Exclusive pumpers unite!

khochanadel · June 2016

After a long BF war with the twins, I'm EPing. I feel much less anxiety and sadness about feeding my babies and feel like I'm generally doing the best possible thing for my family.

Trouble is... how do I find time to pump with two babies, particularly when they're wide awake or fussing? And if you're new to this like me, where do you find resources and info on EPing? I'm finding limited support and research.

Use this thread to share what works for you!

dsmith211 · June 2016

I've been exclusively pumping for Corbin. It's just what ended up working best for us in the end. I found a lot of good information here:

https://kellymom.com/mother2mother/exclusive-pumping/

The schedule I've been trying to keep currently is every 3 hours from 9am to midnight and then once during the night about 4-5 hours in and I do that for at least 15-20 mins each time, but if the milk is still flowing I'll try and continue at least 5 mins past when it stops. This helps to keep up supply. As time goes on and he starts to sleep better in the night I'll probably drop the nighttime pump. When I first started, to build up my supply I did it every 2 hours then down to every 3. It's hard to find the time bc I have to do it when he's napping or calm enough to just sit for 20 mins. Another thing I do, if it coincides with when I'm needing to pump is bottle feed him at the same time. It takes about as long as the pumping session and keeps him occupied, also kills 2 birds with 1 stone and saves some time. Also, what I do now with my pump parts is rinse them with hot water every time and then put them in the fridge in a big ziploc and then just wash them fully at the end of the day. Saves a lot of time there too.

Another thing I cannot recommend enough getting a hands-free pumping bra. I think the one I got is called Simple Wishes - I got it on Amazon and it works great.

wamam027 · June 2016

I'm EPing, have been pretty much since we left the hospital due to a 17% weight drop and DD not wanting to eat from the breast after giving her bottles of breastmilk. I do put her to the breast one to three times a day just for the sake of attempting to have that bond, but otherwise it's all bottles. I'm on my own since DH is gone so during the day I use my hands free bra and hold DD in between my boobs while I'm pumping on days when she's fussy (which is most days, it's like she has a radar to be fussy the second I need to pump). When this doesn't work I use my medela manual pump and hold DD in one arm while manually pumping as much as I can from one breast then switch DD into the other arm and pump some from the other breast. At night when we wake up I prop her up in the boopy and feed her while pumping with my hands free bra and this seems to work fairly well for us. It's the darn bottle dishes that get me every day, I can never manage to find the time to do them!

khochanadel · June 2016

I have 2 hands free bras - a medela one and a lansinoh one. I like the lansinoh one better. If only 1 baby is fussing I can hold her while pumping - is when they're both at it that kills me. Right now I'm trying to get 9 pumps a day in.

Has anyone done power pumping? Did it help you get a boost? I have been taking fenugreek and eating oatmeal but can still manage to barely pump enough for one baby; I figure she of that was leftover stress/anxiety from BFING.

kbrands7 · June 2016

I didn't EP, but @khochanadel I used power pumping to increase my supply from dips when I went back to work last time and after recovering from illnesses. It worked! I did it once per day while actively trying to increase supply, then once or twice per week to maintain it.

Tagging @JennyS86 to see if she can help in this thread. She rocks and did extended EPing for her twins if I'm remembering correctly.

JennyS86 · June 2016

@khochanadel said:

After a long BF war with the twins, I'm EPing. I feel much less anxiety and sadness about feeding my babies and feel like I'm generally doing the best possible thing for my family.

Trouble is... how do I find time to pump with two babies, particularly when they're wide awake or fussing? And if you're new to this like me, where do you find resources and info on EPing? I'm finding limited support and research.

Use this thread to share what works for you!

