Hi Moms! My husband and I are going on a vacation in September (two nights, almost 3 full days) and I need to stock up on breastmilk. Here's the problem--I returned to work for 2 1/2 months and used up everything I had saved (I would have had to get rid of it anyway, before the vacation). Now I am a SAHM and I nanny for two wonderful kids, but since I am with my son continually I am not producing enough extra milk to pump and save. My son will be 8 months when we leave and I need to start saving up...any ideas on how to produce more or what time of day I should be pumping? I feed him really well in the mornings and am finding that I only have time to pump after he is in bed...but it's not really working. Any help is Greatly Appreciated!!
Hi A.,
I am a birth doula, but I suggest to my clients who want to stock up or increase their supply, that they nurse on one side and pump on the other simultaneously, and on the next feeding switch off. Hope this helps, and have fun on your vacation.
Kind regards,
T. Nelson CD
Personally, I found that by that point (8 months of breastfeeding) I could not boost my milk supply no matter what I did. I'm sure you'll get lots of advice for various methods, and by all means try whatever you can, within reason, but don't stress too much if you just can't get your body to do it. You've been at this a while now, and your breasts have settled into a pattern of supply/demand that can be hard to budge.
Your son must be eating solids by now, right? Might you consider just having him take formula for his liquid feedings and increase the solids a bit while you're gone? You can continue pumping while you are away to keep up your supply, and a few days of formula won't be the end of the world for him. And it sounds like he's already used to having a bottle and switching back to the breast, so that aspect of it shouldn't be a problem.
Anyway, that's my idea for you - most importantly, have a great time and RELAX while away with your hubby, that's such a great thing to do, and a luxury when your baby is still little!
Hi A.,
Fenugreek is a very effective herb that helps boost your milk supply. I took it during my kids growth spurts. My sister who is currently exclusively breast feeding twin girls swears by it. One little side effect is that it makes your sweat and urine smell like maple syrup.
Here's an article on it: http://www.kellymom.com/herbal/milksupply/fenugreek.html
Good luck!
Absolutely wonderful that you found a way to work and stay home and continue to NURSE! Sounds like you are an awesome mom and you definately deserve to go on a worry free weekend w/ your hubby.
Consume more liquids
MOTHERS MILK TEA from Traditional Medicines is great!
HOPS (like in one beer or another form) definately worked fast for me.
When I had to pump one side while nursing on the other the only Pump I could use was the AVENT ISIS. Very natural feeling one hand pump.
Don't forget to ease up on this overproduction before you are ready to leave. Make sure you have a pumping plan for your childs regular nursing times while you are gone. Having a picture to look at, blanket to smell or recording of your babys voice helps to pump when you are away. Pumping after a hot shower seemed to be easier for me as well. GOOD LUCK!
A lactation consultant told me that if you want to save up milk you should pump after you nurse. She said at first there won't be much, but if you keep with it then your supply will build up and you'll make extra to store.
