Exclusively pumping Big Thread

Emily041285 · June 2014

snmetz7 said:
I love when I get a good spray going. I start cheering my boobs. Anyone else? Nope just me?

Yes!! Especially when righty (yep you read that right, they have nicknames now) starts going. She always lags behind.

maelic · June 2014

I get 5oz out of righty before I get 1.5oz out of lefty. Nice satisfying sloshes of milk into the bottle from righty, it makes me happy, while I view lefty as a major disappointment, clearly making it self conscious and exacerbating the problem. Seriously lopsided production here...

spano41 · June 2014

Kelsey2me said:
What would be considered an ideal, well established pumping schedule to shoot for. Is the goal to pump 4 times a day? Is that too little? What's the best pumping schedule you've heard of that still worked? I'm wondering if you can eventually get away with pumping 3 or 4 times a day and be fine. I've had no supply issues and will be starting work soon so I wanted to set a reasonable goal for number of pumps per day and seeing I can work towards it, but don't want to get my hopes up.

If you are truely exclusively pumping and not breast feeding at all it is likely only pumping 3 or 4 times will make your supply tank. The Rule of thumb is to pump every 2 hrs for the first 12 weeks but that is pretty unrealistic. I have dropped to 6 ppd without a drop in my supply but I'm scared to drop any more. I don't have a set schedule but a typical day would be 8am, 12pm, 2pm, 5pm, 9pm, 3am. You can see they aren't evenly spaced but go more by when LO eats or what works for my schedule. You can slowly drop pumps and see if it affects your supply but it's risky because if you let it drop you might have trouble getting it back. I think aiming for 5-6 ppd would be better for maintaining your supply than 3-4 but you just have to do the best you can and what works for you and your family. .

scarles · June 2014

@Kelsey2me‌ it's really too early to only pump 3-4 times a day. For EPing, it's recommended to pump 8-10 and many people will caution you not to drop below 8 before 12 weeks postpartum. However, find what works for you. Like @spano41‌, 6 pumps per day works for me. My schedule is 10, 2, 6 around the clock. Sometimes it varies but I try to stick close to that schedule. It just depends on my LO's feedings. From what I've read from other EP experiences, I'm planning to drop to 5 pumps around 3.5-4 months then down to 4 pumps at 6 months.

katy4128 · June 2014

Exclusive pumper here.. We are taking our first family vacation this coming weekend. I am already freaking out about not getting enough time to pump. I also have this irrational fear of my pump breaking after seeing the movie Neighbors. :-SS

CatherineDC2012 · June 2014

If I'm still doing 3-4 BF sessions and feeding 4-5 bottles what's an appropriate amount of pumps per day to both keep supply and make a stash? I feel like I'm just keeping up with her these days and she's only 6 weeks on wed! Can't be still the every three hours or 6-8 times per day can it?

Mamamonzo · June 2014

Oops we slept through our 4am pump/feed. Ended up almost overflowing my right bottle it's amazing what 45 minutes will do to the boobs I I felt very accomplished! Got 10oz woohoo!!!!

snmetz7 · June 2014

ugh I think I'm going to have to find a plan b for birth control. started taking the mini pill sunday and while I was finally getting 4oz per pump I am now back to 2oz. Just terrible!

KatieGummow · June 2014

@CatherineDC2012 said:
If I'm still doing 3-4 BF sessions and feeding 4-5 bottles what's an appropriate amount of pumps per day to both keep supply and make a stash? I feel like I'm just keeping up with her these days and she's only 6 weeks on wed! Can't be still the every three hours or 6-8 times per day can it?

I would say 3-4 pumping sessions if you're doing 3-4 nursing sessions. I think kellymom suggests pumping after nursing even. I try to pump at least 1-2 more times than they feed, but rarely get to.

scarles · June 2014

@Mamamonzo‌ I just ordered bigger medela bottles for this same reason!

