working and pumping question

whoberry · August 2014

Just went back to work last week. I am pumping 3x a day at work, at 10,1 and 4. I bf in the evenings and was throwing in extra pumping sessions in the morning and evening to try to increase my supply. Seems like LO needs around 8 oz while I am gone and I am only getting about 4 total when I pump at work.
I wasn't sure what to do on the weekend. BF on demand and try to maintain my pumping schedule? I pumped 2x a day this weekend to have some milk for the week but couldn't really stick to the same schedule I am using at work. TIA.

DahliaFlower · August 2014

Seems like you have a very reasonable pumping schedule while at work. Are you able to hydrate enough? You should probably be drinking a least a couple of liters during the work day.

Are you using a high quality pump such as PISA? Are you pumping on a high enough setting?

If yes to the above, you might want to see a lactation consultant, possibly try meds such as domperidone to increase supply. 4 oz from 3 well timed pumping sessions is pretty low, and might be helped with some interventions.

whoberry · August 2014

Thanks ladies. I am seeing an lc today. I started fenugreek last week. I have a medela advanced double which I believe is the insurance version of the pump in style. I pump both sides at once for 20 min. I have 3 different size flanges 24, 27, 30. I have tried them all but don't notice a difference in how much I pump with different sizes.
I am generally pretty good with hydration but not always. Food is harder since we just got a MSPI diagnosis last week and I am trying to learn the diet.
I don't turn the pump up very high. When I did in the past it didn't seem to make a difference but I will try again. I also can't feel my let down with bf ing or pumping.
Pumping routine varies but I always have a glass of water with me. I have tried relaxing and visualizing but I think that just focuses my attention on pumping too much because I am thinking about milk and baby. Guess I am not really relaxed. Distraction may work better but the major difference in output seems to be based on time of day.

Peanutz21 · August 2014

whoberry said:

I also can't feel my let down with bf ing or pumping. Pumping routine varies but I always have a glass of water with me. I have tried relaxing and visualizing but I think that just focuses my attention on pumping too much because I am thinking about milk and baby. Guess I am not really relaxed. Distraction may work better but the major difference in output seems to be based on time of day.

i have never felt a letdown before either but only am aware it's happening when i hear the milk filling up the bottles.

i usually have my phone with me when i'm pumping and it definitely helps to look at photos of LO and i also have a few videos of her being cute.

as for water - i am guilty of not drinking enough either. i find that if you consciously carry a big water bottle with you that you may be more inclined to drink it until it's empty. if your'e not a water fan try sprucing git up with some lemon slices or cucumber/mint.

and finally - i remember you from IF. congrats on your LO!

whoberry · August 2014

Thanks ladies! The LC was very helpful. She confirmed I have low supply (although fortunately not super low). That is why he was cluster feeding all the time because he was never getting full. We will supplement with expressed milk and some formula until I can increase my supply using many of her suggestions. We tested out her feeding tips last night and it made a huge difference! I feel very relieved. I was afraid supplementing with formula would lead me down a slippery slope where I would give up bfing in the end so I was afraid to do it but now I feel better about it.
Also, she mentioned that many women who ovulate irregularly have supply issues and they don't know why. I had not heard this before. Just another reason infertility sucks.
@Peanutz21‌ thanks!

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