lilypie Kids Birthday tickers

    miscarriage at 8 weeks - August 2009
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  • KGskyKGsky member
    Wow, for a while there I saw all these views and no replies.? I thought everyone was just reading and saying "what a wuss!"? of course, this being the nest, I'm sure someone really would have relished posting that if it were the case! I'm so glad I'm not alone.? Sometimes I feel like B.f.ing is just an exercise in perseverence--and a healthy way to feed your child, of course.
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