Pumping Results dwindling-but not supply issue?

JackieP1023 · June 2014

My pumping output has gone down drastically in the last couple of weeks. At first, I thought it was maybe my pump membranes. On closer inspection, they were beginning to rip. So I replaced those. I started eating oatmeal (working on being more consistent with this). My issue isn't the supply, I don't think-when nursing, DD seems to get full, and she has plenty of wet diapers. Why am I not able to pump much anymore? I used to pump 6ish oz per session-now I am lucky to get 2! I have some pills the LC recommended ordered, so I will try those, but I am getting frustrated with not getting much output!

SuzyQq02 · June 2014

Have you inspected all the pump parts? Does it seem to be working at the same speed/intensity of suction? Sometimes there can be motor or tubing issues on top of the membranes that can cause a decrease in effectiveness of the pump.

Are you able to do a weighted feed with the LC to determine if it's a pump issue or a supply issue? If it's not a supply issue and you take supplements to increase your supply, and can't pump effectively, sounds like a recipe for clogged ducts and potential mastitis.

karich · June 2014

Where are you pumping? Are you comfortable?

I know that if I'm pumping in an unfamiliar place, especially if I'm nervous about getting interrupted, then I don't get as much.
Have you tried heat packs before pumping?

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I talked to the LC today, didn't think about doing a weighted feed. I have mentioned on here slight concerns I have as to DD's growth (she still is tiny, but is growing). We have a pedi appointment on Thurs, so we'll see how much she has grown then. If her % drops much, I will definitely get a weighted feed in, however/wherever I can!

I didn't think about the pills possibly causing clogged ducts/mastitis- that is a good point.

And overall, the pump seems the same as always, although that would likely be the best place to start.

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I am 'relatively' comfortable. As much as I can be. I use a private, locked office 90% of the time, the other 10% is a conference room. I'm not super concerned about being walked in on, as both locks also have deadbolts. I have noticed that my once a day pump at home has diminished too-and I'm definitely comfortable there! (Down to 1.5-2 oz from 4-on one side)

JackieP1023 · June 2014

@Penguin173‌ we are still EBF, but may end up combo feeding if things don't change! I started out pumping for the next day, but the way my crazy schedule is, (and diminished output), I've been pulling frozen for daycare (she goes 2 days a week), and combining and freezing what I pump. She takes 3 bottles at daycare (15oz), plus another 5oz usually when she gets home (from her 'just in case' bottle). That leaves me having to replace 20 oz of milk a day, 40 oz per week. I pump 2 oz per day in the mornings from the opposite side that she nurses from, and roughly 6-8 oz during my 3 pumps during the day. So I am basically pumping half of what she is eating. It is ok for now-I have some of a stash built up-but it won't last long, which has me worried!

boogerbearoriginal · June 2014

Are you feeling letdowns, and after pumping do your breasts feel softer? Are you eating/drinking plenty? Feeling stressed lately? Been sick? How often are you pumping? How old is LO?

This link covers a TON about pumping and worries about decreased output as well as tips to increase pump output.
https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/pumping_decrease/

HTH!

boogerbearoriginal · June 2014

You can also contact the pump manufacturer and they can often help you trouble shoot, to see if they have any tips specific to that pump/model.

sprashley · June 2014

My LC has a tester for pump suction etc. I would definitely have that checked!

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I've never felt letdowns, and usually they do feel softer (not always). I used to not massage, until the output started going down, and it doesn't seem to help. I am time-restricted, though, when pumping at work. That may make a difference. I will have to read the info on that link later when I have more time. Eating/drinking plenty, not sick. Pumping every 3-4 hours as close to 3 as I can. LO is 4 months tomorrow. Somewhat stressed, but not overly so.

boogerbearoriginal · June 2014

JackieP1023 said:

@Penguin173‌ we are still EBF, but may end up combo feeding if things don't change! I started out pumping for the next day, but the way my crazy schedule is, (and diminished output), I've been pulling frozen for daycare (she goes 2 days a week), and combining and freezing what I pump. She takes 3 bottles at daycare (15oz), plus another 5oz usually when she gets home (from her 'just in case' bottle). That leaves me having to replace 20 oz of milk a day, 40 oz per week. I pump 2 oz per day in the mornings from the opposite side that she nurses from, and roughly 6-8 oz during my 3 pumps during the day. So I am basically pumping half of what she is eating. It is ok for now-I have some of a stash built up-but it won't last long, which has me worried!

How long are you guys apart? Is there a reason she's taking a bottle when she gets home instead of nursing?

Baby is typically better than a pump at removing milk so it's important to nurse directly as much as possible. Some women don't respond well to a pump.

20oz is a lot to pump in a work day. If anything it sounds like you had a bit of oversupply that's regulating. I'd look at both sides, the pump and what she's being fed. How much is she nursing in addition to those bottles?

JackieP1023 · June 2014

She nurses twice in addition to those 4 bottles. When I'm home all day she eats 5 times (but she sleeps longer). The only reason she takes that 4th bottle is because I prep 4 for daycare, and they are all coming from frozen, so it needs to be used. When she takes 3-4 bottles, we are apart 7:30-5:30 so 10 hours.

