EPing and low supply

Re: EPing and low supply

• amm0512 member

  October 2013

  I EP and have managed to increase my supply by pumping every two hours in the daytime. I also would take 5 minute breaks after pumping and start again; it may be misguided, but I thought it would "trick" my breasts into thinking they needed to produce more. I went from 2 oz per session to 4-6 oz. Not sure why it fluctuates so much, but it is better than the original 2oz.

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• kelseyjohnston member

  October 2013

  I heard oatmeal helps with supply...but I don't have personal experience with it. Just an idea. Good luck!!!

  
  

  
  

        

  
  

  
  

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• llreid10 member

  October 2013

  slh6363 said:

  I have posted similar questions on the BFing board but have found all they will tell me is to nurs nurse nurse and see a LC....well I have already come to terms with EPing so clearly that advice won't help me. I know EPing is a tough road but I am willing to do anything to make sure my LO is getting breast milk. To make a lomg story short I have a preemie, was in the NICU for a week, which I believe contributes to our difficulties with BFing. Anyway I am EPing end of story. My problem is I am only getting about 2 oz when I pump for 20 mins every 3 hours or so. This has been enough up until now but now he is starting to eat 3 oz at a time so I have been supplementing 2 bottles at night and using that milk to add to the milk I pump to make 3 oz for each bottle. Is this what I should be doing? Also any tips for increasing supply for EPers? I have tried Mothers Milk and also increasing pumping sessions but nothing seems to help! Feeling frustrated!

  I am right there with you!!! It is so frustrating!!! Try Fenugreek that has upped mine some!

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• lhall1008 member

  October 2013

  I have a preemie as well and we were also in the NICU for 8 days. I pumped the entire time he was in there and experienced frustration as well. The LC at the hospital stressed the importance of relaxing... Easier said than done. But I did notice a difference with a couple of her tips. I would place a warm washcloth on each breast for a couple of minutes prior to pumping to simulate the baby being on your chest. Also made sure it was warm in the room, at home I use a small space heater. I also did what a pp said aboutt a 5 minute break and then starting again, this increased my production. With my first child, I used milk maker cookies when she started eating more than I could supply and noticed an increase, so you might look into those. I know that your supply can become an obsession- been there. The best thing I can say is to try and relax. Good luck!

  

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• magdalina.h member

  October 2013

  You can mix your milk. You'll want to try to mix same day together.
  Drink mother's milk tea, take fenugreek, make lactation cookies, power pump* and make sure you are pumping every 2-3 hours during the day. That will help your supply.
  
  Even though you aren't nursing, skin to skin and latching (if possible) can also help. My daughter doesn't transfer milk, but will latch so after she gets a bottle, I put her on the breast to help keep my supply up.
  
  *for an hour, you'll pump for ten minutes then take a ten minute break
  
  I pumped for a year with Lucas and will pump for a year with Alexis too.
  
  

  

  

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• Mthurm17 member

  October 2013

  I am an EPer also for my twins. I only supply enough milk to feed one baby regardless of taking fenugreek, mothers milk, pumping more often, pumpink longer,etc. We typically give both girls breast milk during the day and formula at night (I pump at night and save that milk for day to e feedings). We have also mixed formula and BM together (per our dr's OK). It's tough, but just do the best you can!! GL!

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• slh6363 member

  October 2013

  Thanks ladies! It's nice to know of other EPers out there having similar issues!

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• Celestialjensen member

  October 2013

  I EP and occasionally supplement with formula also. I find taking a hot shower before I pump really helps or putting a hot wash cloth on my boobs really increases my output.

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• thedash member

  October 2013 edited October 2013

  I pumped and supplemented with DS. My supply took a huge hit when I went back to my stressful job. Eating oatmeal helped me a lot. If I had two packets of instant for lunch I got 1 oz more at each pumping session the rest of the day. Being very warm and breathing techniques to relax helped too.
  
  Like PP's I sometimes take a 5 minute break or put the suction on the lowest setting for a while and then pump again and get another letdown. I've heard the suggestion to put on a one hour TV show and pump while you watch but turn it off during every commercial break.
  
  Changing my flange size made a huge difference in my pumping output too. Have you considered pumpin pals? I may order them for when I return to work. If you buy the full set through their website you get a money back guarantee. I know many EP'ers swear by them so it's worth a try. A good handsfree bra will also allow you to work or get some things done while you pump. Good luck!
  
  ETA: I would also consider renting a hospital grade pump to use at home for one month and visiting a LC experienced with pumps. They can help you fit the correct flange and give you tips on suction and speed settings. My LC this time told me I should have the speed on medium and then slow it when I start letting down. I EP'ed for 6 months with DS and didn't know that! She also said a regular pump makes it much harder to increase supply but hospital grade will help. They are only $50 per month at my hospital.

  DS: 2/17/11          DD: 9/4/13

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