pumping disappointment

ChiAmy · May 2014

This is my first full week back to work. I pump three times at work...and am getting a total of 6 ounces..that's it!!!!!

What can I do to get more!? I am so upset about this.

ChiAmy · May 2014

p.s. I am eating oatmeal, drinking tons, etc.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

Here's some things to look into:

1. Type of pump - some people really need a good quality pump in order to get milk out. I use a hospital grade pump and I find that any other regular pump just isn't strong enough. You can try using a manual pump if you don't want to rent a hospital pump, weirdly those seem to do a better job also, though it's a bit more of a pain.

2. Make sure you are pumping for 15-20 minutes at a time

3. Play around with the 'let down' button to make sure you're getting at least one let down. Let down = squirting. If you're not squirting at least for the first 5-7 minutes, your body isn't responding to the pump as well as it should. You should be able to get a second let down also.

4. Breast compressions = fancy term for squeezing your boobs. Try to HOLD a compression until the squirting stops then grab at a different angle. Keep doing that the whole time you're pumping.

5. Try listening to a taped version of your baby crying or look at pictures of baby. Imagine her crying and being hungry and picking her up to breastfeed her. Sounds weird but it works.

6. RELAX. If you're stressed from stupid coworkers or an annoying meeting or thinking about work and how much you have to do, it's likely you won't make as much milk. Try listening to music or playing games or whatever you have to do to reduce the amount of stress you're feeling.

And yes lots of water and FOOD! You can't make milk if you're hungry or thirsty.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

Oh also, 6 ounces really isn't too bad. You should make about an ounce per hour of waiting. So if you just pumped 2 hours ago, you should get 2 ounces or maybe more. If LO is still eating a lot at night, you won't make as much during the day and that should be ok.

If you want to sneak in a pump BEFORE work when you first wake up, that's when you have the most milk (of course, make sure LO is fed first) and that might help you make enough for the day.

Hope that helps!

KFED103 · May 2014

Are your flanges the right size?

linzy2202 · May 2014

I'm having pumping issues too. It used to be no big deal to pump out desired amount or more. But once LO stopped eating MOTN when I used to always pump and she would get a bottle, I noticed a significant change. I try to use my manual that used to be so fast and awesome, barely get anything out. I swear it's broken. Like boots said, I am taking fenugreek and blessed thistle and have noticed a changed. Think I need to increase water and food intervals still. So frustrating. So I feel ya! Good for you for being persistent despite your hardship.

ChiAmy · May 2014

Thank you! Yes it's a medela pump, and I guess an ounce an hour is not bad! Also I am pumping in my classroom with a cover on. there are two other teachers in there, and sometimes a student or two. I think I need to be more relaxed.

ChiAmy · May 2014

TShea721 said:

Thank you! Yes it's a medela pump, and I guess an ounce an hour is not bad! Also I am pumping in my classroom with a cover on. there are two other teachers in there, and sometimes a student or two. I think I need to be more relaxed.

You are entitled to a private space. Lock your door!!

I am a special ed teacher and share a room..there are classes there. There is no where else I can go in the building.

ChiAmy · May 2014

cepayseur said:

ChiAmy said:

TShea721 said:

Thank you! Yes it's a medela pump, and I guess an ounce an hour is not bad! Also I am pumping in my classroom with a cover on. there are two other teachers in there, and sometimes a student or two. I think I need to be more relaxed.

You are entitled to a private space. Lock your door!!

I am a special ed teacher and share a room..there are classes there. There is no where else I can go in the building.

I am Special Ed too.... They HAVE to let you have a private space.

I know they do, but my other choice is the bathroom stall...not my ideal choice. I'd rather sit in my classroom with the computer to get work done.

KFED103 · May 2014

At least they should provide you a curtain in your room

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

cepayseur said:

BootsOrHearts said:

Oh also, 6 ounces really isn't too bad. You should make about an ounce per hour of waiting. So if you just pumped 2 hours ago, you should get 2 ounces or maybe more. If LO is still eating a lot at night, you won't make as much during the day and that should be ok.
If you want to sneak in a pump BEFORE work when you first wake up, that's when you have the most milk (of course, make sure LO is fed first) and that might help you make enough for the day.
Hope that helps!

I haven't heard this... this makes me feel better because I felt like I wasn't pumping enough milk. 2 oz per boob, or total between both boobs?

Total. Babies eat about 25 ounces per day on average, so in theory, you should get 25 ounces in 24 hours if you were only pumping. But obviously there's a wide variation in how much we make and how much the pump can get out.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

ChiAmy said:

TShea721 said:

Thank you! Yes it's a medela pump, and I guess an ounce an hour is not bad! Also I am pumping in my classroom with a cover on. there are two other teachers in there, and sometimes a student or two. I think I need to be more relaxed.

You are entitled to a private space. Lock your door!!

I am a special ed teacher and share a room..there are classes there. There is no where else I can go in the building.