Hi there!
What pump are you using?
Do you like it? I used the medela symphony rental and had a pump in style as a back up. I loved the symphony.
I pumped long-term for my twins, and my sister is currently doing the carousel of feeding, pumping, etc for her brand-new 35weeker. My sister is using the Spectra S2.
Supply issues: are you eating and drinking enough water?

katxattack1212 · June 2016

Hi!
I EP'd for my daughter in 2011, and am.pretty much back at it this time. I tried putting little dude to the breast more, and thought it was going well. Bam...ended up with mastitis last night. So...EP it is!

lizChesnut · June 2016

Following this thread, I'm on the fence deciding if I should switch to full time pumping.

SophiaAlbert · June 2016

ncm0328 said:

I'm EPing, have been pretty much since we left the hospital due to a 17% weight drop and DD not wanting to eat from the breast after giving her bottles of breastmilk. I do put her to the breast one to three times a day just for the sake of attempting to have that bond, but otherwise it's all bottles. I'm on my own since DH is gone so during the day I use my hands free bra and hold DD in between my boobs while I'm pumping on days when she's fussy (which is most days, it's like she has a radar to be fussy the second I need to pump). When this doesn't work I use my medela manual pump and hold DD in one arm while manually pumping as much as I can from one breast then switch DD into the other arm and pump some from the other breast. At night when we wake up I prop her up in the boopy and feed her while pumping with my hands free bra and this seems to work fairly well for us. It's the darn bottle dishes that get me every day, I can never manage to find the time to do them!

Same here, baby refused breast ever afterreturning from the hospital and needing to supplement! If lucky I get her to bf once a dday.so sad, but it is what it is...

khochanadel · June 2016

My supply since jumping to EP is slowly but surely increasing. I'm just doing all the known things:
- power pumping once every couple days
- pumping at least 8 times a day
- old fashioned oatmeal in the morning
- fenugreek and blessed thistle 3x a day
I think my mother's visit made my supply tank! Rid thyself of all negativity!

Also last night was my first night out away from baby - had to pump in a family restroom and barely got 2 oz. Ick.

Sunshinebins · June 2016

I pretty much EP and yeah, I don't get in all my pumps because my girls just need too much of my attention (not a complaint, just a fact). I used to get in more but now they just aren't as patient and really I feel bad just leaving them somewhere so I can pump. If they are asleep at the same time, I pump then. Otherwise I squeeze in what I can when I can. My supply
has tanked, but I supplemented with my freezer stash some and now a little formula when needed and it's been fine.

I have a love hate relationship with t at this point hahah

khochanadel · June 2016

Sunshinebins said:

I pretty much EP and yeah, I don't get in all my pumps because my girls just need too much of my attention (not a complaint, just a fact). I used to get in more but now they just aren't as patient and really I feel bad just leaving them somewhere so I can pump. If they are asleep at the same time, I pump then. Otherwise I squeeze in what I can when I can. My supply
has tanked, but I supplemented with my freezer stash some and now a little formula when needed and it's been fine.

I have a love hate relationship with t at this point hahah

Needy twins amirite?

Sunshinebins · June 2016

khochanadel said:

Sunshinebins said:

I pretty much EP and yeah, I don't get in all my pumps because my girls just need too much of my attention (not a complaint, just a fact). I used to get in more but now they just aren't as patient and really I feel bad just leaving them somewhere so I can pump. If they are asleep at the same time, I pump then. Otherwise I squeeze in what I can when I can. My supply
has tanked, but I supplemented with my freezer stash some and now a little formula when needed and it's been fine.

I have a love hate relationship with t at this point hahah

Needy twins amirite?

They are a little needy but really aren't that bad. I always say it's more just that there are 2 of them so someone almost always needs something. It feels like they are needy because I'm always helping someone with something but in reality it's just that they each are at it 50% of the time haha.

khochanadel · June 2016

Sunshinebins said:

khochanadel said:

Sunshinebins said:

I pretty much EP and yeah, I don't get in all my pumps because my girls just need too much of my attention (not a complaint, just a fact). I used to get in more but now they just aren't as patient and really I feel bad just leaving them somewhere so I can pump. If they are asleep at the same time, I pump then. Otherwise I squeeze in what I can when I can. My supply
has tanked, but I supplemented with my freezer stash some and now a little formula when needed and it's been fine.

