Exclusively pumping Big Thread

ambarnett1 · April 2014

Hi ladies. I've finally just read through the whole thread and have a question. My little boy is 8 days old and I have been pumping since he was 3 days old due to a bad latch. I pump for 15 mins every 2-3 hours and get about 5oz each time. At what point do I start freezing some? I consistently have about 30oz in the fridge right now. He eats about 2.5-3 oz each feeding (every two hours). So I just don't know when I need to start freezing some. I would like to have a small 'just in case' stash going.

Thorpe27 · April 2014

Strictly breast feeding had me to the point where I was almost crying every feeding time. I have to use a nipple shield due to flat nipples, and my boy sucks REALLY hard. To the point where he makes me bleed almost every time. I have been pumping the past couple days and doing that instead, a lot less painful... But I'm not really sure how much I should be feeding him. He's 8 days old today. I was feeding him every 2 hours. But now that he's getting a lot more at a time, It's closer to 3 hours. I have just been letting him have as much as he needs. Normally around 2 oz or so I think

Mamamonzo · April 2014

Jessieann1020 said:
We have this very weird pumping, formula feeding, and random nursing schedule and it really isn't working. We are just kind of winging it. Last week I decided to try incorporating some nursing to see if that would help my supply and I was also stressing taking the pump places so I thought this might be a good compromise. Now I am more confused than ever. I still am not getting enough milk and he is getting lots of formula at this point. Do yall have a routine down? Anyone else winging it still?

My routine:
4am pump
7 or 8 am pump
Then every 3 hours after that. I make sure to pump at 11:30 pm to get his first night time bottle all set (doesn't even go to the fridge) feed him between 11 and midnight and then He eats every 2 hours.

If I'm power pumping info it around 5pm when my supply is a little lower it gives it a boost.

If we are out and about and I miss a pump I squeeze two Into a 3 hour period

patunia7321 · April 2014

Thorpe27 said:

Strictly breast feeding had me to the point where I was almost crying every feeding time. I have to use a nipple shield due to flat nipples, and my boy sucks REALLY hard. To the point where he makes me bleed almost every time. I have been pumping the past couple days and doing that instead, a lot less painful... But I'm not really sure how much I should be feeding him. He's 8 days old today. I was feeding him every 2 hours. But now that he's getting a lot more at a time, It's closer to 3 hours. I have just been letting him have as much as he needs. Normally around 2 oz or so I think

that sounds about right to me. My LO was taking 2oz at that time. He's a month tomorrow (yikes!!!) and is up to a little less than 3oz now

scarles · April 2014

@Ambarnett1‌ I am in the same boat! I am wondering the same thing. I think I am waiting until I get about three days ahead so I can have the next day's feedings in the fridge... Not sure exactly how I will start freezing yet!

alyssa0410 · April 2014

Start freezing as soon as you can! I have about a days worth in the fridge, and I freeze the rest. If the fridge is looking low, I'll just restock instead of freezing. My son is 18 days old and we have a pretty sizeable freezer stash going. (I really need to buy a chest freezer).

Two nights ago, I had a bad gallbladder attack and had to go to the hospital. I had to get a CT scan and the because of the medication they used, I had to pump & dump for 24 hours. I was heartbroken but very relieved I had a freezer stash and didn't have to use formula.

Kelsey2me · April 2014

Hello ladies!! I'm joining the EP bandwagon! I had to use a shield because of flat nipples and LO would get too tired to finish eating and would get extremely fussy and frustrated. We thought it was colic but I was convinced it was related to my supply. A few nights ago before bed I pumped a total of three ounces and have it to her in a bottle. She sucked it down and slept for almost four hours. That's what made the decision for me. I had one very challenging day of barely pumping what she needed (and supplementing a little) before my supply started to come back. During that day I pumped almost once an hour and drank mothers milk tea. I now can get about 2-3 oz per breast when pumping every 3-4 hours. I haven't figured out how to feed her and pump at the same time so I made a schedule that has worked for is so far. LO takes 2.5 oz each feeding and 3oz right before bed (when I want her to sleep for a long time). She feeds 9 times a day and I pump 7 times a day. I just make sure I pump the correct number of ounces to equal what she takes in each day. I haven't attempted to freeze any yet. I'm wondering if I should empty the breast at each pumping session or just pump the ounces that I need. Thoughts?

patunia7321 · April 2014

@Jessieann1020‌ My routine: roughly 12am, 3am, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm. If I go somewhere I try to work it out so that I pump right before I go and if I miss one I try to make it up. I also try to squeeze in extra ones whenever I can. I've been doing my power pump at 3 because DH is home from work. I hate to do it- but I might have to start setting an alarm for my MOTN pumps. I'm still only getting 1.5 ish oz total.

