? for EP'ers or EBF's who pump

LissaLynn0682 · February 2013

I've never been one of those lucky ones who pumps more than 4 ounces per session. In the last two weeks, pumping has been terrible!

I can pump for 30 minutes and still only get 2 ounces total. I used to get almost 4 ounces. No AF and no sickness. I take CMZ supplements but haven't tried fenugreek yet. When DD breastfeeds, she doesn't act like there is a change in supply so I am not sure that it's a supply issue.

Did anyone else have issues with pumping supply decreasing? I changed the membranes in my pump. I also tried pumping with a different pump and there was no difference (a friend of mine had a brand new PISA that she never used).

Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone else in my position?

bethCT · February 2013

oh yeah, I am in that boat too. I suck at pumping! I know I am a low producer, so I know I will need to supplement... But I pump 3 times a day and get about 6 ounces. My best pumps always come in the car. And this morning I pumped at 9, and I never pump at 9, and got 3 ounces! I can't find a rhythm or a reason to my pumping madness. I have found that I need to put the pump to letdown mode for each side (I pump one side at a time), I can't just put it on in suction mode, even if milk is coming out. I get more if I force a letdown first. Fenugreek is not helping me now, mostly because I keep forgetting to take it - ARG!

Good luck!

Socialworkgirl · February 2013

Google power pumping. I EP and I think that is the one thing that has definitely helped my supply when it has been low. Unfortunately, it only seems to help me for a several weeks and then it starts to go back down.

Oatmeal is another thing that I think has helped me.

Are you on the mini pill? That can impact supply.

Can you add a pumping session each day?

Are you drinking plenty of fluids?

LissaLynn0682 · February 2013

I'll have to give the power pumping a try. I usually eat oatmeal every other day (sometimes that's all I can stomach of that mush). I do take the mini-pill so I wonder if that's part of the problem.

Thanks for the tips!

svdrummajor07 · February 2013

I always force a letdown and I always gently squeeze my boobs as I'm pumping. It helps get a lot more milk out. I can get about 8oz a session that way.

Tweets06 · February 2013

Strangely, almonds work for me.

Also, I have tweaked the suction on my pump A LOT. The setting that works best for me seems to be a day by day thing. Also, similar to PP, I massage while I'm pumping and I watch the flow while I'm doing it. Sometimes I find a spot that is particularly successful at increasing flow... other days I feel like I'm just giving myself bruises by squeezing so hard or so long. I watch videos and look at pictures of DD which sometimes helps and I daydream about snuggling with her in the middle of the night when she wakes me up to feed her... that seems to put me in a lactating mood. I never did fenugreek because it is contra-indicated for people with asthma... : P

Good luck!

T

jnnfrrose6 · February 2013

First, I love your winter picture! Second, I vary anywhere from 2-4 oz a side per session and have seen a decrease myself lately, so I feel you on this. I know stress can be a factor, which doesn't help since we get stressed about not pumping enough! Mornings are usually better for supply (I was even able to sneak in a quick session after feeding my guy this morning as it didn't feel like he'd completely emptied one side-got an extra 3 oz to store!). The pill can definitely be a factor (why I've chosen not to get back on it yet, we're sticking to good old fashioned condoms). I think the most important thing is your baby. If they seem to be getting enough, then try to stay calm and keep doing what you're doing. My struggle with all of this is that I'm back at work, so I can't step away every couple of hours to try and step up my supply with more pumping sessions, I just pump when my son eats a daycare. Know you aren't alone and good luck!

emilyec1 · February 2013

Fluids made a big difference for me. Also, I know they say to try to pump at least every 3 hours, but for me I got more when I waited 4 hours between nursing in the morning and then my first pump at work and then pumped 3 hours after that. I've also read to not watch how much you're pumping. I've been doing that and it may have helped as well. All that said I rarely get more than 4 oz per side per session. (I breastfeed twins.)

dureem · February 2013

Has your baby started to eat more solid or pureed foods? Your supply can also take a dive since your baby is not needing as much breastmilk since she is getting food now. My supply decreased with both of my girls once they were put on solids.

Ladiebug710 · February 2013

svdrummajor07:
I always force a letdown and I always gently squeeze my boobs as I'm pumping. It helps get a lot more milk out. I can get about 8oz a session that way.

I second this. I get a lot of help from massage and compressions during pumping.

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