I have a love hate relationship with t at this point hahah

Needy twins amirite?

They are a little needy but really aren't that bad. I always say it's more just that there are 2 of them so someone almost always needs something. It feels like they are needy because I'm always helping someone with something but in reality it's just that they each are at it 50% of the time haha.

Yeah I think I'm in the same boat.

wsgjmw1 · June 2016

Hey for those who are exclusive pumping with zero feeding from the breast - do you have random achey pain in your breasts throughout the day? It only happens a few times and only a few seconds but Not sure if this is normal.

Sunshinebins · July 2016

wsgjmw1 said:

Hey for those who are exclusive pumping with zero feeding from the breast - do you have random achey pain in your breasts throughout the day? It only happens a few times and only a few seconds but Not sure if this is normal.

I do...and I hate to even mention this but I actually noticed this with my thrush.

slfezz · July 2016

I don't EP right now but will when I go back to work so I'm following the thread.

I have achey pains whenever I have a letdown without feeding or pumping which happens randomly. I don't notice the letdown pain as much during feedings and even less when pumping.

Sienna516 · July 2016

I've been EP for 3 weeks now due to BF issues and I bought all these freezer bags to store milk and I can't make more than what he's drinking (about 30oz). For awhile I wasn't making enough, so I did get my supply to raise a little bit. I was pumping every 2-3 hours before I went back to work for 1 week and now I'm getting about 7 pumps in a day. I pump about 20 min every time, but sometimes it ends up being 25-30. I try to pump twice during the night, but I've slept through one alarm sometimes and then wake up feeling a bit engorged. I tried power pumping a few times last week and I think it helped a little. I bought Upspring's milk aid that has fenugreek & thistle milk that is powder packets you mix in with milk, so it tastes like chocolate milk (reminds me of slimfast). I also bought malungaay liquid and it's disgusting and you can't drink anything 15min before or after and only 1oz of something with it. So I've really only been doing the Upspring milk, but had to stop this last week because LO had diarrhea and the pediatrician told me to cut back on dairy. I drink tons of water. I also figured out I was doing the breast massaging not quite right, so that helped a little bit and so did turning up the suction more. I get those breast pains daily too. i put the gel soothie things on from the freezer and that helped a little bit with the pain. The lactation consultant told me to go up a size with the flanges and it actually was not good for me and I had to go back to the smaller ones. My nipples got horribly bruised from that.

How many ounces are you guys averaging a day? I tried to find the norm online and couldn't find much. I get around 30-32oz and about 3.5oz total per pumping session, which happens to be what we're feeding LO with the bottle.
Has anyone tried the alcohol testing strips? I read some mixed reviews on those.
How long are you all planning on pumping?
I know the longer the better, but with me being back at work I'm really getting annoyed with pumping there. I hate having to get all set up there and take it all back down and getting the room key every time I pump. bleck. I think I'll be lucky if I make it to the 3 month mark (LO is 2 months next Tuesday).

wsgjmw1 · July 2016

I take fenugreek 3x a day and I'm averaging 25-30 oz a day now - just barely enough to feed my big boy. I am setting a goal to pump until DS is 6 mo but I am really already over it and not sure if I can go that long. I'm tired of my nipples hurting and being so sensitive, tired of leaking and wearing nipple pads in my bra, tired of washing and sanitizing the damn pump parts all fucking day, and tired of my breasts aching randomly throughout the day. Yes , it's amazing feeding my son with breast milk and knowing he is getting the best nutrition but it's tough.

Also I'm in the same situation at work - it's becoming annoying and a hassle. Oh the sacrifice!

mrstmoose · July 2016

wsgjmw1 said:

I take fenugreek 3x a day and I'm averaging 25-30 oz a day now - just barely enough to feed my big boy. I am setting a goal to pump until DS is 6 mo but I am really already over it and not sure if I can go that long. I'm tired of my nipples hurting and being so sensitive, tired of leaking and wearing nipple pads in my bra, tired of washing and sanitizing the damn pump parts all fucking day, and tired of my breasts aching randomly throughout the day. Yes , it's amazing feeding my son with breast milk and knowing he is getting the best nutrition but it's tough.

