Having Trouble Pumping, Looking for Guidance....

I breastfed/pumped for 3 months and pumped exclusively for the following 7 months--so I have learned a few things along the way. There are probably two reasons that you are having difficulties pumping a significant amount.

1) You don't make as much milk as you did when your daughter was first born. Most moms have abundant milk when the baby is born, and then it tapers off about 3-4 months postpartum as your body adjusts to how much your baby actually needs. It is not then very surprising that you can't produce much milk beyond what your baby needs--your body is now functioning on an efficient supply/demand cycle

2) A second possibility is that you are having difficulties getting a let-down response with the pump. This is a common problem. Make sure you are relaxed. Try taking a warm shower before. Breast massage can also help. Fennel tea also stimulates let-down. Try drinking a glass of water right before pumping.

If want to increase supply, then have a couple of pumping sessions each day after your daughter's feeds. Make sure you pump for several minutes after the flow has stopped. If your daughter is sleeping through the night (and if you are really serious) you can get up once in the night to pump. Middle of the night pumps really signal your body that it needs to make more milk.

If nothing works, then relax and realize that this is such a short period of time (even though it doesn't seem like it now) Soon she will be on solids and able to go for longer periods between breastfeeds.

Good luck!

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since all you were doing is breastfeeding your body has to get used to making an increase in the milk. All you need to do is keep pumping after each feeding. After about a week or two you should see an increase. If not there are two drugs that are used for milk increase. One is Reglan which I have never taken but have seen other mom's on here use with good results. the other is Domperidone. Which I did use and within 3 days my production was up immensely.

If is not selfish to want to make sure she has breast milk for as long as possible. It is the PERFECT food for her. Please don't feel guilty or selfish for wanting to give her the best thing or her.

S.

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Hi, You've already gotten lots of great advice. I've had to exclusively pump, and it wasn't easy going at first so I've gone through a lot of trial and error with it. Here's my two cents worth, some of the previous suggestions bear repeating;

1) Pump, pump, pump; stimulation is really the best way to increase supply. Nighttime is especially good as the prolactin levels are higher during this time.

2) Lots of water, lots of rest

3) Be comfortable when pumping, obtain a hands free device such as a bustier (medela makes one, but there are others too) to hold the flanges/horns and give you the ability to do other things that are relaxing, reading a book etc

4) Look at and think about your baby, pictures of your baby and/or smell clothes he/she has worn to increase stimulation.

5) Use the proper suction level on your pump(higher isn't necessarily better), use the correct size horns and dual pump if possible.

6) In regards to horns/flanges I highly recommend those made by www.pumpinpal.com They are cones rather than most of the other styles that have a sharp edge to them. Changing to these flanges made a HUGE difference in my comfort and therefore my supply.

Good luck with everything!
-Jenn

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When I was pumping a lot, I joined the "Pumping Moms" group on yahoo. It is a great resource and the ladies there would have all sorts of advice to give on how to increase your supply.

One suggestion I remember reading a lot was called a "power pumping session." This is where you basically just pump for 10 minutes, then stop for 10 minutes, then start for 10 minutes on and off like that for an hour or so. What that does is signal your breasts to make more milk.

Incidentally, it is in the first 3-4 months that your supply is established, so it is harder to get more at the 6 month stage, but other ladies have done it with some work and persistence. Again, I would highly recommend the support and advice of the Pumping Moms yahoo group. It helped me many a time when I wanted to quit.

Good luck to you!

H. C.

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I would pump after each feeding. You should be able to build up enough to pump more soon.
D.

A.,
I had the same problem pumping with my kids. My problem was I was trying to pump the same days I was breastfeeding. The baby took it all! My doctor's suggestion: Pump whatever you can after every feeding. The breasts will "recognize" the need for more milk, and in a couple of days you will have enough for your baby and the bottle! It really works, although I never tried it for too long. What worked for me was to pump when I was away from my baby, then store the milk in the freezer for making bottles later. Hope you do well! S.

