will the pumping still help build my supply even though nothings coming out!?

[ThunderPearls]

I got my medela symphony yesterday. Usually when I hand express I get around 10mls, maybe a bit less, sometimes a bit more. I am trying to relactate and build my supply hence getting the pump.

Anyway I have pumped about 10 times already and still nothing is coming out... The first session I got my usual 10mls within about 30 seconds... And then its stopped... There are about 5-6 drops from both boobs in a 15min session :/

Then after pumping I can still hand express a bit... So is the pump actually working for me??

Will the suction alone help build my supply even though it isnt removing much milk??

Thanks x

 

[snowflakes120]

Yes, by pumping you are signaling to your brain saying that your baby needs more food. Your body will realize this and make more BM. Give it time. It might take a few days for you get a bit more. Just make sure you are pumping at least 5 minutes after you get your last drops of BM. The longer you pump the more your body will try to produce. It will take time - your not going to double your amount over night. As you keep with it your BM will keep increasing with time. Good luck!

 

[ThunderPearls]

Thanks I dont know what I was really expecting to have happened in just one day haha I am so impatient! Im just dissappointed that it isnt doing much better than my hand expressing yet... But hopefully the next few weeks will see improvements!

 

[firsttime83]

It takes 12-15 minutes on average to drain each breast (on average). I've been pumping for weeks and building quite a supply. Sometimes I don't start flowing for like 5 minutes and sometimes I notice the milk stop and a few minutes later it's back. Be patient for sure.

 

[RoseArcana]

Like the ladies said, the stimulation from the pump will be signalling your body to produce the hormones to encourage milk supply but it can take some time.

If you are getting some from hand-expressing, then do that as well as using the pump. Whichever way round you do it, is up to you. I found using the pump uncomfortable after I had expressed but I know some ladies who prefer to do it the other way.

Keep at it Have you looked at using frengreek (sp?) or any other supplements? Hopefully one of the ladies who have relactated will pop in here.

Good luck x

 

[ThunderPearls]

This morning I think there was a bit of improvement as drops came out steadily for a few minutes rather than a few drops then nothing...

Last night I ha a bit of a drama as I had the pump on too high but it wasnt really painful but then I saw there was blood on the breast cup when I took it off!! So im just going to stick to lower suction from now on despite how long it takes!

I also hand express after I pump and take 8-12 fenugreek tabs a day and fennel tea and raspberry leaf tea throughout the day and my local herbalist made me a tincture to promote milk production... I think it has fennel, goats rue and something else in... But it tastes disgusting and I havent beem able to bring myself to take it again after the first go! I onlu need a 1/2tsp 3x a day so just need to man up! But eugh it makes me want to throw up!