Also I'm in the same situation at work - it's becoming annoying and a hassle. Oh the sacrifice!

Amen.

I'm EP as well; there is a Facebook group dedicated to EP, just look up EP and you'll find it. I don't have any other magical tips, these ladies have nailed it.

khochanadel · July 2016

I'm with y'all on the hassle. At first I thought I would marathon it for a year - now I'm thinking I'd be fine with a 10k.

@wsgjmw1 I use the fridge plastic bag method so I don't have to wash and sanitize all day now, but I had to every time when our babies were in nicu and I really grew to resent it,too!

jenl1681 · July 2016

I had to EP with DD and it was so hard, I could barely pump enough to just feed her, I never once put any milk in the freezer. Major praise and prayers for all of you ladies!!! You deserve it for all of your hard work!!

wsgjmw1 · July 2016

khochanadel said:

I'm with y'all on the hassle. At first I thought I would marathon it for a year - now I'm thinking I'd be fine with a 10k.

@wsgjmw1 I use the fridge plastic bag method so I don't have to wash and sanitize all day now, but I had to every time when our babies were in nicu and I really grew to resent it,too!

Do tell about this fridge plastic bag method ?

dsmith211 · July 2016

wsgjmw1 said:

khochanadel said:

I'm with y'all on the hassle. At first I thought I would marathon it for a year - now I'm thinking I'd be fine with a 10k.

@wsgjmw1 I use the fridge plastic bag method so I don't have to wash and sanitize all day now, but I had to every time when our babies were in nicu and I really grew to resent it,too!

Do tell about this fridge plastic bag method ?

I do this too. I just give everything a quick rinse in hot water each time instead of a complete wash and then put the stuff in a big ziploc in the fridge. Then I wash everything one time at the end of the night.

PYLWhammy · July 2016

Hi, EPers. I'm joining your ranks. I wanted nothing more than to breastfeed my baby, but it's just not going to happen. I've posted about my struggles elsewhere on this board, but basically, in five weeks we've experienced supply issues, problems with LO gaining weight, mastitis, tongue tie, poor/no latch, reliance on nipple shield, and extreme pain.

I'm bummed but committed to making sure LO gets breastmilk through pumping.

Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

Also, question about plastic bag method - do you just toss the plastic bag at the end of the day or wash it with everything else? I know it's a stupid question, but when I've tried washing them they take all day to dry. But I don't want to keep trashing the bags either. I've just been putting the parts in a big bowl in the fridge, but not sure if that is good since the bowl isn't covered?

dsmith211 · July 2016

PYLWhammy said:

Hi, EPers. I'm joining your ranks. I wanted nothing more than to breastfeed my baby, but it's just not going to happen. I've posted about my struggles elsewhere on this board, but basically, in five weeks we've experienced supply issues, problems with LO gaining weight, mastitis, tongue tie, poor/no latch, reliance on nipple shield, and extreme pain.

I'm bummed but committed to making sure LO gets breastmilk through pumping.

Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

Also, question about plastic bag method - do you just toss the plastic bag at the end of the day or wash it with everything else? I know it's a stupid question, but when I've tried washing them they take all day to dry. But I don't want to keep trashing the bags either. I've just been putting the parts in a big bowl in the fridge, but not sure if that is good since the bowl isn't covered?

I've washed and reused my bags. And I think it would be fine putting stuff in a bowl in the fridge. As long as it's kept cold it shouldn't be a problem

khochanadel · July 2016

I use a bag for about 2 days before I deem it too gunky.

