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April 2014 Moms
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Back to work & supply/pumping issues

cd92007cd92007 member
in April 2014 Moms
I've always had really great supply and when I would pump at home I could easily pump 8-10 ounces per session. Now that I'm back to work, I barely can pump 6 ounces per session (I pump twice at work). 

For those of you who are back to work, did you notice a drop in your supply? How much do you pump per session? Did you try anything to increase your supply and did it work?
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Re: Back to work & supply/pumping issues

  • RedDawnsRevengeRedDawnsRevenge member
    In 19months of pumping at work for DD1 I never had supply issues. But I will say that often sitting in cool air condition work places we don't realize how much water we lose throughout the day (or night). It can be very hard to stay hydrated at work. Try eating healthy snacks, such as oatmeal or granola. Try adding before or after work pumps. Though I don't think 6oz is to shabby. While I don't remember what I would pump a session I would average about 24oz a night pumped at work.
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  • Yogini6911Yogini6911 member
    I noticed a drop especially when i (finally) started to lose weight. I've been eating the lactation cookies from milkmakers and drinking the yogi tea for nursing moms. I've noticed an increase to my supply since doing both. And also from drinking water, like my weight in ounces.
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  • nikkimorellonikkimorello member
    It has not always been easy, but I really try to pump 3 times a day at work (around 9,12, and 3). I have worried that 2 would affect my supply. Maybe add another session?
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  • rtv3rtv3 member
    Not personal experience but my SIL told me that her supply dipped the first couple weeks back. Kind of a combo of being more tense due to being away from baby and just getting into a good routine. It went back up after the first week or so. Definitely try to stay hydrated and eat enough and give it a little time :)
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  • Avion22Avion22 member
    I'm jealous, I only get maybe 3 ounces for each pumping session at work.

    Some of it is getting used to the new routine, pumping in a strange place, and being away from baby.  You also might not be drinking enough water at work.  I would suggest to either add a pumping session if you can, or pump for slightly longer each session to see if you can get another letdown.  
    imageDSC_9275  image



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  • ksulliksulli member
    Keep baby on the boob while home as much as possible. Bring pictures, videos, voice recordings, even the sleeper baby wore last night with you. It helps stimulate the release the mommy hormones.
    *Married 10.10.08*
     image
    TTC #1 9.09 - BFP#1:2.18.10= missed m/c, D&C 4.16
    BFP#2:10.22.10=Avelin born 7.2.11
    TTC#2: 2.13 - BFP#3: 7.25.13=Kelsey born 3.31.14
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  • ksulliksulli member
    I forgot one of my medela bottles today (but fortunately no other pump parts) so I've been pumping while holding a non-connecting bottle under the pump on that side. I'm going to have to get creative on my 3rd pump of the day to avoid mixing warm & chilled milk. I'm either going to pump into a plastic cup and chill it that way before combining, or maybe pour it into a water bottle to chill & transport.

    Thought people reading this thread would get a kick out if that one.
    *Married 10.10.08*
     image
    TTC #1 9.09 - BFP#1:2.18.10= missed m/c, D&C 4.16
    BFP#2:10.22.10=Avelin born 7.2.11
    TTC#2: 2.13 - BFP#3: 7.25.13=Kelsey born 3.31.14
    Report Reply
  • Avion22Avion22 member
    ksulli said:
    I forgot one of my medela bottles today (but fortunately no other pump parts) so I've been pumping while holding a non-connecting bottle under the pump on that side. I'm going to have to get creative on my 3rd pump of the day to avoid mixing warm & chilled milk. I'm either going to pump into a plastic cup and chill it that way before combining, or maybe pour it into a water bottle to chill & transport. Thought people reading this thread would get a kick out if that one.
    Might be worth throwing a few milk freezer bags and pump adapters into your desk drawer just in case you forget or run out of bottles.  They take up almost no space :-)
    imageDSC_9275  image



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  • ksulliksulli member
    ^^^ I used to keep a whole thing of storage bags in my purse for just that reason. Then I ran out of bags in the kitchen last night and pulled them out of my work bag. Perfect timing.
    *Married 10.10.08*
     image
    TTC #1 9.09 - BFP#1:2.18.10= missed m/c, D&C 4.16
    BFP#2:10.22.10=Avelin born 7.2.11
    TTC#2: 2.13 - BFP#3: 7.25.13=Kelsey born 3.31.14
    Report Reply
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