Gone Back to Work and Can't Seem to Keep the Supply Up!

Hi L.,
When I went back to work with my kids, I made sure that I pumped every two hours. I know that it is a lot, but after I got my milk supply up, then I started going to every four. This way, I had a good supply of milk. After awhile, you should be able to replace each day's worth with your new milk. It was a lot of dedicated work on my part, but well worth it. I didn't want my daughter having formula. So if you can stick it out, it should work. Good luck.
T.

It sounds like you may need to pump more frequently at work. Pump at the time your daughter would normally eat. Also, bring a picture of your daughter and look at it when you pump, this may help as well. If you can, try and not give her formula because this will contribute to a lower supply. Keep up the great work!

The only way you'll produce more milk is to pump more. We have our 4 month old son on a 3 hour feeding schedule, so I pump every three hours at work so that my body stays on that schedule. Your body only produces as much milk as you force it to.
B.

L.:

try a hospital grade pump/ pump on the weekends to build your store up. / pump a second time at work,

P., RLC, IBCLC, CST
Breastfeeding and Parenting Solutions
www.breastfeedingandparentingsolutions.com

One thing that has helped me keep up supply is to pump in the morning after I nurse my daughter. Sometimes I don't get much, but other days I do. It is a total drag - not what I want to be doing with my precious minutes with her before I leave in the morning, but I think it has really helped. Does the sitter know not to throw out any milk? I had trouble with sitters and dad not realizing the milk is liquid gold.

L.,

All the previous responses pretty well say it: you need to increase your pumping time. Another thing you might consider is getting an extra pumping in during the evening/ night time. Also realize that your breasts fill up every 1 hour 45 min. , so be creative if you are committed to no formula during the day while you are at work.
Also keep in mind that there are many formulas out there and your daughter may not have liked the one you tried, but may be willing to take another brand.
And at times, you may feel that you are pumping, and not much is coming. A lactation specialist told me that its the stimulation of pumping that is important, not always the amount you get out, because, although pumping is good, it's not the real thing. And when you nurse, your baby is actually getting 1-2 more ounces than you can produce from pumping with a machine alone.
Between nursing twins and a singleton after that, I've learned a lot about nursing over the years. Good luck, and don't give up!!

ONe suggestion is to call the lactation consultants at Palos Hospital. Also, they may recommend an herb called Fenugreek that can increase your supply, they can give you the amount that you should take.
Good Luck