Hey, I have also been trying to build up a bit more of a supply in the freezer for my 8 month old son. If I just try to pump between feedings, it's is pretty much impossible to get anything. However, if I start nursing my son and then have let down, I can pump on the side that he isn't eating on and get 2 or 3 ounces each time he eats. Typically he seems like he's still getting plenty and if I'm worried about him not having enough, I just feed him an extra time. I hope that helps! So, pump during feeding time on the opposite side, or if it's between feedings I have also had him nurse just long enough to get let down (since my pump doesn't seem to do that well) and then give him a pacifier if he's not really hungry, and then can pump both sides.

are you having letdown when you're pumping? you could be getting a small amount out that is leftover. i don't think anyone's mentioned it so i will: i've heard having something with your baby's scent to smell helps with letdown. or try stimulating your nipples yourself.

I think everyone has given you great advice. One thing I didn't see mentioned is having a lactation specialist check out how you pump. When I first began pumping, I wasn't actually doing it correctly for my body. The lactation specialist spotted that right away and helped me adjust the fit, pumping strength and speed that was right for me. The amount I pumped changed immediately. I honestly didn't know it could make that much difference. This was done when my baby was first born, but being that you haven't pumped consistently for months, I would think this might still help. Good luck!!! :-)

I didn't get a chance to read replies but I had trouble too. I literally had to change my state of mind. I put my feet up, which as funny as it is was a necessity, then drank a cup of decaf or tea or something. As much as possible and then I had to hum nursery rhymes. The feet up and humming made it easier but it still wasn't great. A little later, I still breast fed but we started using formula on some occasions. It made life easier because when my son was over a year we switched right over to just bottles with formula. Then on to next step and then 2 oz. of milk with 6 oz. of formula until it was just milk. Good luck but don't force yourself.

I wouldnt be concerned--your daughter has become more efficient at getting what she needs and is getting more of your milk at each feeding, most likely. It sounds like she is perfectly satiated, so she is probably leaving less in the breast than she was months ago when you were pumping more frequently. Though lactation specialists say that there is less milk supply at night, i always found that i would pump the most milk at night, when my daughter slept her longest stretch and i could go a few hours without feeding her. And if she is an efficient feeder, chances are, even if you pumped a little while BEFORE she nursed again, she would still be able to get out more milk than the pump would if you pumped AFTER nursing. I had issues with low milk supply and pumped a lot, and I would always use my hands to massage my boobs and help with expression as i pumped...that would usually get a little more too. Good luck, and it sounds like you and your baby are doing a great job, so dont stress!! : )

Your baby has the perfect technique to get what she needs, the pump does not. I breastfed my little girl until just before her 2nd birthday. I never could get more than 1/2 an ounce when trying to pump. Some breasts just don't respond to pumps. If your little one is growing and there are no signs of malnutrition then there probably isn't a problem with your supply. If you have questions about it you should find a lactation consultant or contact your local La Leche League chapter.

Hi A. -

I'm sure you know this, but it really helped me to be in a quiet place, breathing deeply and trying to relax. Another thing that also helped was kind of stroking my breast with my fingertips - one hand on each side - from the base to the tip - a few times on each side. They say it helps to simulate latching on.

Good luck!! I know it's hard but hang in there.

I would say just stick with it! Over time, most mom's bodies adjust to the amount of milk needed. The things that have helped me are paying attention to what I eat and drink (lots of water, oatmeal helps, peanut butter and I have heard dairy can help...I don't eat dairy, so I'm not sure). Also, think about the times of day you are pumping. If your baby sleeps through the night, the morning is a good time because you might have more milk then. I have basically added a feeding...I pump in the afternoon midway between my son's feedings (he had a big gap there). In time, you should produce more...it sort of tricks your body into thinking that the baby needs more food. But, if not, please know that you are doing all you can and adding some formula in a pinch is okay!! Good Luck...know that there are others out there who feel your frustration!

