Community› The Bump Month Clubs› May 2016 Moms
May 2016 Moms
New Discussion

All things pumping

135

Re: All things pumping

  • tgortneytgortney member
    @Charla1224 I have a massive amount of oversupply and a forceful letdown. Really been trying to figure it out. I pumped today for 5 minutes on 1 boob and got 4oz (that was just for relief). I've resorted to cabbage leaves now (first day was today). What I learned at an LLL meeting is, the more empty your boobs get, the faster milk will come back. You have to stay fuller (yet comfortable) so your body can back off the milk production.

    https://www.llli.org/faq/oversupply.html
    This has the strategies to slow down milk supply

    As for the forceful letdown and choking, I've started changing positions. I put DS on my belly as I'm reclined back and let him suck the milk up so he can control the flow rate vs gravity (like a straw lol). It seems to help with the choking, coughing, and spit up amount.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • missnc77missnc77 member
    I am so engorged at night, but I can't pump anything it feels like during the day. Trying to pump a bottle for my husband before I go to an appointment. It's only about 20-30 minutes away from LO's next feeding on this breast. Sigh. 
    Report Reply
  • BellodomaniBellodomani member
    @Charla1224 The oversupply will regulate over time, but I would taper way back on the pumping until you're eventually only pumping to replace bottle feedings. You could also try block feeding- Google for more details, but basically keeping feedings on the same breast for a chunk of time each day to reduce nipple stimulation. My fast letdown continued until I weaned, but it wasn't nearly as problematic once the oversupply improved. 
    Report Reply
  • wamam027wamam027 member
    @bkjade my right tit is ALWAYS the slacker. I even find myself talking to it as if I can motivate it to catch up to lefty. Oh how life has changed.
    Report Reply
  • balamamabalamama member
    Ok so this may be weird but my left boob was always the slacker until two days ago when out of nowhere it was the big producer and righty was the slacker! Same deal today when I pumped. Wtf? I try to give them equal opportunity during feedings.  
    Report Reply
  • That1didntcountThat1didntcount member
    babyfmama said:
    Ok so this may be weird but my left boob was always the slacker until two days ago when out of nowhere it was the big producer and righty was the slacker! Same deal today when I pumped. Wtf? I try to give them equal opportunity during feedings.  
    Slackers can TOTALLY change over the course of breastfeeding - mine did last time at 6 months after my first bout of mastitis. 
    Baby # 1: BFP 10/26/12: Baby girl born 7/1/13
    Baby #2: BFP 9/2/15: EDD 5/15/16
    Report Reply
  • Sienna516Sienna516 member
    edited June 2016
    Help! I'm an EP with low supply.
    So I'm not producing enough milk right now and I feel like I've been trying so hard to get my supply up and it's not happening. I'm producing about 27-30oz a day and my son is eating 30 oz a day. We tried breastfeeding for a month with lots of issues and needing to supplement with formula, so now I exclusively pump. (I wasn't keen on bfing, he falls asleep within minutes of latching on, for awhile he had a bad latch, he has weak lower jaw muscles which would require therapy exercises to bf, his tongue is tied a little bit, barely does any hunger cues and goes straight to screaming, the LC & speech pathologist are an hour away) 
    I met with the LC a few times while trying to BF and she recommended Motherlove's Maluungay to increase my supply and wants me to get blood tested for a thyroid issue. I started the maluungay the other day, it's gross and the supply lasts for 10 days. I've been pumping every 2 hours during the day and two 3 hour gaps at night for the last 10 days. I try to BF once a day so he remembers how to do it in case of whatever. Each pumping session I get 1-1.75 oz per breast and that is pumping on low for 20-25 minutes (I wait for the milk to stop trickling). I use my hands while pumping as well and tried bigger shields, but it made it more painful for me. My pump is a new Medela pump in style. I know oatmeal, fenugreek, and beer can help, but I can't swallow pills, can't stand oatmeal texture and dislike beer. I also drink tons of water and limit my caffeine and I'm not on any BC yet. I have the breast therapy things that you can heat up, but i didn't notice too much of a difference with them.  LO drinks 3.5-4oz a feeding and sleeps for 4-7 hour stretches at night. I go back to work on Tuesday this coming week.
    I'm getting very frustrated and am thinking about just giving into formula, but I had really wanted the pumping to work out. I bought a ton of freezer bags for me to build up a supply and I have stored nothing so far since I can't keep up with LO. My LO is 6 weeks this Tuesday and is already in size 2 diapers and 6 month clothing. The last LC visit she said his weight is fine. He initially lost too much weight after the hospital, which is why we were initially supplementing. 

