Exclusively pumping Big Thread

hordol · May 2014

So I'm not an EPer but I will be returning to work at the beginning of June so I am trying to get myself used to the pump and could use some advice. I haven't had much luck getting much BM from a pump in the past couple weeks, but I kind of chalked it up to actively breast feeding as well, and I know it's normal to get only an ounce or two while you are doing that. BUT I have pumped in place of feedings and still only get an ounce to an ounce and a half in the past (currently I get get 1 3/4 to 2 oz). Starting today I'm trying to mimic what my breastfeeding/pumping schedule will be when I return to work so my baby gets used to taking the bottle and so I can figure out how much he typically needs per feeding and so I can see if I can actually get the pump to work on me (I have the Medela Freestyle).I expect that baby will take 3-4 bottles while I am at work. I pumped a couple times yesterday to get 3 oz so that I would have a bottle to start with for our first bottle feeding today.

When I went to pump in place of breastfeeding, I got just under 2 oz. I know that my supply is decent cause I could seriously change this kid every hour and he would have a soaked diaper. I had to pump again an hour or two later just to get another oz so I would have enough for his next feeding (but now I'm worried that will affect my next pumping session.) How did you get your body used to the pump? How long did it take you to start pumping enough ounces per session? I've tried the following:

Different sized flanges (small, medium, and large)
Heat
massage/compression
pictures and videos of LO (but I can also just look right at him too since I'm home for now)
Pressing the letdown button again halfway through pumping

Heat and pictures of LO did nothing for me. Using large flanges helped a little, as did massage & compression. Pressing the let down button again also helps. But I'm still getting less than 2 oz. The only time I've ever gotten more is if it has been 4 hours and i'm engorged, but I've still never reached at 3 oz mark.

2 oz is better than what I used to get (I used to get 1 or less) so I feel like I can get it up even more. Any tips or tricks? I'm a teacher and I'll be lucky if I can get away to pump 3 times when I'm back at school.

spano41 · May 2014

@hordol How long are you pumping for each session? Is It possible you are only waiting for one let down? I usually get 3 and it takes 30 min. Do Your boobs still feel full after you pump? Have you tried hand expression to see if there it's still milk after you pump?

spano41 · May 2014

@jbug88‌ I'm sorry you are having a rough day! It sure isn't easy! Have you tried hand expressing after you pump to completely empty each time? I know my pump never completely empties me, maybe you could get some more milk there. They always say never quit on a bad day, but remember that you need to do what is best for you and your family. Happy mom=happy baby.

ambarnett1 · May 2014

Looks like I'm at the end of my road with EP. LO has been screaming, rash, terrible gas and GERD. I started supplementing with similac alimentum (hypoallergenic) after using enfamil gentlease and he is doing great. My supply feeds him more than enough, but I wanted to see if formula would make him feel better. Now he's not crying as much, less gas, less reflux, and is actually interacting instead of screaming all the time. That's just in the first day of using that formula. I tried cutting out foods and caffeine that would bother him, but it did nothing. I don't think it's worth the stress anymore. I feel sad that I may have to stop, but I want a happy, healthy baby.

hordol · May 2014

spano41 said:
@hordol How long are you pumping for each session? Is It possible you are only waiting for one let down? I usually get 3 and it takes 30 min. Do Your boobs still feel full after you pump? Have you tried hand expression to see if there it's still milk after you pump?

I pump for 20 minutes because I read on kellymom I think that you shouldn't need to go longer than that. Does it work better for you to go 30? Last time I pumped I got for sure two let downs (I can't feel my let downs so I only notice them while pumping if I'm watching) but that still only resulted in 2 oz.

KatieGummow · May 2014

@hordol, I do 20 minutes of pumping on less than medium speed every 2-4 hours (averaging 3 hrs). Drink TONS of water. I aim for at least 32oz between pumping and make sure I am eating between eat pump too. At least a small snack. I also do mothers milk tea and lactation cookies (I try for every day but don't always get to it). The water makes a huge difference for me. If I am well hydrated I can get 5oz per breast (but I have twins and have been pumping since day 1).

KatieGummow · May 2014

@jbugg88 and @Ambarnett1‌ hugs to you ladies!

hordol · May 2014

@KatieGummow‌ thanks! I have my pump on 7. I'm not quite sure where exactly I should have it. The directions say to move the strength up until it's slightly uncomfortable, then go back one. None of it really bothers me that much so that was hard to follow. I just settled on 7. Should I try my next pump a little lower maybe?

