Exclusively pumping Big Thread

Mamamonzo · May 2014

KatieGummow said:
Yay @snmetz7‌ I am happy your supply is going up! For me when I drink a ton of water I can get 5oz out of each breast, but can only do that once or twice a day because who had time to drink that much water?
---
I am getting frustrated because both boys are at 100mL which means that is almost my whole pump. I would like to be adding more to my freezer supply... I also am pumping closer to 4 hours apart vs 3 but I can't help it. I am feeling a little discouraged. Has anyone tried mothers milk tea? Does it work? Will my supply start going up because their appetites are? Or do I really just need to make sure I am pumping more often?
(Sorry for the novel)

I have used the tea! I'm running to the store for more today!! I think it really helps. I drink it 30 mins befor a pump. Taste is gross so I load of with sugar!

Have you tried power pumping? It might help boost supply since it's like cluster feeding!

snmetz7 · May 2014

@Mamamonzo‌ how often do you power pump? Every day .. Once a week etc

Mamamonzo · May 2014

snmetz7 said:
@Mamamonzo‌ how often do you power pump? Every day .. Once a week etc

3 days in a row every week

Eta: saw a huuuuge difference finally. Lefty usually produces 2.5 at the most. Got 4 last night!

snmetz7 · May 2014

dani+california said:

snmetz7 said:
I've been a dirty lurker on this thread as I haven't made the jump to EP yet but will be when I return to work at the end of the month.

This is a great wealth of info and I'm grateful to you ladies.

Dani... I know you said in an earlier post that you get 4 oz in like 5 mins but I heard that you need to at least pump for 10 mins to ensure a fore/hind milk balance.. Are you sure you are getting enough hind milk? If you are more power to ya! I wish my supply was that awesome.

As it is I'm struggling to get my supply up. Trying everything so I don't need to be told what I can do. It's slowly but surely increasing.
Thanks for pointing this out! I'm not sure TBH, how would I know if I am? Shoot! I'll have to do it for longer to be sure.

If there is a imbalance the poop would be more green in color

Sheybre · May 2014

I drink the fenugreek tea a couple of times a day! I think it's really helped. Doesn't taste the best so I add honey to it. Ordered it off amazon!

Mamamonzo · May 2014

Bump

spalumb9 · May 2014

What does "Bump" mean?

Lindsay808 · May 2014

Hi ladies. I've been mostly pumping with a few nursing sessions thrown in during the day (but usually ends up with both of us in tears and giving her a bottle of bm).

I was wondering if anyone else is having a hard time accepting the fact that EBF is not working out. My mom and DH have hinted that I'm showing signs of PPD linked to my anxiety and guilt for not being able to BF. I feel that all I think about is the next feeding and am having a hard time enjoying my baby.

Also, what is everyone's routine when their SO/DH can't help? Mine went back to work (he works nights), and I had a meltdown trying to feed, burp, change, pump, clean, and then trying to get some sleep..repeat..

ambarnett1 · May 2014

@Lindsay808‌ you are definitely not alone! My LO has a terrible latch, so I gave up BF altogether to EP. I don't know how long it will last, so I set weekly goals for myself. It's hard, I'm not going to lie.

I will change him before a feed, get everything together, and use a hands free bra to pump and feed at the same time. I don't clean until the morning or afternoon when DH can help. Like @eme520‌ said, put the parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge at night. It makes it easier, so your not always cleaning.

I have a history of depression and anxiety, so I've been experiencing PPD and PPA. A lot of it has to do with BF problems and him being fussy all the time. I'm trying to overcome my feelings about those things because there's nothing I can do about it.

Pumping is so much harder than BF in my opinion, but it's worth it. Don't give up!!!! Take care of yourself

spano41 · May 2014

My baby can't nurse because of a cleft lip and palate and I definitely went through a grieving period when I found out I wouldn't be able to breastfeed. In a way it might have been easier for me because there just wasn't a chance at all so I never had the frustration of trying to make it work. It sucks but now I've accepted it and made peace with it.

Lindsay808 · May 2014

Thank you ladies. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one.

maelic · May 2014

I started pumping today and I have a million questions:

Is it normal for my nipples to be bruised after pumping? Is the setting too high or the flange too small? It doesn't hurt (too bad, mostly just uncomfortable) when I'm doing it, my nipples just look awfully black and blue after.

Mamamonzo · May 2014

maelic said:
I started pumping today and I have a million questions:

Is it normal for my nipples to be bruised after pumping? Is the setting too high or the flange too small? It doesn't hurt (too bad, mostly just uncomfortable) when I'm doing it, my nipples just look awfully black and blue after.