By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.

SarahF20 · May 2014

BootsOrHearts said:
By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.

While this is true, unless she lives in a state with an enforcement law, there's really nothing she can do about it. It may be the law but if no one is enforcing it a lot of employers don't follow the "rule".

SarahF20 · May 2014

cepayseur said:

SarahF20 said:

BootsOrHearts said:
By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.
While this is true, unless she lives in a state with an enforcement law, there's really nothing she can do about it. It may be the law but if no one is enforcing it a lot of employers don't follow the "rule".

THAT is not true!

Yes, it is. Check https://breastfeedinglaw.com for more information on it.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

cepayseur said:

SarahF20 said:

By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.
While this is true, unless she lives in a state with an enforcement law, there's really nothing she can do about it. It may be the law but if no one is enforcing it a lot of employers don't follow the "rule".

THAT is not true!

If your employer fails to comply with this FEDERAL law, you can report them to the department of labor.

SarahF20 · May 2014

BootsOrHearts said:

cepayseur said:

SarahF20 said:

BootsOrHearts said:
By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.
While this is true, unless she lives in a state with an enforcement law, there's really nothing she can do about it. It may be the law but if no one is enforcing it a lot of employers don't follow the "rule".

THAT is not true!

If your employer fails to comply with this FEDERAL law, you can report them to the department of labor.

That is true, however the last time I checked there is no Federal enforcement law either. She could file a complaint with the DOL but they have little they can do either as there is no enforcement provision.

ChiAmy · May 2014

There really is not anywhere. There is an office that is not used 2 times a week. I can go there. Otherwise my principal has a private bathroom I can go to, but I would rather not. My other options are a shared office that has kids or a stall. I also need an outlet and the bathroom doesn't have one.

lollipoppoop · May 2014

ChiAmy said:

There really is not anywhere. There is an office that is not used 2 times a week. I can go there. Otherwise my principal has a private bathroom I can go to, but I would rather not. My other options are a shared office that has kids or a stall. I also need an outlet and the bathroom doesn't have one.

I pumped in my car for 2 months on my breaks. I actually kind of liked going out there and listening to my music while pumping.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

SarahF20 said:

cepayseur said:

SarahF20 said:

By law they HAVE to give you a private space and it CANT be a bathroom.
While this is true, unless she lives in a state with an enforcement law, there's really nothing she can do about it. It may be the law but if no one is enforcing it a lot of employers don't follow the "rule".

THAT is not true!

If your employer fails to comply with this FEDERAL law, you can report them to the department of labor.
That is true, however the last time I checked there is no Federal enforcement law either. She could file a complaint with the DOL but they have little they can do either as there is no enforcement provision.

How about this then. Call your local news channel and ask them to do a story on how your company/school or whatever is not breastfeeding friendly and is in violation of federal law. The bad PR will be priceless.

SarahF20 · May 2014

BootsOrHearts said:

How about this then. Call your local news channel and ask them to do a story on how your company/school or whatever is not breastfeeding friendly and is in violation of federal law. The bad PR will be priceless.

It is sad but this is how a lot of women have to fight for their right to breastfeed and pump in public or at work. There was just an article on Yahoo about a woman who was asked to leave her gym for breastfeeding in the locker room. A group of women staged a breastfeeding sit in outside the gym that was all over the news.

SarahF20 · May 2014

cepayseur said:
My mouth is gaping wide open!

I was surprised when I started researching the laws. It's shocking that they would develop a Federal law to protect a woman's right to breastfeed and pump and then not enforce it.

Even in states with enforcement provisions often times the only penalty is a $500 fine.

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

SarahF20 said:

My mouth is gaping wide open!
I was surprised when I started researching the laws. It's shocking that they would develop a Federal law to protect a woman's right to breastfeed and pump and then not enforce it. Even in states with enforcement provisions often times the only penalty is a $500 fine.

Still, if you print out the law and show it to your HR department, that is going to be enough to probably scare them into compliance. They don't know there's no penalty and you don't have to share that. And a bigger employer is going to do it because they don't want to lose a bunch of employees or have bad PR. Or heaven forbid, because it's the right thing to do.

ChiAmy · May 2014

BootsOrHearts said:

SarahF20 said:

My mouth is gaping wide open!
I was surprised when I started researching the laws. It's shocking that they would develop a Federal law to protect a woman's right to breastfeed and pump and then not enforce it. Even in states with enforcement provisions often times the only penalty is a $500 fine.

Still, if you print out the law and show it to your HR department, that is going to be enough to probably scare them into compliance. They don't know there's no penalty and you don't have to share that. And a bigger employer is going to do it because they don't want to lose a bunch of employees or have bad PR. Or heaven forbid, because it's the right thing to do.

I work for a huge school district too

SarahF20 · May 2014

BootsOrHearts said:

SarahF20 said:

cepayseur said:
My mouth is gaping wide open!
I was surprised when I started researching the laws. It's shocking that they would develop a Federal law to protect a woman's right to breastfeed and pump and then not enforce it.

