Pumping moms- offer advice here

HisChamaoleGirl · July 2014

I've been separated from LO for 3w except for the weekends. I have 3 more weeks until I return home. I've been pumping while away and nursing on the weekend.

I've noticed what I pump has slowly gotten to be a smaller amount and no matter how much I massage my breasts while pumping I am starting to get painful lumps.

Any advice on how to make the next three weeks more comfortable for this temporary exclusively pumping mom?

abenson3 · July 2014

Not sure what pump you are using, you may need to replace some of your pump parts. Replacement can help increase suction. Also, shower before pumping when you can.

HisChamaoleGirl · July 2014

abenson3 said:
Not sure what pump you are using, you may need to replace some of your pump parts. Replacement can help increase suction. Also, shower before pumping when you can.

Medela PISA and I bought a new breastshield and attachments the week I came to training.

Designermomma · July 2014

Membranes replacement is key for your pump. Otherwise get plenty of rest, stay hydrated (lots of water little/no caffeine), eat well. Try lactation cookies, oatmeal, hummus (certain foods help boost supply). Look at photos and videos of baby while you pump and if you can.

LBStewart · July 2014

Stress can also impact supply. While sleep is super important, if it's possible for you to pump sometime between 1am-5am that might help too.

jenn43 · July 2014

Double check your flange size. Sometimes trying a larger size can help. You can also try lubing up around the areola with a natural oil (such as coconut oil) to make things more comfortable.

Guennie · July 2014

Is it possible the painful lumps could be swollen glands? How deep are they? When I am nearing af my glands become very sensitive and my supply dips. Has af returned for you yet?

If not af related I think it definitely sounds like you are clogging and not fully emptying. When I was experiencing this I massaged in a hot shower and pumped immediately after for the first pump of the day. Then I would massage with a heated rice pack before pumping the rest of the day.

Stress and lack of sleep definitely affect my supply. But it sounds like your main problem is getting them to empty. Is there a LC where you are you could consult?

Edited to ask: how much less are you actually pumping? And I apologize if any of this doesn't make sense, I'm sick.

HisChamaoleGirl · July 2014

Guennie said:

Edited to ask: how much less are you actually pumping? And I apologize if any of this doesn't make sense, I'm sick.

I am used to pumping 8 oz each session (every 3 hours) and that makes 2 4oz bottles for my LO. I am now getting 6 oz each session ever 4 hours or so.

HisChamaoleGirl · July 2014

She's going through a growth spurt right now and DH says she takes about 20-25 oz a day with 3 solid meals. This is more than she's eaten when I am home.

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