Try turning the suction down. I haven't heard of black and blue nipples, but let's start with process of elimination! My nipples are sore and FEEL bruised but don't look it. Yours could just be extra sensitive!

spano41 · May 2014

Some people's nipples will turn bluish while pumping due to bad circulation but if they look bruised after pumping something isn't right. I would start by turning down the suction. Your flange should fit so that there is 1/8 of an inch surrounding the nipple. Your nipple shouldn't be rubbing against the sides but it shouldn't be so loose that it pulls your areola in either.

patunia7321 · May 2014

Yes to all of that. @Lindsay808‌ disappointment, guilt, anxiety. No matter how many times I tell myself (and am told by others) that it's not the end of the world- I feel like a complete and total failure.

scarles · May 2014

Good luck @Jessieann1020‌!! Don't stress about it. Take care of yourself. Your LO just wants a healthy mama!

KatieGummow · May 2014

@Jessieann1020‌ T&P for a smooth surgery and a supply when you're done healing. You're a kick ass mom for doing what you're doing!

Holeri · May 2014

@Jessieann1020‌ Good luck! Prayers everything goes smoothly for you!!

Mamamonzo · May 2014

jbug88 said:
So I've been doing every trick I know to increase my supply - fenugreek; lactation cookies, lactation smoothies, oatmeal for breakfast and lunch, beer, good hydration, power pumping, warm compress and massage while pumping - and I'm still only getting maybe one oz all
Together per pumping session.

Does anyone else have any other tricks? I am desperate to get this to work. I'd be happy to get enough for LO to get 3 full bottles from me a day, right now he only gets about a feeding and a half of BM, but usually only one.

What kind of pump do you have?

Mamamonzo · May 2014

Jessieann1020 said:
Thanks ladies!

Hope all goes well!!

scarles · May 2014

I met with an LC yesterday and it went really well. I was able to get Jack latched and he fed for 10-15 minutes. I just don't know if I want to BF when pumping is going relatively well for us and we are in a routine. It would simplify our nighttime routine, but I do not look forward to being a human pacifier and cluster feeding. I'm just not sure what to do. I have to go back to work in June so I'll need to pump anyway. Is it crazy that pumping seems easier than breastfeeding?

patunia7321 · May 2014

@jbug88‌ I don't have much advice, I'm in the exact same boat. How long have you been pumping? I started 4+ weeks ago getting a fourth to a half of an ounce and I'm up to an 1oz and a half/2oz total. I've done all of the things you've mentioned. I also got pumpin' pals flanges (they're super comfortable). I look at pics of lo as suggested by the LC and just about everything I've read, I use my pumping time to organize/edit/upload to photo ordering site/share w family. Mostly I noticed a bit of an increase when I (try to) take the "whatever" attitude about the whole thing. Whatever I get- I get. It's a vicious cycle of stressing about supply- stress hurting supply, and around and around. You're doing everything you can and you're an amazing mom. Your LO will benefit from any amount you're able to give. Keep on pumpin'

(my mantra for when I feel like giving up- aka everyday)

KatieGummow · May 2014

Would it be bad to refill a bottle the LO just ate and stick in it the fridge? Or no because of the mouth bacteria?

Edit autocorrect

scarles · May 2014

@KatieGummow‌ I think the official word would be no because if bacteria, but I've done it in a pinch.... Or when I didn't want to do dishes. I also will put an unfinished bottle back in the fridge.

nursewinnie · May 2014

For those of you who are supplementing, did you have to supplement from day 1, or has it been gradual? I'm having to start supplementing soon due to going back to work. I've been dropping pumps as to not cause too much pain when I can't pump (I anticipate only being able to pump before and after work and at lunch due to a crazy hectic work schedule) and I've noticed a definite decrease in supply. I have about 2 weeks worth in the freezer from the last few weeks of pumping and instead of just swapping to formula when I run out, I'm planning on just giving a bottle or two of formula per day until I'm out of BM.

I guess my question is, how did it effect baby when you introduced formula? Also, how much formula do you give per feeding? The same oz as you give when you give BM? Thanks ladies.

Jenn06L80 · May 2014

I have been supplementing with two bottles if Neosure formula since day one. I offer 3 ounces in each bottle and the girls usually finish it. They are 5 weeks now (1 adjusted).

I will transition to more formula as my supply drops or when I return to work in mid August. I am hoping by this time the girls can stop the Neosure and use a less expensive formula.

spano41 · May 2014

Got my freestyle pump and now I'm pumping while cooking dinner. It feels great to be able to multi task!

scarles · May 2014

@spano41‌ that's amazing!

KatieGummow · May 2014

@spano41 said:
Got my freestyle pump and now I'm pumping while cooking dinner. It feels great to be able to multi task!