Mamamonzo · June 2014

snmetz7 said:
ugh I think I'm going to have to find a plan b for birth control. started taking the mini pill sunday and while I was finally getting 4oz per pump I am now back to 2oz. Just terrible!

I called to get fitted for a diaphragm because I'm scared of the mini pill for that exact reason.

snmetz7 · June 2014

Mamamonzo said:

ugh I think I'm going to have to find a plan b for birth control. started taking the mini pill sunday and while I was finally getting 4oz per pump I am now back to 2oz. Just terrible!
I called to get fitted for a diaphragm because I'm scared of the mini pill for that exact reason.

If it's not too weird, let me know when you get it and how easy it is to put in and how awkward etc.

Mamamonzo · June 2014

snmetz7 said:

Mamamonzo said:

snmetz7 said:
ugh I think I'm going to have to find a plan b for birth control. started taking the mini pill sunday and while I was finally getting 4oz per pump I am now back to 2oz. Just terrible!
I called to get fitted for a diaphragm because I'm scared of the mini pill for that exact reason.

If it's not too weird, let me know when you get it and how easy it is to put in and how awkward etc.

Want me to text you pictures

I will let you know. From what I remember from sex ed it's fairly easy

snmetz7 · June 2014

Mamamonzo said:

Mamamonzo said:

ugh I think I'm going to have to find a plan b for birth control. started taking the mini pill sunday and while I was finally getting 4oz per pump I am now back to 2oz. Just terrible!
I called to get fitted for a diaphragm because I'm scared of the mini pill for that exact reason.

If it's not too weird, let me know when you get it and how easy it is to put in and how awkward etc.
Want me to text you pictures I will let you know. From what I remember from sex ed it's fairly easy

KatieGummow · June 2014

Ugh the LAST thing I want to do is pump while the boys sleep. 20 minutes is forever when you are anticipating a wake up at any moment.

KatieGummow · June 2014

Just had the mirena put in and it didn't hurt at all. There was a slight scraping sensation and a bit of cramping 20 min later but I was happily surprised after all the horror stories I had heard.

KatieGummow · June 2014

@aviola329 said:
I accidentally gave LO an oz of pumped milk that had been in the fridge over the recommended time (had two bottles unmarked and I got them confused, I've already dumped the old milk now). Is this going to cause a problem for him? I don't think it smelled funny, but I haven't pumped much so I don't know what good bm vs bad would smell like anyway.

I read that if the milk went bad you would be able to smell it, just like if cows milk goes bad: no mistaking sour milk for OK milk. So I wouldn't worry about it! Also, I imagine baby would have put up a fight eating something gross to him.

Vjlewis07 · June 2014

I just started pumping so Im not sure how much I should be getting per pump session.. If I go every 2 hrs I usually get about 2 ounces per pump if I go longer I can get up to just shy of 5. LO is 6 weeks old.. Does this sound average ?? I'm afraid of low supply.

spano41 · June 2014

I tried to feed LO milk that had gone bad once, she would not have it and I couldn't figure out why. She drank maybe half an ounce before I realized what was going on and then I freaked out. Based on my googling it isn't a huge deal but it will give them an upset stomach just like we would get if we ate something off. Symptoms might include spitting up, gas, or diarrhea (like they don't already have those! ). In my case DD just spit up a bit and that was that. I wouldn't freak out unless LO starts to act weird.

Xxlilies · June 2014

Vjlewis07 said:
I just started pumping so Im not sure how much I should be getting per pump session.. If I go every 2 hrs I usually get about 2 ounces per pump if I go longer I can get up to just shy of 5. LO is 6 weeks old.. Does this sound average ?? I'm afraid of low supply.

I get about the same altho with mothers milk tea/ fenugreek and increased water intake , it is increasing for me bit by bit .

selina1113 · June 2014

Started pumping during day but still nurse during night. LO is 5 weeks, and I get 6 oz on a good morning total, then only 3 oz total rest of the pump sessions, which is at most 5 per day. Will my supply go up as he gets older, or do I need to try other things to get it to increase?