@kelsey2me I'm not an expert but if I were in your situation I'd pump to empty. I'd rather end up with an oversupply since you can just freeze extra than have a decrease because you're not sending the "my boobs are empty make more milk" signal

also... I'm pretty jealous of all of you and your lotsa-milk-makin' boobies! Keep on keepin' on ladies!

KatieGummow · April 2014

@Kelsey2me‌ I would pump to empty. It is nice having extra in the fridge in case they cluster feed! I keep at least 4 pre made bottles (2 per baby) in the fridge at all times. We have a pretty big freezer supply now and it is really comforting. I feed then my fresh milk at our night feedings or when DH has them and I pump right before they eat.

megs3084 · April 2014

Jessieann1020 said:
Have any of you looked into taking Motillium? My best friend took it for 5 months and pumped around 30 ounces a day and breast fed. I know you can order it online with out a prescription but I am going to talk to my OB about it first. I am anxious to see what she says.

@jessieannn1020 I considered it because I heard it had less depression side effects than reglan but I wanna talk to my OB first. Motillium doesn't have fda approval in the us so I wasn't sure how shipping would work.

patunia7321 · April 2014

@3crazykitties whoever said "don't cry over spilled milk" obviously was not an EPer with a low supply. Keep on pumpin'!

. I've never heard of either of those meds but I'm planning to call my doc and see if there is something the can prescribe to increase my supply. I feel like after 4 weeks of EPing around the clock and trying all the natural tricks it's time to see if meds will help. I'm not sure who to call for this one though- OB pedi or LC?

scarles · April 2014

@Kelsey2me‌ I agree with PP you should pump to empty. It may affect your supply if you don't!

Kelsey2me · April 2014

Will do!! Thanks ladies!!

scarles · April 2014

Major accomplishment - I pumped (6 oz!) and fed Jack at the same time! I felt like Super Mom!

huge time saver at 2 am.

Kelsey2me · April 2014

@megla‌ How do you feed and pump at the same time? I have a double electric and hands free bra but I'm not sure how to feed LO with the big bottles and tubes and such.

scarles · April 2014

I sit in a recliner and lay Jack on my side, so he's laying on my leg and and the armrest. I prop him up on a pillow to feed. A boppy might work better. I also have a newborn boppy lounger than I plan to use when I pump in bed. It definitely needs some practice but it worked last night. When I feel better from my c section, I'm going to try sitting on the floor while he sits in the bouncer.

Amyboxer · April 2014

I try to feed LO while pumping and sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I could see it being a problem as he gets bigger for sure. So I'm sitting here pumping wondering why they can't make shorter flanges/valves and wider short bottles to pump in so it doesn't take up so much space and make me feel like a fembot from Austin Powers. Then this morning, as if it were fate, I find out about these cups called Freemies that you can pump with your shirt on fairly discreetly. Amazon reviews were pretty good so I just ordered a pair. They were $49 and compatible with my Medela pump. I'll let you ladies know how they work out. But I'm getting excited!!

KatieGummow · April 2014

This is how I do it. Real time photo

scarles · April 2014

@KatieGummow‌ you are a champ!!

KatieGummow · April 2014

I am super sore on the left side of my left boob. Does that mean I have a clogged duct? It has been sore for 3 days now. I have tried massaging but that's it.

KatieGummow · April 2014

eme520 said:

KatieGummow said:

I am super sore on the left side of my left boob. Does that mean I have a clogged duct? It has been sore for 3 days now. I have tried massaging but that's it.

Do you feel a hard lump? It might be. You may want to try a hot pack or heating pad before pumping and massaging. Hope it clears up!

@eme520‌ no lump that I can feel. But i will try the heating pad anyways. It doesn't hurt it is just really tender.

Mamamonzo · April 2014

@KatieGummow‌ you'll know a clogged duct! Super hard lump sore if you even look at it, your boob will feel like it's 9000 lbs.

