BF Moms who pump: Trouble Building Stash?

EmStyle180 · May 2014

So I EBF but am also trying to pump to build a stash for when I can't be around...However, with a baby who seemingly nurses constantly and having a busy life in general, it is difficult to pump more than once a day. The problem is, on the days I pump, he becomes extra fussy in the afternoon as if I am withholding from him or something. At any rate, we end up giving it to him in a bottle and he sucks it down as if he hasn't eaten in days. He is a big boy with plenty of wet diapers and I know he is getting enough milk so what gives?! Has anyone else dealt with this or learned how to work through it? I need a stash for a friends wedding coming up so I'm worried I won't have enough on hand. I should also mention he will NOT take formula at all. He will only take a bottle if it is my breast milk.

teachermommy9967 · May 2014

I'm wondering the same thing DS is 6 weeks and I have only managed to pump enough for a 4oz bottle. I would love to be able to have a small stash in the freezer so hubby and I can go out on a date night or if I ever can't be home when he needs to eat. But He still wants to eat every 2 hrs and once he finishes eating I need to take care of my 2yr old twins so I don't have time to pump after feedings. Thanks for posting this I would like to know what others do

Adrianabates · May 2014

I'm having the same problem. DS is in daycare now, I've had to supplement with formula so he has enough. Has anyone tried fenugreek (sp?) or other herb milk stimulants?

EmStyle180 · May 2014

The only thing I have "tried" in order to increase supply, is beer

. @teachermommy9967 , mine is also six weeks and my 3 year old sucks up any and all leftover time and I don't think I have it in me to stay up late to pump!

lalaith50 · May 2014

I had this exact same problem, and it was only in the past couple days I figurd out a solution. He has started sleeping longer at night, usually a 5-6 hour stretch, so I feed him at 8pm then put him to bed, then pump before I go to bed. Then he doesn't miss the milk since he won't eat again for several more hours.

stephcrosby09 · May 2014

How much do you get when you pump once a day? If you get 4 oz per pump, that should be enough after a couple days if you want to go out. How many feedings do you think you will be gone for the wedding (a couple hours, overnight, etc.). I find I just have to be disciplined when it comes to pumping, whatever time of day it needs to be done. Your production is much higher in the morning, then the afternoon/or early evening. Also, maybe having a goal in mind of how much you need will be helpful (like set a short term goal of having x amount for when you want to go to the wedding). I find that helps me. Also, don't forget you USUALLY (I know not always the case for some people) need a huge freezer stash because your milk will change with your babies needs as they grow.

I don't pump daily, but at least once a week due to her sleeping through the night (occasionally lol) and being full.

Maybe try not giving into the bottle when he acts that way? I know it might mean losing your sanity for a night and I am definitely guilty (think short term goals)! He might help you produce more! You can do it momma!

lwebley · May 2014

I only pump once a day, first thing in the morning when I'm always really engorged and know there is more than enough milk. I pump one side and feed the other

One part of me really wants a big stash for when I go back to work, and the other part of me is terrified I'm going to do all that work and he won't take it.

stephcrosby09 · May 2014

@lwebley I had a friend who's baby wouldn't take a bottle and the caregiver used a spoon. She BF'd for 18 months!

Charissale · May 2014

I'm having a hard time finding time to pump also. I want to go out with DH for our anniversary next Thursday and will need at least a couple bottles...

kaking78 · May 2014

@lalaih50 That's a great idea! I think I'll start trying that once he's into a more predictable nighttime routine.

I also do what @lwebley does most mornings, but sometimes he's hungry enough when he gets up that he wants both sides. I usually get enough that I can buy myself three hours of "freedom" during the day.

jasi704 · May 2014

Not sure if this will work for you, but it works for me. For DS's bedtime and MOTN feedings, he usually only nurses on one side. Or if he does take the second side, it's only for a couple minutes before he passes out. I end up pretty engorged by morning actually. So I bought a single manual pump. And for those two feedings, while I nurse on one side I pump the other. I may only get 1-2 ounces per feeding, but that goes directly to the freezer stash. I've been doing that for a little over a week now, and I have a decent stash going.

Srs08856 · May 2014

Try nursing if he's still hungry after you've pumped... You will never be totally empty after you pump, and your body will respond and make more for your LO.

KTdid81 · May 2014

I make a lot more overnight. I can usually pump the most between 3am - 7am. During the day is about 5-6 oz every 3 hours, while overnight is 8+ oz every 3 hours.
How long are baby's nighttime stretches? If he sleeps 4 hours at a time, it may suck, but you can get up & pump every other hour.
Also, I pumped a little after every feeding to increase my supply. I didn't get anything at first, but now it's increased and can usually pump about an oz after each feeding (besides evening ones). Which is good bc I have a big eater.
Or you can try mixing formula with breast milk.

EveM83 · May 2014

A middle of the night session works for me (even though it's a pain to get up) and then first thing I feed on one side and pump the other. That gives me about a bottle a day. Best of luck.

pepperedmoth · May 2014

lalaith50 said:
I had this exact same problem, and it was only in the past couple days I figurd out a solution. He has started sleeping longer at night, usually a 5-6 hour stretch, so I feed him at 8pm then put him to bed, then pump before I go to bed. Then he doesn't miss the milk since he won't eat again for several more hours.

This! I pump after the first morning feed and also before I go to bed at night. LO is going 7-8 hours at night so I like giving my breasts a little extra stimulation at night to make sure my supply doesn't drop....I get 4-6 ounces at every pumping. 3.5 goes to a bottle for the day (I like to have someone else do one feeding so he gets used to the idea), and the rest is frozen.

lazyreader · May 2014

I pump when she gets her evening bottle (4 or 7ish) and I get about 6-8 oz total. Then I try and pump before bed for another 4-6 oz.

her evening bottle only takes 5.5 oz so the rest goes to freezer. it's a slow process.

kare_bear_12 · May 2014

I started pumping first thing in the morning when I was home and saving that for my work stash. I got about 80 oz in the freezer from doing that.

I am at work and its taking me 3 weeks to get in a rhythm with pumping and his eating. I do take fenugreek 2 pills twice a day and also have at least one cup of mothers milk tea while at work. My supply is doing well to keep up with him at daycare. He sleeps through the night so I feed him 4 4oz bottles at daycare and bf at night. I pump first thing in the morning when I wake up before him and then twice during the day. Since at work, I have not been able to add to my stash though.

Alot of my stash was used for the 1st week of work to help get me on a system, but I would encourage anyone to get fenugreek if you can. It works well. Also skin to skin will help get your supply going.

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