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May 2015 Moms
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Helppppppp! Pumping

Chichi93Chichi93 member
in May 2015 Moms
So Cohen *born may 4th* has 3 heart defects and I'm forced to bottle feed him breast milk (to be able to document exactly how much he eats for the doctors).

I used to be able to make two bottles (one from each breast) while he was in the hospital for a week. Then we got home and I can't even make an ounce with both breast combined.... the doctors wanted me to be using ONLY breast milk by now and I can't make that much for some reason... so hes been getting like .5 oz of breast milk and 2.5 of formula every time. He eats 3 oz of milk every 2 hours.

I drink water and Gatorade (someone told me the Gatorade helps) all the time and still nothing...

That and my boobs itch like all the time. Idk what it is. Maybe this stupid pump? It's taking off some skin too. I'm not sure if that's totally normal. Probably is. But goodness it's just so uncomfortable.
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Re: Helppppppp! Pumping

  • smashbaby111smashbaby111 member
    I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, sounds frustrating!
    Is there a lactation consultant at your hospital that you could make an appt with? I know at my hospital, they will help fit pump parts to make sure you have the right size... Make sure you are eating enough too! Maybe try making some lactation cookies? I know there are a bunch of things that can help with supply but I haven't explored them...
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  • MrsS728MrsS728 member
    I have a low supply as well (my daughter was born on May 6th) and I've been pumping then supplementing with formula (topping off to 2-3 oz). I tried to lactation cookies, as well as lactation (banana nut) muffins and I've noticed a difference. While it's not a substantial increase, it is a definite increase in supply. The three ingredients that help increase supply are brewer's yeast, oats, and milled flax seed. 
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  • runswithscissors86runswithscissors86 member
    Lurking from another month. Mothers milk tea and fenugreek supplements helped me with my first. Also having a picture of baby that you only pull out when you pump can increase let down.
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  • Swan22job445Swan22job445 member
    Lactation cookies, fenugreek & mothers tea, in that order helped me. If you take fenugreek and eat a lactation cookie, please make sure that you are drinking plenty of water! I had to move three times in the first year and the stress severely affected my milk supply--these things helped--best of luck to you & your family!
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  • mamajama3mamajama3 member
    Try eating almonds- that made my supply increase a lot. Also drink lots of water and try eating more dairy. Best of luck and congrats on your little one!
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  • mamadeucemamadeuce member
    Many PPS gave excellent advise on what to eat, drink, etc. to increase your supply. Definitely give them a try. Pumping should not be uncomfortable or take off any skin. Maybe you have the wrong size flanges. Have a LC check that for you. Watch videos of Baby Cohen or look at pictures while you pump. And stick to a consistent pump schedule to ensure your supply is steady and does not decrease. You want to pump at least 8 to 10 times a day. I hope this helps. I had to pump exclusively for a few days because of nipple damage from bad latching in the beginning. Pumping was a life saver for me. LO got breast milk and my nipples got a break. Best wishes to you and LO.
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  • nolababybabynolababybaby member
    Fenugreek is helping me. Good luck!
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  • Maggie0908Maggie0908 member
    Visiting from June (DD 6/1) anyway-I noticed you mentioned since you got home, are you using a different pump than in the hospital? Perhaps that is the reason. You may want to look into renting what you used in the hospital.
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  • lexxiem23lexxiem23 member
    Drink mothers milk tea!
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  • Chichi93Chichi93 member
    Thank you all! It's so frustrating because I didn't really want to breast feed and I'm being forced to pump now :\

    @mamadeuce I'm using the same funnel thing that the LC fit me with but it takes off skin! It has left scabs on my nips! :c I try pumping every time he eats which is every 2 hours and I still only get an ounce [if I'm lucky] with both breast combined. Siiiigh.

    @Maggie0908 yea it's a different pump but it's the same funnels and everything just a different pump. Same brand just older I assume. But the one at the hospital either helped pull more milk out or I was just producing more. Not sure which.
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  • chicago1985chicago1985 member
    edited May 2015
    Put lanolin on the flange where you're rubbing! Worked so well for me. Maybe if you're more relaxed and not in pain you will produce more. Also, watch this video about hands on pumping https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html
    BabyFruit Ticker
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