Pascal86 · July 2016

For those of you putting everything in a bag in the fridge after a quick rinse - do you do this so you can use it again before a real wash, or is this necessary even if you aren't using it before you wash it? This is all new to me, not sure how careful I need to be about my cleaning methods.

dsmith211 · July 2016

Pascal86 said:

For those of you putting everything in a bag in the fridge after a quick rinse - do you do this so you can use it again before a real wash, or is this necessary even if you aren't using it before you wash it? This is all new to me, not sure how careful I need to be about my cleaning methods.

I usually just put it in the fridge if I know I'm going to be using it again and know I won't have time to wash it fully before hand. If I know I won't be using it again before I'm able to wash then I generally let my parts soak in a bowl of hot/warm water and soap in the sink and then wash.

khochanadel · July 2016

Pascal86 said:

For those of you putting everything in a bag in the fridge after a quick rinse - do you do this so you can use it again before a real wash, or is this necessary even if you aren't using it before you wash it? This is all new to me, not sure how careful I need to be about my cleaning methods.

According to my LC, the parts can do 12 hours in the fridge between thorough washing and/or sanitizing. I usually wash and sanitize once in the morning and then once again before "bed". The rest of the time it's a quick rinse and in the fridge.

khochanadel · July 2016

Is anyone else finding that their slacker boob responds better to manual stimulation? When I pump I spend a few minutes afterwards manually expressing and always get a ton more out of the slacker boob.

tgortney · July 2016

PYLWhammy said:
Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

I have the Pump in Style Advance and love it.
I EPed for about 6 weeks, then my pump gave me an oversupply issue. Now I can't even pump once without getting painfully engorged later on...Hoping to find my boob's perfect dial for pumping soon.

businessmama · July 2016

tgortney said:

PYLWhammy said:
Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

I have the Pump in Style Advance and love it.
I EPed for about 6 weeks, then my pump gave me an oversupply issue. Now I can't even pump once without getting painfully engorged later on...Hoping to find my boob's perfect dial for pumping soon.

QBF

im not sure what makes one pump better at exclusive pumping vs occassionally pumping -- but I LOVE my spectre S2 pump. Super quiet, no discomfort. The only thing is if you need any supplies, you have to order online because you can't pick up in store. But it is a closed system.

tgortney · July 2016

AliciaD39 said:

tgortney said:

PYLWhammy said:
Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

I have the Pump in Style Advance and love it.
I EPed for about 6 weeks, then my pump gave me an oversupply issue. Now I can't even pump once without getting painfully engorged later on...Hoping to find my boob's perfect dial for pumping soon.

QBF

im not sure what makes one pump better at exclusive pumping vs occassionally pumping -- but I LOVE my spectre S2 pump. Super quiet, no discomfort. The only thing is if you need any supplies, you have to order online because you can't pick up in store. But it is a closed system.

I wish I knew about the closed systems that's covered by insurance. We were just desperate to get a pump at the time because of jaundice and weight issues. But I think the PISA draws milk really well. I do love that I can just go to BRU and pick up extra parts though.

kbrands7 · July 2016

tgortney said:

AliciaD39 said:

tgortney said:

PYLWhammy said:
Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

I have the Pump in Style Advance and love it.
I EPed for about 6 weeks, then my pump gave me an oversupply issue. Now I can't even pump once without getting painfully engorged later on...Hoping to find my boob's perfect dial for pumping soon.

QBF

im not sure what makes one pump better at exclusive pumping vs occassionally pumping -- but I LOVE my spectre S2 pump. Super quiet, no discomfort. The only thing is if you need any supplies, you have to order online because you can't pick up in store. But it is a closed system.

I wish I knew about the closed systems that's covered by insurance. We were just desperate to get a pump at the time because of jaundice and weight issues. But I think the PISA draws milk really well. I do love that I can just go to BRU and pick up extra parts though.

My quick, unsolicited advice regarding open system vs closed system for anyone using the PISA (I used one last time) is to keep rubbing alcohol on hand just in case you get a back-up. It occasionally will pull milk up the tubing which can jack up your pump and suction or give you moldy tubing. This only happened to me a few times over the course of using it 5 days per week, 4 times per day for over a year, so it really doesn't happen often, but having alcohol to clear it saved my work pumping sessions.