Boston*bride · June 2014

selina1113 said:

Started pumping during day but still nurse during night. LO is 5 weeks, and I get 6 oz on a good morning total, then only 3 oz total rest of the pump sessions, which is at most 5 per day. Will my supply go up as he gets older, or do I need to try other things to get it to increase?

This is just about what I get exactly and LO is four weeks. I pump enough to cover what LO is eating with usually one or two reserve bottles in the fridge which we rotate through but not enough to build a freezer stash :-( I am hoping it increases!

heids4787 · June 2014

It's been awhile since my last post, but thought you ladies would get a kick out of this. Anyone else with me??

I nurse and pump pretty much 50/50 throughout the day. Last night, while DH was feeding LO a bottle at 2:30 am, I was downstairs setting up my pump. I went to go sort laundry (might as well do some useful multitasking for 20 min) and noticed my pump was leaking.

Was my pump broken? Was I bending over too much and pouring out milk?

...

Although I had one bottle hooked on leftie, I didn't have a bottle AT ALL on rightie. Basically had a nipple spigot flowing milk all over my floor with no "bucket to catch it. I can't wait for LO to STTN so my brain is turned on fully when operating machinery... #-o

snmetz7 · June 2014

I feel like a bad ass. Totally pumped WHILE making dinner. Efficient mom for the win!

KatieGummow · June 2014

@selina1113‌ and @boston bride‌ I definitely imagine your supply will go up if you are good about pumping and nursing! You are tricking your body into thinking your baby needs more. I just make sure I can pump the entire 20 minutes.

@heids4787‌ that's hilarious! I have once done it when I forgot to attach the bottle.. That was fun.

@snmetz7‌ that's. Amazing. I don't think I have made dinner more than twice and that's without pumping! Virtual high five!!

Lindsay808 · June 2014

Lol @KatieGummow‌ I'm the same. Making dinner? A distant memory. Poor DH. Frozen meals and take out still for us most days.

nursewinnie · June 2014

KatieGummow said:
Just had the mirena put in and it didn't hurt at all. There was a slight scraping sensation and a bit of cramping 20 min later but I was happily surprised after all the horror stories I had heard.

Same here! Got mine last Friday and since then I've had very mild cramping and minimal spotting. Hoping it stays so easy.

KM0715 · June 2014

Quick question-
Generally I pump for 20 minutes and consistently get anywhere from 4-6 ounces. Every once in a while (every other day or so) I have one "bad" pumping session where milk is barely coming out and I get 2-3 oz if I'm lucky
after 30 minutes. Then next session it's usually back to normal. Is there any rhyme or reason for this or anything I can do? I check the pump and it's working correctly, it's not always at the same time of day, and I can't detect any other pattern that might cause it.

KatieGummow · June 2014

@KM0715‌ nope, I think it's normal! It happens to me as well. It might be water/food intake or lack thereof? But I wouldn't be worried. I don't pump longer than 20 minutes ever though.

spano41 · June 2014

Bump

Xxlilies · June 2014

@KM0715‌ I think it's normal too. Happens to me sometimes but I just figured I wasn't drinking enough now when I grab my pump and get set up to pump I fill this massive plastic Tumbler I have with water and make sure to drink it all by the time I'm done pumping
So pretty much I just pee and pump all day lol

Lindsay808 · June 2014

KM0715 said:
Quick question-
Generally I pump for 20 minutes and consistently get anywhere from 4-6 ounces. Every once in a while (every other day or so) I have one "bad" pumping session where milk is barely coming out and I get 2-3 oz if I'm lucky
after 30 minutes. Then next session it's usually back to normal. Is there any rhyme or reason for this or anything I can do? I check the pump and it's working correctly, it's not always at the same time of day, and I can't detect any other pattern that might cause it.

