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September 2015 Moms
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Variables in pumping

TabulaRasa25TabulaRasa25 member
edited November 2015 in September 2015 Moms
I don't pump frequently, but do try to pump regularly and consistently.  

I have grad school classes three nights a week, and on those nights, my husband bottle-feeds pumped milk for the feeding I miss while at school. Other than that, we don't bottle-feed. I am trying to pump daily, whether I have class that day or not, to try to get ahead and have a supply available, and just for the consistency with my supply.  I know mornings are the best time for me to pump, supply, wise.  I tend to pump after his first-thing-in-the-morning feeding, which is usually between 7 and 8 a.m.  I wait about 45 minutes after the feeding before pumping. 

My observation is that despite pumping the same time of day, consistently after a breastfeeding, the amount I pump in a given session is ALL over the map. Yesterday, I pumped 6 oz. in one sitting. The day before that, about two oz. Today, I got barely three oz.  Probably tomorrow will be back up to a full bottle.  I'm wondering what accounts for the difference?  My son nurses for a consistent time period (10-15 minutes per side), is on a consistent, regular feeding schedule in general, and I am consistently pumping the same time of day (double electric pump, Medela PISA). I have a hands-free Simplicity pumping setup that allows me to massage for higher output, but the amount is still all over the place. All other things being equal, I'm wondering what goes into pumping half the volume I did the day before from one day to the next.   What different things could be contributing to this, and what can I do to maximize the output?  I really don't want to be pumping multiple times a day between feedings if I don't need to. Just wondering why some days, my cup runneth over, others, not so much, when I'm not really changing anything. 
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Re: Variables in pumping

  • BrandiLaw87BrandiLaw87 member
    Like you, I don't pump very frequently but I try to also do it in the morning. I also find my amount is inconsistent. The only thing I notice is it depends on how hydrated I stay the day or two before. If I'm not diligent in my water intake (or miss a Gatorade day) then I notice a drop in my pumping amount. Not much advice here but hopefully it helps!
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  • jen83mnjen83mn member
    I always pump more on days I'm well hydrated, don't miss any meals, and do things that increase supply like drink Gatorade and eat oatmeal. On days where I don't stay hydrated enough or skip meals, my supply suffers. But even so, no two days are ever alike in terms of how much I pump!
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  • TabulaRasa25TabulaRasa25 member
    Hydration factors could DEFINITELY be a key. Some of the days I've pumped less, it's been following an evening meal with lots of garlic, which is so dehydrating.  I can chug water and still be cottonmouthed, so I know I'm dehydrated. 

    I also use the Mother's Milk tea, which has fennel and fenugreek, and I feel like that helps with supply to an extent, but not so much that I"m blown away by it. 
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  • katelukenskatelukens member
    Just a thought from an EPer- even tho you wait 45 min after feeding, it could be the amount your child is eating the feeding before you pump that makes a difference -I have heard with BFing, your child can vary the amount they take (even if it's the same time frame) so your child could be significantly hungrier one day and therefore you will end up pumping less following this and vice versa.

    I would say your best bet is to add another pump into your day - not only will it get you prepped for when you are not around but it just may increase your supply.

    And as usual for all of us- stay hydrated!
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