Lindsay808 · May 2014

hordol said:
So I'm not an EPer but I will be returning to work at the beginning of June so I am trying to get myself used to the pump and could use some advice. I haven't had much luck getting much BM from a pump in the past couple weeks, but I kind of chalked it up to actively breast feeding as well, and I know it's normal to get only an ounce or two while you are doing that. BUT I have pumped in place of feedings and still only get an ounce to an ounce and a half in the past (currently I get get 1 3/4 to 2 oz). Starting today I'm trying to mimic what my breastfeeding/pumping schedule will be when I return to work so my baby gets used to taking the bottle and so I can figure out how much he typically needs per feeding and so I can see if I can actually get the pump to work on me (I have the Medela Freestyle).I expect that baby will take 3-4 bottles while I am at work. I pumped a couple times yesterday to get 3 oz so that I would have a bottle to start with for our first bottle feeding today.

When I went to pump in place of breastfeeding, I got just under 2 oz. I know that my supply is decent cause I could seriously change this kid every hour and he would have a soaked diaper. I had to pump again an hour or two later just to get another oz so I would have enough for his next feeding (but now I'm worried that will affect my next pumping session.) How did you get your body used to the pump? How long did it take you to start pumping enough ounces per session? I've tried the following:

Different sized flanges (small, medium, and large)
Heat
massage/compression
pictures and videos of LO (but I can also just look right at him too since I'm home for now)
Pressing the letdown button again halfway through pumping

Heat and pictures of LO did nothing for me. Using large flanges helped a little, as did massage & compression. Pressing the let down button again also helps. But I'm still getting less than 2 oz. The only time I've ever gotten more is if it has been 4 hours and i'm engorged, but I've still never reached at 3 oz mark.

2 oz is better than what I used to get (I used to get 1 or less) so I feel like I can get it up even more. Any tips or tricks? I'm a teacher and I'll be lucky if I can get away to pump 3 times when I'm back at school.

I'm guessing that since you're trying to mimic your work schedule, you pumped in the morning right? Evening pumps always really suck for me and mornings are always best! But like pp said...hydration also helps tremendously

hordol · May 2014

I've always gotten more in the afternoon despite the fact that mornings are supposed to be better. The only theory I have is that maybe I get dehydrated overnight since I'm not drinking as much? I don't know...my boobs definitely feel fuller in the morning but as far as pumping goes I definitely get the most in the early afternoon.

Mamamonzo · May 2014

I get insanely jealous of people that talk about nursing and then shortly after pump and still get 5 oz.

spano41 · May 2014

I get insanely jealous of people who can nurse at all

Kelsey2me · May 2014

Hey EPers.. Is it possible to transport a freezer stash? I've had a little bit of an oversupply and was keeping the extra in the freezer. I just found out last week that DH and I will move back to Texas from Tennessee for 6 weeks this summer for his training program and for me to work on a curriculum writing team. We will drive to Texas over a weekend and I will start the following Monday. I will not have time once we get there to get a whole day ahead on feeding and would like to transport my freezer stash back with us to Texas so my baby can have BM while I'm at work. Is it possible to transport frozen BM over a 14 hour drive? I've thought about dry ice in a sealed cooler. Thoughts??

scarles · May 2014

Dry ice would work or regular ice in a good cooler. You could always refresh the ice along the way if needed.

Lindsay808 · May 2014

so I've been pretty bad the last few nights and have slept from 12-5 or 6...completely skipping my MOTN pump. Anyone else do this and not notice a decrease in supply? I haven't...still getting about 36-40 oz a day. Does it take a few days to notice a decrease?

KatieGummow · May 2014

I have done this a couple times @Lindsay808‌. But I stress out so much about it reducing my supply that it isn't worth it, I try so hard pump every two hrs after it. Also, I have gotten a huge clot a couple times

but if it doesn't affect you I would keep doing it! Sleep is golden and I imagine that getting the sleep is so important to your body that it won't reduce supply.