    Together 11/2008
    Married 9/29/2012
    BFP #1 8/26/15
    EDD 5/6/2016
    Report Reply
  • tgortneytgortney member
    Bellodomani said:
    @Charla1224 The oversupply will regulate over time, but I would taper way back on the pumping until you're eventually only pumping to replace bottle feedings. You could also try block feeding- Google for more details, but basically keeping feedings on the same breast for a chunk of time each day to reduce nipple stimulation. My fast letdown continued until I weaned, but it wasn't nearly as problematic once the oversupply improved. 
    I just started block feeding and omg! My oversupply has improved so much! I still have a crazy fast let down because I accidentally unlatched LO when he had just started and he got sprayed in the face :#
    Report Reply
  • baby-2-duebaby-2-due member
    @Sienna516 my LC told me to take fenugreek and blessed thistle to help increase my milk supply. I did some research on it and women have had good experiences with it and I discussed with my older sister and she said it helped her quite a bit but made her sweat smell like maple syrup. Maybe look into that? 
    Report Reply
  • Kennedy0830Kennedy0830 member
    I just got 4 oz from my slacker boob (righty), what is happening with the world?!
    Report Reply
  • JoMunsonJoMunson member
    Kennedy0830 said:
    I just got 4 oz from my slacker boob (righty), what is happening with the world?!
    Oh my gosh! If I got even one ounce from slacker boob I'd freak!
    Report Reply
  • wsgjmw1wsgjmw1 member
    LadySamLady said:
    WTF is it about dem right titties?!? 
    Hahaha yup ! 
    Report Reply
  • JoMunsonJoMunson member
    Boobs are basically just bitches you have to hang out with because your kid thinks they're cool.
    (except for you super boob that produces 3 and a half ounces. I love you).
    Report Reply
  • balamamabalamama member
    Kennedy0830 said:
    JoMunson said:
    Kennedy0830 said:
    I just got 4 oz from my slacker boob (righty), what is happening with the world?!
    Oh my gosh! If I got even one ounce from slacker boob I'd freak!
    I kept cheering it on as if it were in a race.
    Lol
    Report Reply
  • businessmamabusinessmama member
    Anyone using a Sarah Wells breast pump bag? If so, do you like it?
    Report Reply
  • dsmith211dsmith211 member
    AliciaD39 said:
    Anyone using a Sarah Wells breast pump bag? If so, do you like it?
    This. I was planning on possibly getting one before I go back to work in August but if anyone has some insight first that would help justify the $100 I have to spend.
    Report Reply
  • NinnyJeanNinnyJean member
    I think I finally figured out part of my problem with pumping and that the breastshields are too big. They didn't have the size I need at babies r us but they mentioned I would need connectors, for medela pump. I looked online and it said the connectors aren't compatible with the freestyle but the shields were. Anyone bought a different size and know if the connectors are needed or not?
    Report Reply
  • lizChesnutlizChesnut member
    what storage do you ladies like best? i had a bout with thrush so wasn't able to pump like ive been wanting to. now that we're looking all clear for milk storage i want to build up a supply. i have a few sample milk bags to try. but i've also looked at ice cube tray type storage. the bags look the simpliest. anybody have a system they swear by. or shouldi just buy lanisohl brand bags and stock up!
    Report Reply
  • jenl1681jenl1681 member
    I have been using the lansinoh bags and have no complaints @lizChesnut
    Report Reply
  • khochanadelkhochanadel member
    I've been trying to amp up my supply through more frequent pumping, power pumping,  fenugreek, and oatmeal.  I've read that it can take a few days for your body to be clued in, but for the past week my supply has been pretty much flat, same amount across the board. What am I doing wrong? I'm so jealous of those of you with an over supply problem... the grass is always greener,right? 