My insurance covers that one, but I wasn't sure how it works. You love it? How many oz does it hold? Does It pour smoothly?

KatieGummow · May 2014

Just received the Kiinde system! Love it. The slow nip is really slow! They are not used to having to work for it! I might do medium for night feeding because it takes them forever!!! Also I pump more than I need to feed them, so I can't go pump to feed, I have to dump in it a "leftovers" bag which I am used to, but it is a little more difficult.

KatieGummow · May 2014

Seriously, it's been 30 minutes...

spano41 · May 2014

@Katiegummow the bottles that come with it hold 5 oz each but you could attach any medela bottle. The suction isn't as strong as the Symphony obviously, but it didn't seem to effect how much I was able to pump. It Is super small, like the size of a grapefruit, and has a clip so you can attach it to your pants and walk around. It comes with weird straps to hold the bottles up but I just used my hands free bra and that worked really well.

Holljade · May 2014

KatieGummow said:
Just received the Kiinde system! Love it. The slow nip is really slow! They are not used to having to work for it! I might do medium for night feeding because it takes them forever!!! Also I pump more than I need to feed them, so I can't go pump to feed, I have to dump in it a "leftovers" bag which I am used to, but it is a little more difficult.

When I have more in the bag than he eats I just leave it out for the next feeding. He never goes more than 4 hours without eating- can you do the same?

Also, I'm glad you like it so far!

nycgirlkat · May 2014

I've been on the verge of giving up for days. It feels like all I do is sit here connected to this pump! My supply has finally increased to 1.5 to 2.5 per pump, but I still can't get ahead! I ordered the Motherlove Fenugreek drops and hope it helps. I'm also going to call a LC to see if maybe she can come to help me get some actual breast feeding sessions in.

My huge issue has been finding a supplementing formula that doesn't make my LO wail all day and night. She gets one maybe two full formula bottles a day and the rest are either full breast milk or a mixture of breast milk and formula. I'm on my 5th formula now!!!! It was Similac Advantage, Enfamil Gentlease, Nutramigen, Similac Sensitive and after a full day and night of red-faced wailing the pediatrician said switch to Soy. So now she is on Similac Isomil Soy.

I feel awful. I'd love to be able to just go full breast milk since my sister keeps pushing me since it was "so easy" for her and my husband still is hoping for her to be breast fed. He doesn't push, but he just keeps trying to support me by telling me to just do what I can.

patunia7321 · May 2014

@nycgirlkat‌ I'm sorry you're dealing with that and I hope you find something that works. But mostly I want to say- tell your sister to fuck off

snmetz7 · May 2014

Bump

kwolslager · May 2014

Anyone having issues with managing an over supply of milk?
This is the second baby I've exclusively pumped with and I had the same problem with my last baby too.
I pump every 4 hours and sessions can last up to 45 minutes.
Yesterday I pumped a total of 18 ounces in ONE session.
I freeze a lot of it but the big issue I had with my last baby was that when it came time to stop it was so incredibly painful trying to wean. I'm terrified of going through the same thing, I've been researching things to try and decrease my supply.
Anyone know what I can do to try and get it to where I'm pumping a good average amount rather than over excessive amounts?

Holljade · May 2014

kwolslager said:
Anyone having issues with managing an over supply of milk?
This is the second baby I've exclusively pumped with and I had the same problem with my last baby too.
I pump every 4 hours and sessions can last up to 45 minutes.
Yesterday I pumped a total of 18 ounces in ONE session.
I freeze a lot of it but the big issue I had with my last baby was that when it came time to stop it was so incredibly painful trying to wean. I'm terrified of going through the same thing, I've been researching things to try and decrease my supply.
Anyone know what I can do to try and get it to where I'm pumping a good average amount rather than over excessive amounts?

Are you using a double electric pump? Why are you pumping for 45 mins.

Also I'd probably drop a pumping session and do that slowly until your ready to stop. What did you do to wean last time? MAybe wean at a slower pace?

JessieAlbin · May 2014

FFFC: I sure do hate pumping. Been pumping around the clock for a week now, and although Sullivan's pediatrician said I'm putting in a lot of work for a pretty negligible amount nutritionally, I feel too guilty to give up just yet. She said to give it a week and see if my supply improves, and DH and I are counting down the days until we can give up the ghost and FF while saying we tried. Stupid boobs.

patunia7321 · May 2014

@JessieAlbin‌ Im sorry. It really sucks when you're trying so hard. how much= negligible amount nutritionally? I have to call my LC tomorrow with a supply update and I have a feeling this is what she might say. LO is getting about 25-40% expressed milk per feeding but I've been at this for over a month with little progress. It would make life way easier to quit.

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