Lindsay808 · May 2014

KatieGummow said:
I have done this a couple times @Lindsay808‌. But I stress out so much about it reducing my supply that it isn't worth it, I try so hard pump every two hrs after it. Also, I have gotten a huge clot a couple times but if it doesn't affect you I would keep doing it! Sleep is golden and I imagine that getting the sleep is so important to your body that it won't reduce supply.

The first time I did it, I got a knot/clogged duct too. Gah. I think I'll just play it by ear every night.

Lindsay808 · May 2014

A friend sent me this

scarles · May 2014

There's a really helpful group on Facebook if you guys are interested - it's called exclusively pumping: breastfeeding without nursing

Xxlilies · May 2014

Lindsay808 said:
so I've been pretty bad the last few nights and have slept from 12-5 or 6...completely skipping my MOTN pump. Anyone else do this and not notice a decrease in supply? I haven't...still getting about 36-40 oz a day. Does it take a few days to notice a decrease?

I never pump motn unless my baby eats
I just pump at ten pm and 4:30-5 am
And the rest as usual

alice928 · May 2014

I don't post often, but this thread has gotten me through not being able to bf and I am so grateful to you ladies. I pump and still have to supplement with formula as my supply is low. It was hard to accept but I'm ok with it now. I just needed to vent.
I was putting bm in the fridge after pumping and dropped the bottle it was in. The stupid cap cracked and I lost 3 ounces! I know it doesn't seem like much, but that's like 5 hours for me! So upsetting, I could just cry!

Sorry, just needed to let that out. My husband of course doesn't get it and tried to make a joke that there is no point in crying over spilt milk....ugh!

Emily041285 · May 2014

I have given up nursing for right now. Originally I planned to let my supply dry up but I had to keep pumping till they put my iud in. I was literally going 4-5 hours between pumping. I actually am finally getting more than my 1 oz total I was getting. Is it dumb to keep this up? I thought you had to pump every 3 hours to make it work?

nursewinnie · May 2014

Emily041285 said:
I have given up nursing for right now. Originally I planned to let my supply dry up but I had to keep pumping till they put my iud in. I was literally going 4-5 hours between pumping. I actually am finally getting more than my 1 oz total I was getting. Is it dumb to keep this up? I thought you had to pump every 3 hours to make it work?

I pump 3-4 times a day now to get my breasts ready for my pumping schedule when I return to work next Monday. My supply is much lower but I manage to get enough for 2-3 bottles a day and have been slowly dipping into my freezer stash. It can be done without having to pump exactly every 3 hours. Just don't expect to get mass quantities. I'm ok with it since she got BM exclusively for 4 weeks.

Emily041285 · May 2014

If I can alternate bm and formula I'd be happy. It's been six weeks of straight bm so if it dries up than that's what happens.

Jenn06L80 · May 2014

I am also weaning off the pump. I pump 4 times a day and my twin girls get two bottles of BM a day.

I will return to work full time in August, and I have a 3.5 test old DD. I would love to continue to provide BM for my girls but transitioning to formula will be the best option for me and my family.

heids4787 · May 2014

Over the past few days I've read through this entire thread, and I just wanted to thank you all for the amazing support, knowledge, and suggestions you've all made! My LO nurses pretty much exclusively with a nipple shield and I'm returning to work next week when she'll be turning 7 weeks, so I started pumping some bottles when she was 4 wks to prep for daycare.

I have learned so much from you all, and now I'm a quasi BM hybrid by pumping at night to offer bottles (helps LO sleep by filling her up) and nursing with the shield during the day. I am so grateful for your wisdom, and I'm sending mobile high fives to all y'all since pumping is HARD (especially those MOTN feedings)!

patunia7321 · May 2014

*lurking* & decided to say hi! It's so awesome to read about your successes and massive freezer stashes! I'm so happy for you! Chest freezers for all!!!!! yahooo!!!! Tons of hugs to those with supply probs

I feel for you. It's been about 2 weeks since I decided to quit and I've officially dried up. The leaking was a bit of a slap in the face, boobs saying "oh there's so much milk in here we can't contain it!" Then pump.... Nope!! Damn you stupid boobs! Oh, and formula costs a fucking fortune.

hugs mamas.

Emily041285 · May 2014

Question for those who supplement: originally I planned to let my supply dry up and switch to formula completely. It was recommended I pump until I knew dd could handle the formula. Well now my supply has gone up and I can cover her needs without the formula. Right now I'm just pumping after she eats and getting the 3 oz she eats every time. However, I was hoping to get rid of the overnight pump. Has anyone eliminated that pump and their supply remain the same?

