Advice on Pumping

H.,

I am so sorry you have to return to work so soon. I hated returning to work, too.

A couple of things to consider. First, you are tapping your breasts twice right now - once when you feed your son and then again to pump, so it isn't unusual that your pumped supply is low.

When you return to work, your son won't be nursing, so your pumping will get all of your milk, so you should see larger returns. I think once you return to work, you will find that you pump enough at work to supply your child's bottles the following day.

It's hard to build up a stored supply when your baby feeds on demand, but pumping first thing in the morning would help, because it is when your breasts should be fullest.

If you can build up a 2-3 day supply before you return to work, I think you will find that it is sufficient.

Safe ways to build your milk production other than nursing and pumping include the herb Fenugreek, which you can find in a health food store or Wholefoods. There are also several teas made with it, one is called Mother's Milk. I haven't used them, but I am told that with some sugar and milk, they aren't too bad.

Oatmeal is a natural milk boosting food, so try to eat at least a serving or two a day (and yes, instant, cookies, etc. count).

I have also had luck with guided meditations - see Anjionline.com, and click on the store link. I think the nursing ones are on a CD called A Bond Like No Other, and you can download them instantly. I have found that relaxation is CRITICAL to the process. If I am stressed, my milk will never let down.

Obviously a good pump is also a help.

Good luck,

C.

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The best time to pump is once you wake from the night or a nap. But to increase your milk supply and have spare milk you need to pump 8 to 12 times a day. If you pump after you feed your son than you will also be telling your breasts that more milk is needed than just what he consumes.

Another way to tell your breasts you need more milk is to try and get your son to be on your breast as much as possible and have as much skin to skin contact as you can with him. Instead of giving him a binky try offering your nipple. It will stimulate your milk. Also allow him to sleep against your breast when finished. The close contact will trigger milk making hormones.

I know this sounds like a lot and it is. Unfortunately you may pretty much have someone or something attached to your breasts constantly for the next few weeks to acheve your goal.

Make sure you are eating well. It takes a lot from your body to make milk so feed it what it needs. Also drink at least 8 oz before going to sleep so you body has the liquid it needs to make as much milk as possible. You should wake up overflowing with milk if you keep hydrated.

There is also a pill that your doctor can perscribe to increase your milk supply. It's called Reglan and from what I've read it's completely safe. It has been known to double your supply. Also I know it sounds strange but a beer once a day may help also. Some don't think it works but I had good results. Little to no Alcohol will enter your breast milk and what does will be expelled by your body within an hour (including what would be in your milk). I read it's something with the yeast in beer that helps stimulate milk supply.

Last piece of advice. Visit the website for La Leche League. There it will help you get in contact with breast feeding specialist in the area who will call you and give you lots of great advice. These women are wonderful and very caring. They also hold monthly meetings if you would like to attend they are also local.

I H. this helps and good luck. Breast feeding is very demanding so give yourself a pat on the back for everything you are doing.

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First of all, GOOD FOR YOU for being so committed to breastfeeding! How refreshing to hear that!

As a general rule, most moms find the best time to pump to be first thing in the morning (before you even nurse your son). Your prolactin levels are at their peak then. Also, your son would be more effective than a pump, so they'll still be plenty there for him after you pump. Also, fresh milk will be fine at room temp for about 8 hours or so, so I know some moms who would pump that morning & that way they had at least 1 fresh bottle through the day (since a few nutrients are killed when refrigerated & then a few more when frozen).

Also, you can increase your supply by taking Fennugreek (3 tablets, 3 times a day; takes up to 72 hrs to work. Once your sweat & pea smell like maple syrup, it's working!), babywearing, co-sleeping, pumping while nursing, eating oatmeal, staying well hydrated, nourished & rested.

Also, many babies who's mothers return to work will do something on their own where they naturally cut back on eating during the day & increase it in the evening and night to maximize their time w/ you.

I think that as long as your caregiver is responsive, your son should be fine & can continue to be fed on demand while in their care.

Have you read "Nursing Mother, Working Mother" yet? It's supposed to be the bible for working moms!

Good luck!
A.

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Dear H. W-
I know it maybe difficult, but so not give up. Here are some tips and answers to your questions.
1) The best time to pump for me was after the baby fed. It helps to empty the breast and trigger the body to make more milk. Try to pump both breasts after each and every feeding. I know it maybe tiring, but invest the time and effort and it will pay off.
2) To increase supply-try fenugreek. Its a natural spice/herb used in India, Egypt and the Middle-East. You can try getting it at GNC or on-line. It really does work.
3) Pumping immediately after your on demand son is fed will not affect his supply.
Please let me know how it goes--Good Luck!!!
Remember to drink plenty of fluids (about a gallon a day) does not have to be only water...

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Your body will respond and make more milk. Be patient. A little stored milk each day will be quite a supply by the end of 8 weeks. Make sure you mark the milk and start using it every few days. Breast milk can only be stored for a certain amount of time. Then when someone else is feeding the child a bottle, you can pump. Just don't give the baby more than 1 bottle a day until you're ready to go back to work. You don't want any nipple confusion.

To save some time, try pumping on one side while your child nurses on the other side. If you don't feel comfortable holding the funnel, you can hook an elastic band (or a series of them) around the base of the funnel and then the hook on the nursing bra. Then, once the seal is established, you can support the bottle with your upper arm and have your hand free to support the baby.

Find someone in your area for support--a lactation specialist or La Leche League member.

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H.-
I never had success either until I had to with my third child. He was a preemie. I used the Madelia. (I think that is how you spell it.) It is wonderful. The best way to pump, is to pump after nursing him. Also, before you go to bed and first thing in the morning. A schedule would be best for everyone, but I understand that that is really hard. The Madelia is not cheap, but it is well worth it. I would recommend the double pump. It makes pumping faster. It would be very easy to take to work with you, too. Once at work, I would pump in regular intervals, like before you start work, at lunch, mid afternoon. Just my thoughts.
K.

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I found that if I pumped after I fed her I got no milk and it only hurt. So I started pumping in the morning and giving my daughter a bottle. I found in the morning I had more milk and that she was okay with a bottle in the morning and I had the rest of the day to nurse her. It also prepared my body (and mind) for going back to work when I'd have to pump in the morning anyway. Also, have you tried feeding him only on one breast and pumping the other. I found that sometimes she would get enough out of the one side and I could take that opportunity to pump the other side fully. Good luck!

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