Same for me. It's always around the late afternoon pump, so weird!

LBStewart · June 2014

bump

snmetz7 · June 2014

I took a long nap today and slept right through a pump (thanks to DH:) ) I'm hoping skipping just one won't hurt my supply and even though I was super engorged when I woke up te nap was so worth it.

Lindsay808 · June 2014

snmetz7 said:
I took a long nap today and slept right through a pump (thanks to DH:) ) I'm hoping skipping just one won't hurt my supply and even though I was super engorged when I woke up te nap was so worth it.

This happens to me all the time. No damage yet. I usually do the next two pumping a two hours apart to try to make up for it

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

Hi ladies!!! I go back to work this upcoming Sunday.

( I've been EBF with an occasional formula bottle. I work 12hr shifts so I'm trying to figure out a schedule to pump.. At work it's gonna be whenever I have time but to build a stash is where I'm lost?? Help!

I'm gonna start pumping today to try & build it up but how often should I? Do I just store it in the fridge for now or go straight to freezing?

snmetz7 · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:

Hi ladies!!! I go back to work this upcoming Sunday. ( I've been EBF with an occasional formula bottle. I work 12hr shifts so I'm trying to figure out a schedule to pump.. At work it's gonna be whenever I have time but to build a stash is where I'm lost?? Help! I'm gonna start pumping today to try & build it up but how often should I? Do I just store it in the fridge for now or go straight to freezing?

While you're bf if you pump after every session you will get about an oz at a time I would store that in the fridge until you have 3 oz and then freeze in 3 oz bags.
If you plan to stop bf and go to pumping you want to get about 8 pumps in per day.
each pump should be 15-20ish mins.

selina1113 · June 2014

Kiinde kozii users: does yours leak?

Mrs.Kohalic17 · June 2014

snmetz7 said:

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:

Hi ladies!!! I go back to work this upcoming Sunday. ( I've been EBF with an occasional formula bottle. I work 12hr shifts so I'm trying to figure out a schedule to pump.. At work it's gonna be whenever I have time but to build a stash is where I'm lost?? Help! I'm gonna start pumping today to try & build it up but how often should I? Do I just store it in the fridge for now or go straight to freezing?

While you're bf if you pump after every session you will get about an oz at a time I would store that in the fridge until you have 3 oz and then freeze in 3 oz bags.
If you plan to stop bf and go to pumping you want to get about 8 pumps in per day.
each pump should be 15-20ish mins.

I actually have Medela 5oz bags... he eats 4oz, sometimes 5 already (chunky monkey). I would hate to pump after every session but if thats my only option, I will. Would it be easier to skip a feed, have DH give a bottle & pump? I don't wanna mess up my supply as I already feel its kinda low.

snmetz7 · June 2014

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:

snmetz7 said:

Mrs.Kohalic17 said:

Hi ladies!!! I go back to work this upcoming Sunday. ( I've been EBF with an occasional formula bottle. I work 12hr shifts so I'm trying to figure out a schedule to pump.. At work it's gonna be whenever I have time but to build a stash is where I'm lost?? Help! I'm gonna start pumping today to try & build it up but how often should I? Do I just store it in the fridge for now or go straight to freezing?

While you're bf if you pump after every session you will get about an oz at a time I would store that in the fridge until you have 3 oz and then freeze in 3 oz bags.
If you plan to stop bf and go to pumping you want to get about 8 pumps in per day.
each pump should be 15-20ish mins.

I actually have Medela 5oz bags... he eats 4oz, sometimes 5 already (chunky monkey). I would hate to pump after every session but if thats my only option, I will. Would it be easier to skip a feed, have DH give a bottle & pump? I don't wanna mess up my supply as I already feel its kinda low.

wouldn't you then just be pumping to replace that bottle? My supply is also pretty low. I make JUUUSTTT enough to feed her. Your morning feed/pump will give you the most. Feed then pump after just your morning pump and see what you get and go from there?

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