No let down during pumping?

LaNorte · September 2014

Since DS has started going to bed regularly at 7:30 pm (about 2 months) I pump before I go to bed, around 9:30 pm. In the last 2 weeks, I have not been able to pump at this time because I don't have a let down. I have tried a bunch of different things that have not helped: breast compressions, massage, heat, watching videos of him nursing, looking at pictures, smelling his clothes. Nothing. I pump at work during the day and don't have a problem, so I don't think it's anything wrong with my pump either. It's just that one time of day. I don't know if it's a coincidence - I'm assuming it's not - but I also went back to work 2 weeks ago which is when the problem started. Maybe I should add that I've always struggled with low supply too, so I can't even tell if I'm just empty and have nothing to pump because I never feel "full" so I wouldn't notice if I felt "empty." This is just ruining my self esteem and self worth - I've never really gotten over the fact that we've had to supplement with formula from the start, and since I can't pump even close to what he eats during the day my stash is dwindling fast and I'm going to be out by the end of next week, which just adds to my shitty feelings of being a shitty mom because I can't adequately feed my kid. Sorry for the sob story... Anyone have advice on how to encourage let down?

DenverAmy · September 2014

My supply decreases a lot as the day goes on. I think that's pretty normal. I have always had to supplement in the evenings with formula. Don't feel bad!

livin541 · September 2014

I'm not sure I can suggest anything else you are not already trying, but just so you know you are not alone in your feelings! My supply has dropped since I went back to work as well, and I also have to supplement with formula. I know it's hard to not be able to EBF, but I just tell myself that I am feeding my child and he is growing and happy... So I'm ok with it. Good luck!

avidkeo · September 2014

Ill add my voice to the other ladies telling you that you are doing a wonderful job! I pump 3 times a day at work and definitely notice that as the day goes on my supply drops. I think its incredible that you are pumping at home as well - I don't.

I also notice that my supply at night is next to nothing and always top up LO with about 5oz formula - thats after giving her both breasts and before she goes down for the night - I make up that much and see how much she takes. Most of the time she takes at least 3-4oz. So you are not alone.

Amyboxer · September 2014

Maybe have a glass of wine or dark beer while you do that last pump?

nicole mackenzie · September 2014

Maybe LO is nursing more to compensate for being away from you and you are more empty now at night?

I pump the most first thing in the morning and it slowly decreases throughout the day as pp mentioned.

You sound like you are working really hard and you are not a bad mom!

Try not to put so much pressure on yourself. I think stress can affect let down. Continue to pump but don't worry so much about production.

LaNorte · September 2014

Thanks for all the support! I have to admit, this is the piece of mom guilt I have that just won't go away. I never thought I'd care so much about breastfeeding, you know? It helps to hear that I'm not the only one. I'll knock back a beer tonight and think relaxing "rainbows and unicorns" thoughts.

Dixon813 · September 2014

I'm sorry this is frustrating and upsetting!

I don't have any advice - you're trying so much - except that when I'm stressedc if I can't relax, I won't get a let down (since I've been back to work, I can't let down my first pump on Mondays... So weird...)

You are going above and beyond for your baby!! If you start supplementing with formula, you're still doing what's best for you and baby! Hang in there, mama!!

*sparky* · September 2014

This is completely normal. Don't feel bad mama! I have tried pumping after DS goes to bed a couple of times and get hardly anything so I don't even try anymore. I get the most when I pump early in the morning before she gets up, but lately she has been nursing 2-4 times a night so I havenot been able to do that either.

During the day she had started taking more in her bottles while I am at work and I am pumping less so I have been dipping into my freezer stash too. Yesterday and the day before I drank tons of water and had oatmeal for breakfast and that seemed to help - I pumped a couple more oz yesterday. Oh and I have started drinking a beer at night after LO goes to bed.

With DS it did not take long for the amount he was taking at DC to be a lot more than I could pump so I started mixing BM and formula in his bottles. I held onto BFing as long as I could but we both got frustrated after a while and I had to stop before I wanted to.

But he is a happy and healthy 9-yr-old now so it all worked out ok. So with this LO I am just doing the best I can and if I have to stop BFing before I wanted to I know it will be ok. I was so stressed about it with DS and I am not doing that to myself again.

You are doing great - don't be so hard on yourself!

porterlove525 · September 2014

Hugs, you are doing an awesome job mama!!

The PP's have offered great advice so the only thing I can add is that even without a letdown, it's all about the stimulation to get your body thinking it needs to produce more milk. That's why they say to let babies use you as a pacifier when nursing, the sucking increases supply. So maybe pumping even though hardly anything is coming out will help boost supply.

Also, I don't have supply issues (doc just informed me at our 4 month checkup that my son gained too much weight) and I only pump 10-12oz all day in 4 sessions at work. I send my so to daycare with 9oz since he's gone 9hrs (following the 1oz per hour rule). He may be drinking less during the day, but he makes up for it in the morning and at night nursing. I beat myself up about not pumping enough, but the reverse cycling also can help supply and "power" sessions on the weekend may help to build back up your supply and stash. Just some things to try. Hugs.

CurlieWhirlie · September 2014

I so, SO feel you on this one. I have really been struggling to keep up with my baby's needs (I have a Max, too!) since I came back to work two months ago. I pump three times a day, and for a while it was really bad, off-and-on difficulty letting down, etc. I finally ditched the pump I had gotten free from my insurance (Ameda) and bought a better one (Medela), and that made a HUGE difference. But of course I've gotten my period back, so the ten or so days of the luteal phase of my cycle my supply dips a bit (stupid hormones). I completely identify with your feelings of worry, stress and frustration over your ability to feed your child.

I like the suggestion that you have dark beer before pumping at night, but also maybe eat something? I have learned that if I don't have an afternoon snack, my last pumping session at work is garbage.

Be kind to yourself, let-down is a lot like orgasm, it's super hard to let down when you're stressing about letting down.

zoopsiedaisy · September 2014

You are doing great! And the fact that in the face feeling disappointed you're still trying to find a way to increase your supply says you're an awesome mom!

I had a similar problem when I returned to work. Prior to working I could pump and get enough for the occasional bottle here or there and to freeze a few bags. When I went to work I had trouble pumping enough during the day and by the evenings it was practically dry. The only thing that helped me has been drinking Gatorade. On the days that I go to work I drink a big G2 Gatorade and by the time I pump I feel full and I'm able to get enough for two of her three bottles for the next day. Then in the evenings I'm able to get a couple more ounces right after she's gone to bed.

At first I thought it was just a fluke and that I was just more comfortable pumping at work which was why I was having some supply issues in the first place. Then yesterday I didn't have my Gatorade and I only pumped enough for one and a half bottles. So today I made sure to get the Gatorade and I have enough to freeze for next week.

If you haven't tried the Gatorade thing before it might be worth it. Good luck and keep your head up! You're doing a great job!

LaNorte · September 2014

I haven't tried Gatorade yet, I'll give it a shot! Tonight I'm going with a beer

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