    It's really discouraging because we have twins and j am barely pumping enough for one baby. We're EP with supplementation. 
    Report Reply
  • Kennedy0830Kennedy0830 member
    Two things. First, I purchased fenugreek (natures way) from Amazon and just read the back label that says do not use when pregnant or nursing. Anyone have any insight??

    Secondly, I pumped 2.5 oz yesterday AM and got frustrated when LO kept popping off the boob last night before bed, so I pulled that from the fridge to feed her. She ate 0.5oz and passed out for the evening :neutral: waaaaahhhhhhhh!
    Report Reply
  • AuntieCre5AuntieCre5 member
    Was crying last night because my slacker boob only pumped out a half of oz. and so I automatically assume the baby isn't getting enough to eat. Then this morning I got 2oz from said boob! So stressful all. The. Time. 
    Report Reply
  • bkjadebkjade member
    @lizChesnut - I'm using Dr. Brown's bags and love them. 

    Also, I can't believe I didn't think of this earlier, but I was talking about how I needed to order a hands-free pumping bra and a friend of mine told me to just cut two slits in an old sports bra and slide the flanges through. Works great, and saved myself some bucks!
    Report Reply
  • JoMunsonJoMunson member
    AuntieCre5 said:
    Was crying last night because my slacker boob only pumped out a half of oz. and so I automatically assume the baby isn't getting enough to eat. Then this morning I got 2oz from said boob! So stressful all. The. Time. 
    Slacker boob has no logic. I was getting half an ounce and then last time I pumped it I got nothing. LO is still happily eating from it.
    Report Reply
  • KarenpreggoKarenpreggo member
    Due to a staffing crisis, I have to go back to work earlier than expected. Originally 9 weeks leave but Ill be working a few half days (4 hour stretches) next week. Im trying to look at it as a goof practice run for hubby and I.  I have 56 oz frozen milk and will be working 9-1 or so. LO should typically nap for most of that time (10-1).  LO is 4 weeks old, 5 next week, and weve only done a handful of bottles. How do I know how much freezer milk to tell my husband to feed? Like 4 oz and see if DS is still hungry after that?