Xxlilies · May 2014

I don't pump overnight and it hasn't effected how much I am able to get from pumping during the day
I go from 10:30 - 11:30pm or so until 4:00-4:30 am without pumping

KatieGummow · May 2014

I had to pump and dump ALL weekend... Heart breaking!

scarles · May 2014

@KatieGummow‌ that stinks!! Was it because of meds?

KatieGummow · May 2014

@megla I am at a bachelorette party and we are drinking a lot. I get to keep the early morning supply.

scarles · May 2014

Well at least it's for something fun!! Enjoy yourself momma and make it worth it!

CatherineDC2012 · May 2014

This thread is super helpful! I'm trying to build up my freezer supply- which totals 9 oz right now- to go back to work part time in the coming couple of months. Is the best way to BF when I can and pump after? What I've been doing is Since my husband is home these past three days I have been mainly pumping but BF about once or twice per day. Still only barely keepi g up with her though. Without having pumping take over my life what is the best way to satisfy her and still have a supply? Trying to wean mostly off of BF as we have latch issues and tail have to use the shield- which I am trying to get away from but it's really painful without!

Lindsay808 · May 2014

CatherineDC2012 said:
This thread is super helpful! I'm trying to build up my freezer supply- which totals 9 oz right now- to go back to work part time in the coming couple of months. Is the best way to BF when I can and pump after? What I've been doing is Since my husband is home these past three days I have been mainly pumping but BF about once or twice per day. Still only barely keepi g up with her though. Without having pumping take over my life what is the best way to satisfy her and still have a supply? Trying to wean mostly off of BF as we have latch issues and tail have to use the shield- which I am trying to get away from but it's really painful without!

Hmm how much do you get when you pump? How often are you pumping? Unfortunately, pumping pretty much takes over your life at this point if you decide to completely EP without supplementing with formula (while still wanting to build a stash)

Lindsay808 · May 2014

KatieGummow said:
I had to pump and dump ALL weekend... Heart breaking!

I always make someone else dump for me because i can't ever bring myself to do it lol. But at least you're having a blast!

CatherineDC2012 · May 2014

I'm getting a lot actually (I think) at least 4 oz each pump in the morning it's about 8!

Xxlilies · May 2014

my supply seems to be increasing past few days . getting about 1 1/2 oz more than I usually do . Which is good because LO is starting to eat more. Was eating 4-5 oz at a feeding but now sometimes will eat 6 oz.

He is a big boy.

I'm really happy that supply is increasing tho because it means less formula. Usually his bottles were half and half but with the increase I've only had to add about an ounce or so of formula to each bottle. Still any breast milk is good.

maelic · May 2014

I'm thinking if switching over to EPing, I've been pumping during the day and nursing at night but we nurse with a shield and I feel like our little girl has an easier time with a bottle than with my boob.

I've just been winging it so far so I was wondering how often should I shoot for in terms of pumping sessions? How much I get varies tremendously depending on time of day (morning around 6 ounces, evening around 3). Six pumps? Eight? I already nurse and then pump in the middle of the night because she's a one sided eater, so getting up is not going to be an issue.

She's six weeks today, how many oz should I shoot for?

Lindsay808 · May 2014

maelic said:
I'm thinking if switching over to EPing, I've been pumping during the day and nursing at night but we nurse with a shield and I feel like our little girl has an easier time with a bottle than with my boob.

I've just been winging it so far so I was wondering how often should I shoot for in terms of pumping sessions? How much I get varies tremendously depending on time of day (morning around 6 ounces, evening around 3). Six pumps? Eight? I already nurse and then pump in the middle of the night because she's a one sided eater, so getting up is not going to be an issue.

She's six weeks today, how many oz should I shoot for?

I would start off by pumping every 3 hours and count how many ounces you get total in a 24 hour period and then adjust accordingly. For example, I pump every 3 hours but go a 6 hour stretch at night. I usually get about 40 oz total. DD will be 6 weeks Thursday and eats 3 oz every 2-3 hours. I always have plenty in the fridge and freezer. I was able to drop my 3 am pump because of this! It's really about trial and error for a bit.

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