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I'm not too concerned with not pumping 20 oz in a day, but I would like to come close to 40 for the week. As it is, I'm only at about 20-25 for a week.

boogerbearoriginal · June 2014

JackieP1023 said:

She nurses twice in addition to those 4 bottles. When I'm home all day she eats 5 times (but she sleeps longer). The only reason she takes that 4th bottle is because I prep 4 for daycare, and they are all coming from frozen, so it needs to be used. When she takes 3-4 bottles, we are apart 7:30-5:30 so 10 hours.

She's only eating 5-6 times a day? That seems low, is it possible to get another feeding in?

I would try and replace that bottle with nursing to help you not feel pressured to pump as much. Can you leave a bag of frozen instead of dethawing it? Could you have DC feed her the fresh last instead?

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I have been sending all frozen, but was just thinking about sending the 4th as fresh. I started off doing that, but when she goes 2 days in a row, I don't always have a full bottle of fresh. She has only eaten 5-6 times a day since she was about 6w. She occasionally has a 'marathon day', but since 6w, she started sleeping 10+ (usually closer to 12-and then we would still have to wake her) hours at night. Pedi said it's fine as long as she is otherwise healthy and growing. The only way I could get her to eat more would be if I woke her in the MOTN, and I really don't want to go down that road. Sometimes I even have to fight to get her to eat 5 times when I am home with her... Usually we stick to 9/12/3/6/9. But sometimes she sleeps in, so it's 10/1/4/7 and she tries to go to sleep after that last feeding. When I send fresh, I always mark it as bottle #4, and sometimes DC gets the order right, sometimes they don't. DC doesn't have a freezer (well, it's a dorm size fridge, so super small freezer) and they don't keep frozen. Otherwise that would probably be what I would prefer.

JackieP1023 · June 2014

I may start pumping at night, too. I thought about it, just never have done it. It may be an option for possibly getting more output.

The pills are 'lactate support'. It has several ingredients, fenugreek being one of them. I'm just not sure that 'supply' is the issue, since DD seems happy with what she gets when nursing.

For the last month or so (and til the 23rd), I am working 2 days a week. The rest of the time, she nurses. On a 'normal' schedule, I work 4 days, 4 hours each day. So DD only takes 4 bottles during those weeks. Maybe 5 if I run errands one afternoon.

tenfour · June 2014

How long have you seen the dip? Any chance you're ovulating or on your period? Last time I went back to work I started pumping less and less almost from the beginning because the pump just never emptied me like my daughter and you don't make as much if you're not empty (I think) and since I was never empty I just kept making less. I managed to scrape by just barely by adding pumps (like pumping three times for every two feeds at work AND adding a nighttime pump.) I can talk (complain) about pumping supply and stress all day so feel free to mp me if you want a buddy to commiserate with, I mean, strategize about pumping output.

JackieP1023 · June 2014

The dip has been basically over the last 2-3 weeks. Not on my period. Ovulating is possible, I guess, although with PCOS, I usually don't ovulate on my own. I am pretty lucky in that I'm still able to nurse regularly. I just am not sure how long I will be able to keep up, with not being able to get the milk OUT for bottles. Yesterday was the worst day so far-in 4 pumping sessions (including the one I do daily in the mornings), I got about 7.5 oz.

JackieP1023 · June 2014

Medela PISA.

tenfour · June 2014

As I type this I'm pumping. I would say keep at it, take the pills, eat oatmeal with flax if you can and drink a TON of water. Try to relax and think of baby when pumping and add sessions if you can. If all else fails formula is a great option and as long as baby is growing that's all that matters. I'm sure you know this. Fwiw I know many moms who have supplemented fully while they were away at work and still continued to nurse for a year or longer. (Although for the record the second I stopped pumping my supply dried up.) good luck! This is hard.

sdlaura · June 2014

I've also had problems with pumping output at work, but I think DS is getting enough milk when he's actually nursing. I think PPs had great advice. I agree that 20 oz is a lot to pump in one day, and it makes sense to cycle in fresh milk so you only have to produce 15 oz. I have to produce 15 oz for DS's 3 5-oz bottles at daycare, and I'm lucky to get 10-11 oz in four pumping sessions at work. So I also pump before bed and after his MOTN feeding.

Try not to get discouraged - whenever I feel like my output has gone down enough that I won't be able to continue giving him only breastmilk, suddenly my output goes up again. Pumping for at least 15 minutes, and 20 minutes when I can, has helped, and so has drinking a ton of water.

eg214 · June 2014

Glad you asked this. Sad you are in this boat.

I have PCOS too and am thrilled I've been able to BF at all...even this long. My supply for pumping has been dwindling also. I eat oatmeal...two packets...almost every day. Picked up a few other bf encouraging foods as well and only really drink water. Tonight I'm having to pump to make one bottle...off 3 pump sessions. Last night was right out of the shower too. I was sure it would be great but it was worse than the night before. I also drink the nursing tea 1-3 times a day.

Might be time for an LC, a pump inspection, & a hand pump to try.

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