    Ill pump once during that work stretch too.  So stressful but I think ultimately a good thing - more son bonding with DH before hes on his own for an 8 hr stretch, a baby step of adjustment for me rather than a full 8 hr day, and a little income to ease the burden of unpaid maternity leave.  Ugh Im going to miss LO though, my heart already hurts just thinking about it.  
    Report Reply
  • kbrands7kbrands7 member
    edited June 2016
    @Karenpreggo if he has taken 4oz consistently when you have fed in the past, do 4; otherwise, I'd suggest starting at 3 and adding more if necessary so that you don't end up with wasted milk.
    Report Reply
  • NinnyJeanNinnyJean member
    LadySamLady said:
    NinnyJean said:
    I was able to freeze four ounces today for the first time! This may not seem like much but for me it's a huge accomplishment since I only pump at most two ounces a time and a lot of the time have had to bottle feed her the milk right back. But nursing has gone so well I was able to freeze! So happy right now
    Why do you have to bottle feed her right back? You ought to be able to put her on the breast after pumping, you're never truly empty. My LO has impeccable timing and wakes up to nurse almost every time I pump and even though my breasts feel soft and "empty" she gets a full meal in no problem! 
    She hasn't been gaining weight as quickly as she should, she only gained an ounce in a week, so the LC wanted to try that to make sure she was getting enough since she was two weeks early and falls asleep nursing really easy. Just got the all clear though that we can stop that since she's gaining a little better! 
    Report Reply
  • kbrands7kbrands7 member
    Mini-vent: All of the random leaking and letdown had stopped so a few days ago I started manually pumping righty for a few minutes for just 1oz/day to build a gradual stash. Today it started letting down when left letdowns again! I can't believe it's so sensitive to just one extra oz. Not an awful issue, but annoying.
    Report Reply
  • jenl1681jenl1681 member
    @Karenpreggo I have been leaving three 2.75oz bottle for LO when I am gone 11-5. He stays with me in the morning so I feed him right before I drop him off and then have the bottles ready in the fridge for DH. It has been working perfectly with no waste. I used the calculator on kellymom 
    Report Reply
  • dshannahdshannah member
    Kennedy0830 said:
    Two things. First, I purchased fenugreek (natures way) from Amazon and just read the back label that says do not use when pregnant or nursing. Anyone have any insight??
    My LC said this is just for the vitamin company to cover their butts, because the product hasn't been tested/vetted by the FDA for this use. So long as the only ingredient is fenugreek and other galactogogues plus whatever the capsule is made of, you're fine.
    khochanadel said:
    What am I doing wrong?... 
    It's really discouraging because we have twins and j am barely pumping enough for one baby. We're EP with supplementation. 
    You aren't doing anything wrong! Some of us, for whatever reason, just don't produce enough milk, no matter what we do. It's actually much more common than the stats say (Kelly Mom says 3% of women have low supply, but I know at least fifteen other women of my personal acquaintance and thousands online who just don't produce enough milk). Sometimes it's because we have insufficient glandular tissue (IGT--if you had irregular periods growing up, IGT is likely!), sometimes it's because baby has a tongue tie, sometimes it's thyroid related or PCOS related, sometimes it's something else entirely. But there's nothing to be done about most of these causes, and while you can increase supply by power pumping and taking supplements and drinking teas and going to more heroic efforts (one woman in the IGT FB group I'm in was using a TENS machine on her boobs to stimulate milk production!), it's always going to be a struggle, and you have to weigh the benefits of pumping vs. other aspects of motherhood (one woman in my lactation support group said she stopped pumping when she realized it was taking time away from her daughter, who, at 8 weeks, wanted to play with her, not watch her pump).

    I have IGT and joined an IGT FB group that has been amazing at providing suggestions for increasing milk supply and supplementing in various ways.  @DutchLucyLu introduced me to the group (the link if posted in the Formula Feeding thread) and while I won't be hooking myself up to a TENS machine any time soon, I've found the following helpful to my supply:

    Fenugreek 
    Blessed Thistle 
    Goat's Rue (the best--immediate results and it feels like my milk is coming in all over again)
    Mother's Milk Tea (essentially all the above, but in tea form)
    Power Pumping (20 minutes on, ten off, ten on, ten off, ten on) with my In Style (hands free with an old bra I cut some holes in)
    Manual pumping with a medela hand-pump at random times.
    Lansinoh 3-in-1 nursing pads
    Breast massage while pumping and nursing

    My son still nurses a few times per day, but my boobs are exhausted after ten minutes (usually five) and baby gets frustrated, so we switch over to formula or pumped milk at that point.
    Report Reply
  • JoMunsonJoMunson member
    I'm curious about power pumping- my supply is fine but I want to increase it so I can start a really strong stash/ feel better about slacker boob. How long do you do the rhythm for? Is it just 20-10-10-10? Then how long do you wait till starting again?
    Report Reply
  • jenl1681jenl1681 member
    @JoMunson I do pump 10, wait 10, repeat. Slacker boob is gradually getting the memo. 
    Report Reply
  • Victoria52516Victoria52516 member
    @NinnyJean I have the Freestyle too. The medela shields for the other pumps work with ours but the actual part that pumps thoes plastic pieces with the rubber in the middle is totally different from the valves (the hoses are different too) they use on the other ones. I use the 24 size sheild and I have large boobs I was a DD before and have gone up 2 more sizes atleast since I started bf. I thought they would be too small but they worked WAY better than the bigger ones they gave me at first in the hospital. I ordered extra hoses and plastic/rubber valve assemblies direct from medela since I couldnt find them at the stores. It was easy and quick shipping. 
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"