It's the best feeling in the world once you work that sucker out!

KatieGummow · April 2014

@Mamamonzo said:
@KatieGummow‌ you'll know a clogged duct! Super hard lump sore if you even look at it, your boob will feel like it's 9000 lbs.

It's the best feeling in the world once you work that sucker out!

So happy to know this! Thank you! I am sorry if you've had to deal with that... Sounds absolutely miserable.

patunia7321 · April 2014

Just got the feed/pump combo down, awww yeah! I was worried that I'd be stressed and pump even less than the minuscule amt I usually get. That will definitely make life easier!

Mamamonzo · April 2014

KatieGummow said:

@Mamamonzo said:
@KatieGummow‌ you'll know a clogged duct! Super hard lump sore if you even look at it, your boob will feel like it's 9000 lbs.

It's the best feeling in the world once you work that sucker out!
So happy to know this! Thank you! I am sorry if you've had to deal with that... Sounds absolutely miserable.

I've had 3 so far! Soo annoying!

Mamamonzo · April 2014

My nipples are like permanently hard. Is this happening to anyone else? I don't know if my flanges are the correct size!

scarles · April 2014

I woke up to rock hard boobs and at least one plugged duct. How do you know if you've worked it out? It definitely feels better but I'm worried it's not totally gone.

MrsSmith0312 · April 2014

BUT I DON'T WANT TO PUMP RIGHT NOW! (anyone else feel like yelling/crying this throughout the day?)

spalumb9 · April 2014

All day every day I scream that I don't want to pump!!!! I HATE feeling like my life revolves around the dumb pump and not around spending quality time with my baby!!!!! I only have a short time left before I go back to work and I don't want to be hooked up to the darn thing the whole time that's left!

ambarnett1 · April 2014

Some days I just want to quit even though I know it's good for the little guy

scarles · April 2014

We can do this! I feel the same way. I have no issues with formula but I know BM is best for my LO. Try to stay positive ladies!

patunia7321 · April 2014

When I have to go somewhere I pump right before I leave and as soon as I get home and I keep trips short. I've tried to come to terms with the fact that I'm tied to the pump. Kind of owning it. I'm choosing to EP rather than go to full formula so this is how it has to be for now and it's not forever. I'm trying to get myself to have that mindset.

scarles · April 2014

patunia7321 said:
When I have to go somewhere I pump right before I leave and as soon as I get home and I keep trips short. I've tried to come to terms with the fact that I'm tied to the pump. Kind of owning it. I'm choosing to EP rather than go to full formula so this is how it has to be for now and it's not forever. I'm trying to get myself to have that mindset.

This! It'll get easier later when we get down from 8 pumps per day.

KatieGummow · April 2014

@Jessieann1020‌ I read somewhere that they make a car attachment for pumps, so you can take it with you since you are so far from town.

KatieGummow · April 2014

And yes, being tied to the pump is no fun at all.

spano41 · April 2014

I've been lurking in this thread for a while because I'm EPing too. Just wanted to say that it's nice to hear that this is tough for other people too. Not that I want it to be hard for anyone, but just knowing I'm not alone makes me feel better. It sucks being tied to a machine and spending 5 hours a day doing something that you dont enjoy, especially when there are so many new responsible to take care of. It's reassuring to hear people sticking with it and staying positive. I'm 10 days in and already feel like quitting. I'm trying to set short term goals to make it seem more manageable. Right now I'm just trying to make it to 12 weeks. 1 week down, 11 to go!

Jenn06L80 · April 2014

Any tips on how to pump faster. I am using a medela symphony and it usually takes 30-45 minutes for the milk to stop coming. In this time I usually get 4-7 ounces. I just wish I could pump for 20 minutes and be done.

KatieGummow · April 2014

@spano41‌ lol I totally get you. If it wasn't so worth it... I want to quit before every single pump.

@Jenn06L80‌ I read on kellymom.com that you should only be pumping for ~20 min, because you can never truly empty your breast. You are constantly making milk, not just when you empty your breast, so technically the milk could never stop dripping. I go to 20 and maybe a minute longer if I am spraying milk still.

KatieGummow · April 2014

Weird Q: does anyone clean off their nipples after pumping or just stick them back in the bra?

spano41 · May 2014

I let them air dry while I am disassembling my pump parts then put nipple cream on them and put them back in.

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