Pumping Q

[Beltane]

Was trying to pump the past day or two because we are having people over and I don't feel comfortable breastfeeding in front of them. I have a medela mini pump and it seems to take forever to get anything. I have tons of milk. What am I doing wrong??? I got 2 ounces after sitting and pumping for what seemed like an eternity! Any tips??

 

[Bec L]

Hi. I haven't used that pump as I have a hospital one, but I do know that no matter how much milk you think you have, a pump will never get as much out as your baby would so that may be why there is less.

Other than drinking lots of water before pumping, and pumping for an extra 10 mins or so, even when you think you have finished, there is not much more help I can give you, sorry

 

[kirstyloo82]

i have one of these, and same experience. i find if i massage the breast a little before pumping, or even during helps. also sometimes when it appears to have stopped i take the pump completely off then reposition back on i usually get some more out. hope thats a help

 

[pennysbored]

Thats electric, no? And how long is eternity? And are you double pumping?
When Betty was in the hospital, I was pumping ALL her food after a couple days.
When I am having a low pump, I'd move the nipple thingy (that's the scientific term) around, lower/raise the pressure, Stop for a minute, then go again.
Not in that order, and not all at once, although there may be other solutions. Sometimes I have to get myself in a nice quiet head space, that can help.
To be honest, producing milk for a baby is one of the strangest things I have ever done. And I'm still trying to figure it out, and even being surrounded by nurses who may as well be lactation consultants, its still pretty mysterious to everyone, and far from an exact science.
You'll figure it out.

 

[Jemima]

I find that either looking at my LO or thinking about feeding her can stimulate let down and once that's happened, we're away!

 

[helen1234]

i have a medela pump, i've been pumping every 2-3 hrs through the day for rhys for the past 8 days and only needed to use formula a few times, i get 7oz in the morning and 2-3 oz after that, it takes a while to start with and i find massageing a bit helps and making sure my nipple is in the middle of the sucking thing. also having it on a lower setting helps and not squashing my boob with sucking thing too, try warm flannel as well.
xx

 

[Neecee]

I can get a good flow going by first putting a cold flannel on my chest to take down the swelling, then putting a hot flannel on to stimulate the flow.

 

[XKatX]

I pump during the first feed of the morning. That is definitely the right time to do it. It just comes flying out and only takes about 10 minutes to get 5-7 oz. It takes a while to get the nak too, so stick with it!

 

[pennysbored]

I pump during the first feed of the morning. That is definitely the right time to do it. It just comes flying out and only takes about 10 minutes to get 5-7 oz. It takes a while to get the nak too, so stick with it!

Its true, my morning pump is my best pump...

 

[redberry3]

I pump during the first feed of the morning. That is definitely the right time to do it. It just comes flying out and only takes about 10 minutes to get 5-7 oz. It takes a while to get the nak too, so stick with it!

Its true, my morning pump is my best pump...

so was mine....

 

[marley2580]

Some women just don't get a lot out when they pump - I hardly got anything. I did find though that I would get a little more from hand expressing than with a pump.

 

[Sarah88]

Are you not able to move into another room ifyou don't feel comfortable feeding in front of them?

 

[claralouise]

im having probs with soreness when pumping but i find that if i do it when im feeding him then i get loads if i do it when im not feeding him i struggle to get an oz

 

[Tiff]

I had the same problem at first when I started to pump. I'd get maybe an ounce at first, then at best I'd get 2oz. It's all emotional! It's so crazy what your body can do, and what you need for it to produce the milk. Some tips from my lactation consultant:

Try nursing your son for a bit until your milk lets down, and then try pumping.

As other people mentioned, pump first thing in the morning. It does help.

Try talking to your little guy, or have him within view. Sometimes a picture helps. It'll trigger your hormones to start the letdown.

I wasn't one of those people who couldn't pump with my OH in the room. He'd hold Claire for me, and I'd pump. It helped having her so close. In the end I was able to get 5oz or so, before I stopped BF.

Are there lactation consultants near you? They are a huge help when it comes to stuff like this.

 

[pennysbored]

I had the same problem at first when I started to pump. I'd get maybe an ounce at first, then at best I'd get 2oz. It's all emotional! It's so crazy what your body can do, and what you need for it to produce the milk. Some tips from my lactation consultant:

Try nursing your son for a bit until your milk lets down, and then try pumping.

As other people mentioned, pump first thing in the morning. It does help.

Try talking to your little guy, or have him within view. Sometimes a picture helps. It'll trigger your hormones to start the letdown.

I wasn't one of those people who couldn't pump with my OH in the room. He'd hold Claire for me, and I'd pump. It helped having her so close. In the end I was able to get 5oz or so, before I stopped BF.

Are there lactation consultants near you? They are a huge help when it comes to stuff like this.

It does make a big difference having your baby with you! Betty was in the hospital for a month when she was first born (she was early, but doing quite well), hence all the pumping, and I was having a tough time with my milk. its definitely improved since I got her home last week, nearly double! I'm still having to pump it, but at least I'm starting to stockpile a little.