To clear backups: Detach the tubing, pour a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to clear the milk, swing them like a lasso to clear the fluid and pump 30 sec or so until dry (just like running the pump to rid condensation at the end of a session) and you're good to go. Putting just water won't clean it enough and using soap in a tube is a nightmare.

wsgjmw1 · July 2016

Just going to throw in my 2 cents. I use the PISA and I always let the thing run for a couple minutes when I am done pumping. It usually clears out the tubes with any excess condensation or water. I haven't had any issues yet.

tgortney · July 2016

kbrands7 said:

tgortney said:

AliciaD39 said:

tgortney said:

PYLWhammy said:
Unfortunately, the pump I have is (supposedly) not good for EPing (I have a Lansinoh Signature). I'm renting a Medela Symphony but have to give it back next week so need to invest in a new pump - I'm thinking Pump in Style?

I have the Pump in Style Advance and love it.
I EPed for about 6 weeks, then my pump gave me an oversupply issue. Now I can't even pump once without getting painfully engorged later on...Hoping to find my boob's perfect dial for pumping soon.

QBF

im not sure what makes one pump better at exclusive pumping vs occassionally pumping -- but I LOVE my spectre S2 pump. Super quiet, no discomfort. The only thing is if you need any supplies, you have to order online because you can't pick up in store. But it is a closed system.

I wish I knew about the closed systems that's covered by insurance. We were just desperate to get a pump at the time because of jaundice and weight issues. But I think the PISA draws milk really well. I do love that I can just go to BRU and pick up extra parts though.

My quick, unsolicited advice regarding open system vs closed system for anyone using the PISA (I used one last time) is to keep rubbing alcohol on hand just in case you get a back-up. It occasionally will pull milk up the tubing which can jack up your pump and suction or give you moldy tubing. This only happened to me a few times over the course of using it 5 days per week, 4 times per day for over a year, so it really doesn't happen often, but having alcohol to clear it saved my work pumping sessions.

To clear backups: Detach the tubing, pour a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol to clear the milk, swing them like a lasso to clear the fluid and pump 30 sec or so until dry (just like running the pump to rid condensation at the end of a session) and you're good to go. Putting just water won't clean it enough and using soap in a tube is a nightmare.

Thank you!!

jenl1681 · July 2016

Has anyone bought a manual pump for quick on the go pumping? I need a rec for one to bring on vacation to have in the car or for when we are on the beach maybe? LO is EBF, and I have a PIS for work, but I don't want to be lugging that around. Oh and not looking to spend a lot on it.

kbrands7 · July 2016

jenl1681 said:

Has anyone bought a manual pump for quick on the go pumping? I need a rec for one to bring on vacation to have in the car or for when we are on the beach maybe? LO is EBF, and I have a PIS for work, but I don't want to be lugging that around. Oh and not looking to spend a lot on it.

I use the Medela Harmony for on the go/ occassional pumping. Just like when I use my PIS though, I use a pumpin pals flange and duckbill valve. (Love the medela pumps, but I hate the membrane valve.)

Links for anyone interested:
Pump: https://www.amazon.com/Medela-Harmony-Manual-Breast-Pump/dp/B0006HBS1M
Flanges: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0085CBA90/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467739010&sr=8-1&keywords=pumpin+pals+flanges&pi=SY200_QL40
Valves: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BYNFVDS/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1467739092&sr=8-2&keywords=duckbill+valve

missnc77 · July 2016

I just got the pumpin pals. They are so much more comfortable! I'll have to check out the duckbill valve.

PYLWhammy · July 2016

I keep reading it as "pumpkin pals" haha! My Lansinoh pump has the duckbill valves, I wonder if they'll work with the PISA? Also I'm wondering which PISA I should get - the backpack, tote, or metro bag. Decisions, decisions.

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