It may take a while for your body to increase your supply by even a little bit. So, if you pump between feedings or at night on a regular basis you may see an increase in a few days to a week. Try not to stress about it. Imagery is important. While you pump imagine that it's your baby, not a cold, hard machine. Think about your sweet little thing and imagine loads of milk. Sounds silly but I am very visually oriented and visual images help me in many areas of my life.

One person mentioned pumping at night, and I remember either my lactation consultant telling me or reading that milk supply is at it's highest at night. So when I was running low on pumped milk, I would either get up at night to pump (on the rare occasion my daughter slept longer) or stay up after I fed her on one side and pump on the other. That way I could get an extra few ounces at night when my supply was at the highest.

Another trick I heard for helping with let down is to look at some pictures of your baby when you're trying to pump. Supposedly may help stimulate the let down response.

Hope these things help. I got nervous when my daughter had a growth spurt somewhere between 5-7 months and was afraid I couldn't keep up with her demand for milk and started pumping like mad. The spurt passed, and while I still breastfeed her daily (and pump once a day at work most days), the demand and my supply has dropped off a lot since she's nearly one now.

Just do the best you can to get your supply up for pumping, and don't berate yourself if you can't. Lots of women can't even breastfeed as long as you've been able to, so be thankful and don't beat yourself up if you're unable to continue through that first year. And you're not crazy or selfish for wanting a little time away! :)

I know this will sound bizarre and you will be concerned that it will harm your baby. However, if it is a once in a while thing to get a little in the freezer or to get your body making more in general I think you will be fine. Have a beer. It sounds nuts but I had a beer once when I was nursing my first son and my breasts were about ready to explode a couple hours later. I tried it again with my second son because with chasing my first son (20 months apart) I was having trouble making enough. Also, I know that the pump is just obnoxious but if you try to relax while you are doing it you will get more. Go in a room alone, put on some music, read a book, whatever. If I thought about it too much when I was trying to pump (I pumped for 6 months after I went back to work), I only got a little out. If I took my mind off of it, I got much more.

While pumping, I found that the hospital grade electric pump didn't work for me. I found a hand pump (don't remember the brand, but fits Soothie bottles) that I could pump with. I got over twice as much with it than the electric. Good luck in finding what works for you!

I have 4 children all breastfed. I also had trouble pumping. what I did was nurse my son on one breast then pump on the other at the same time, I got alot of milk that way.

I have the same issue with pumping, but my milk supply is fine. I find that the Avent Isis hand pump works a little better for me, since it has nipple stimulators. Mostly I just use formula when I am away from him, since it is only once in a while.

I wish I had a miracle for you, but I was completely able to nurse all my babies plentiful but was unable to pump anything worthy of the time I spent trying. Once I got 5 oz, but that was because I had mastitis and if I didn't I thought I was going to die.
Some people, as I was told are just unable to pump with effectiveness.

I ran into the same problem when I first started trying to pump and found out that the problem wasn't my supply, it was that my milk wasn't letting down for the pump. I found that i was able to "train" myself to get my milk to let down by pumping while looking at my baby, or recording him crying when he was hungry and playing back while looking at his picture while I pumped. Getting your milk to let down is not only a physical reaction to your baby's sucking but also psychological as well. Given that you have been nursing for 6 months and your baby is healthy and growing means that when you nurse she is getting all she needs - that is why you never noticed a problem with your supply: there isn't one.

Keep pumping and eventually you will have success. Another way to try would be to have your baby nurse on one side and pump on the other, or to nurse until your milk lets down and quickly switch to the pump. These are good ways to see how much you are actually producing. You can also make an appointment with a lactation specialist for help.

