Suddenly can't pump?

kells0225 · December 2015

I have a 4.5 month old boy that has been exclusively breastfed. I have been pumping randomly since the beginning and suddenly starting last week I cannot pump anymore. I try in the mornings and literally get a couple drops only. Baby is still gaining weight good and I have only ever had problems with over supply with him. I still have a very strong let down that sometimes causes baby to cough and choke on milk spray. Any ideas what could have changed?

tracij12 · December 2015

Could be that your supply has just gotten really regulated to his needs and if he is going through a growth spurt might just be taking all you are producing. My LO is almost 3 months and I pump 2x/day. Some weeks I'm getting 4+ oz a session (after a feed) and others I'm barely getting 1.

I would just make sure you are getting lots of water and maybe add a consistent pumping session or 2 each day to trigger your body that you need more (assuming you want to build stash).

shotzie · December 2015

What kind of pump are you using? If it's a Medela, you might try changing out the membranes on your pump. They need to be replaced every so often to maintain proper suction.

Have you tried massaging your breasts while pumping? That can help get the milk flowing.

krissyberb · December 2015

Use hot compresses before and while you pump. Lansinoh makes these gel ones that you heat up in the microwave that I really like. I'm 5 months pp and I've noticed that it's harder for me to get a let down. When I pump at work I watch videos of my baby which helps.

marijaa333 · December 2015

Same as pp! I have a harder time with the letdown with the pump these days, but watching videos of kiddo really does help. Also, oddly, I find now that hand expression works better than pumping and takes about the same time; the only drawback for me is that it's not hands-free.

ladythrice · December 2015

I second @Tracij12!

It sounds completely normal. In all likelihood your body has adjusted to producing only what LO needs. If you want to build a stash, add a regularly scheduled pump and keep at it. You will slowly see an increase if you do that. If you only pump sporadically you are much less likely to be able to keep pumping extra for a stash.

kvogel77 · December 2015

I always have to look at pictures of my baby when I pump to help with let down.

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