Even in states with enforcement provisions often times the only penalty is a $500 fine.

Still, if you print out the law and show it to your HR department, that is going to be enough to probably scare them into compliance. They don't know there's no penalty and you don't have to share that. And a bigger employer is going to do it because they don't want to lose a bunch of employees or have bad PR. Or heaven forbid, because it's the right thing to do.

You would think, and hope so. Unfortunately I've read many cases where women did this and their employers essentially laughed and said "make us".

I think there are less than 10 states with enforcement provisions, which is crazy!

@ChiAmy‌ - I would approach your boss and tell them you NEED a private space. If they do not accommodate you I would file a complaint with the DOL just so it's on the record. What state are you in?

ChiAmy · May 2014

SarahF20 said:

SarahF20 said:

My mouth is gaping wide open!
I was surprised when I started researching the laws. It's shocking that they would develop a Federal law to protect a woman's right to breastfeed and pump and then not enforce it. Even in states with enforcement provisions often times the only penalty is a $500 fine.

Still, if you print out the law and show it to your HR department, that is going to be enough to probably scare them into compliance. They don't know there's no penalty and you don't have to share that. And a bigger employer is going to do it because they don't want to lose a bunch of employees or have bad PR. Or heaven forbid, because it's the right thing to do.
You would think, and hope so. Unfortunately I've read many cases where women did this and their employers essentially laughed and said "make us". I think there are less than 10 states with enforcement provisions, which is crazy! @ChiAmy‌ - I would approach your boss and tell them you NEED a private space. If they do not accommodate you I would file a complaint with the DOL just so it's on the record. What state are you in?

Illinois

BootsOrHearts · May 2014

@chiamy if I was there I'd help you organize a breastfeeding sit-in. :-P

SarahF20 · May 2014

ChiAmy said:

@ChiAmy‌ - here is a link to the laws in Illinois. They do not have an enforcement provision, but they do have their own laws regarding pumping at work which are actually more stringent than the federal guidelines. I agree with Boots, I would print this out and take it to your HR department or boss and explain that you need a place to pump.

https://breastfeedinglaw.com/state-laws/illinois/

mlwerts · May 2014

I agree with what PPs have said about printing off the rules and giving them to HR.

As for the original question... Here's what I've learned about pumping. For reference I've been pumping since the beginning of March and produce about 15oz total over three pumpings.

1. Turning up the pump to the highest setting I can stand does not necessary mean more milk. You have to be comfortable in order to pump milk.

2. Change your membranes. I probably do this every other week. Most people say you only need to do this once a month but I find better production when I change them more often. They are also pretty cheap.

3. Make sure you are using the right size phalanges. I've had good luck with pumpin' pals

EDIT: Grammer

bty19 · May 2014

mlwerts said:
2. Change your membranes. I probably do this every other week. Most people say you only need to do this once a month but I find better production with I change them more often. They are also pretty cheap.

OMG ,going to try this tonight. I haven't changed mine yet ,in 4 months. I guess I missed the memo!

HerbanMom · May 2014

Ditto at what @bootsorhearts mentioned about the manual pump. I used a medela harmony and it is able to get more milk than an electric for me. I doubt it's a supply issue, especially if you've had no problems thus far. Also are you using compression and massage while you pump?

[Deleted User] · May 2014

KFED103 said:

Are your flanges the right size?

ETA: read the thread and my comment was pointelss, just wanted to say I hope things get better for you and you find a better place to pump. I know is really sucks (pun intended)

bubblesmtu · May 2014

I can't believe you don't have a private place to pump! That sucks so much and I hope you do raise a stink about it.
What time do you first pump at work? I feed my LO at about 7 b4 I leave then pump again at 9:30 at work. That's when I get the most.
I also got a manual pump and use that one one side and my double electric on the other cause one boob doesn't respond well to the electric pump.
I've just started back to work too and those things helped me. Good luck- pumping is hard!

linzy2202 · May 2014

I hadn't changed mine in 4 months either and once I started having pumping issues it occurred to me. Oops. I'll see tomorrow if it makes a difference for me!

GreenMom2B · May 2014

@ChiAmy‌ I am late to this thread, but in my school they gave me space in the nurses office. If that wasn't available I would have requested to use an administrators office just for the time I need to pump. When I asked them to find me a space they were VERY accommodating. They don't want to be in the news for non-compliance.

ChiAmy · May 2014

GreenMom2B said:

@ChiAmy‌ I am late to this thread, but in my school they gave me space in the nurses office. If that wasn't available I would have requested to use an administrators office just for the time I need to pump. When I asked them to find me a space they were VERY accommodating. They don't want to be in the news for non-compliance.

Maybe I will ask her. The nurse doesn't have her own office either so that's not an option.

Thank you!

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