It sounds to me like there is no real need for pumping or bottle feeding of any sort (breastmilk or formula). It sounds like a real hassle and doesn't sound at all necessary. Your baby is the expert on getting milk from your breasts! Since she is six months old, she will gradually be eating more food, so I think it would make more sense, if you are going be be away for one or two feedings (just a few hours?), that she could just drink water and eat food while you're away, that shouldn't hurt her any (and this is also how your husband can be more involved in feeding her - not by giving her a bottle!). I think it's wonderful that you want to continue breastfeeding, and I would suggest that you continue as long as she wants to - like two or three years or even more. That's the best for her health and your connection. As they get older, babies will naturally nurse less often, but breastfeeding is still very important - and you'll be more free to have short times away from her. I wouldn't give her cow's milk either - contrary to what you may hear, it is not good for humans of any age and especially not for children. She can get plenty of nutrition from breastmilk and a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, etc. And good for you that you didn't go back to work - this time is so precious!

Try pumping more often. I just had my third baby 10 days ago and I pump immediately after he's done eating and freeze what he doesn't drink. This also tricks your body into thinking baby needs more milk and your production will increase. Supply and demand :) I hope that helps!

Hi A.,

I had a friend who never could get much when pumping, but her son is very healthy and happy and nursed with no problems and didn't need any kind of supplementation. So I wouldn't worry your daughter isn't getting what she needs unless her weight isn't increasing. I was able to nurse and pump when needed and I never got what I thought she would need pumping either, but my doctor and lactation said a baby will always get more at the breast than you could ever pump out. So I wouldn't worry. Hope this helps.

I just saw one woman’s response on drinking a beer and wanted to add that lactation actually advised me to do this when I had a low supply. They said one beer a day was safe for the baby and would increase my supply. I don’t like beer so I didn’t go that route but they said I could take brewer’s yeast instead. She said it wasn’t quite as effective. So talk to lactation about that more if you don’t feel comfortable. Also I had to get up once a night to pump because my daughter slept through the night almost from the beginning, and my body couldn’t regulate. I ended up with over 90 bags of frozen milk about 7oz each from doing that. The middle of the night was the only time I could pump, but I got the milk I needed and it helped to keep my supply up and I didn’t have to supplement her anymore with pumped milk or formula once I started pumping in the middle of the night.

I agree pump after you have done nursing. Fenugreek is good and make sure you are as relaxed and as calm as possible. I found that if i was in a hurry or to tense it just wasnt working for me. I nursed my (surprise) daughter until she was about 16 months. Lots of water. Stay away for to much caffeine. Good luck

im still breastfeeding my son and he is 14 months old. i tried pumping so that i could add it to his cereal or when i made him baby pancakes i never really had any luck getting more than 2-3 ounces at a time and now i cant even get a full ounce. but he is still getting plenty from the breast so i wouldnt worry in that area as long as shes gaining weight appropriatly as far as getting out of the house maybe leaving for about an hour or 2 and having your husband give her baby cereal and a sippy cup of water would be enough to hold her off? hope this helps

When I was having trouble with my milk supply a nurse told me about breast compression. Unfortunatley I lost the address to the website she recommended, but its worth looking into. I was able to get an extra ounce or two when I pumped. The other thing that helped me increase my milk supply was pumping while nursing. It is a little akward, but it helped increase my milk supply a lot more then fenugreek. Good luck I remember how frustrating it is not producing enough milk.

I returned to work when my daughter was 8 weeks. I began pumping at about 5 weeks to build up a supply too. My mom passed when my daughter was 5 weeks old and then my father in law passed a month later. I was very concerned about stress affecting my milk supply and it did. I ordered herbal supplements from motherlove and called the lactation consultant. Very recently, my milk supply for pumping has significantly decreased. I am only getting enough to send to daycare everyday and don't have any in the freezer. The lactation consultant asked if my daughter was waking to eat in the middle of the night. She isn't, so she told me to wake at around 2am to pump and then go back to bed. She said that it should increase my production, and she was right. Good luck to you. I wake a little groggy, but it's worth it!