I've read over and over, and believed, that if I just nursed dd more, pumped enough, took the right herbs/meds, etc., etc., that my supply would increase. Well, I'm nursing her as much as I can (I woh fulltime), I take domperidone, fenugreek & alfalfa, and drink lots of water, and I have never EVER been able to pump more than 8 oz. over 3 20-minute pumping sessions. That's the most I'm able to pump -- most days I can only manage 2 sessions at work and I get 4-6 oz. total. She takes 3-4 4 oz. bottles while I'm at work, so I *need* to be pumping at LEAST 12-16 oz./day.
When we're together, I don't have to supplement (yet -- I'm starting to feel like I might need to ...), so I feel like I'm making enough milk. I just can't get the *%$^ stuff out of my breasts!!!
So I guess my question is ... are there some mamas who, no matter how much they nurse, no matter how many galactagogues they take, just can't pump enough? I'm at my wits end and am so dang frustrated. :cry:
ktog29
07-10-2007, 01:14 PM
I'm sorry Mama! No advice here other than to keep baby at the breast as much as possible when you're home...
Hugs!
Katie
kealoha
07-10-2007, 02:00 PM
What kind of pump are you using?
heathenmom
07-10-2007, 03:18 PM
What kind of pump are you using?
I've used a PIS (2 different pumps) with both dd's, with the same results. I'm trying to work up the nerve to spend $300 on an Isis Iq, but I'm scared to spend that much and still get crappy results.
kht2006
07-10-2007, 03:34 PM
My DD figured out my work schedule. As a result, she nursed from the time I got home til bedtime practically and would only take one 4 or 6 oz. bottle when I was gone for 8 hours. My milk production just kicked up later in the day. She was making wet diapers and gaining. I decided not to worry about it.
Happy
07-10-2007, 05:24 PM
You know, I'm not an expert (or even close to one!), but I think there are people who just have trouble getting milk by pumping. The mechanism just isn't the same as nursing. Oatmeal really helped beef up my supply. Also root beer seemed to help me. Hope your able to get more milk soon!
ETA: A NICU LC told me to smell the clothes my baby had worn the day before while I was pumping to help me get more milk. I think it worked, power of suggestion - I don't know, but I did get more milk that way.
katey
07-10-2007, 06:37 PM
I have the same problems. I am a SAHM, so it is not as big of a deal for me, but it is a real pain on the rare ocasions that I get to get out of the house. Sometimes I will be totally full and only an once will come out of each side. Even if it does let down, I am lucky to get 3 oz aout of a side.
My dd is a little chunk, so I know she is getting more then that when she nurses.
With my ds I pumped exclusivly for a month, because he would not latch. I did not have any problems pumping with him. I pumped 4 times a day and got plenty of milk to keep up with him. I am using the same pump, so I know that is not the problem.
Sorry I don't have any advice for you. I get so frustrated with it, I can not imagine how it must be for you haiving to try to pump for her all day.
heathenmom
07-10-2007, 06:37 PM
ETA: A NICU LC told me to smell the clothes my baby had worn the day before while I was pumping to help me get more milk. I think it worked, power of suggestion - I don't know, but I did get more milk that way.
You know, that's a GREAT idea. I posted a picture of her up in the room where I pump, but the sense of smell is far more powerful. I will DEFINITELY try that tomorrow!
rainbowbrite812
07-10-2007, 08:52 PM
nak
with all 3 boys no matter how long i pump i end up with 3-4 oz. from the minute my milk came in to the day i weaned (10mos w/ max) 3-4oz...manual, or medela hospial grade symphony :(
these boobs were not made for pumpin'
Ali
07-10-2007, 11:24 PM
I have lots of issues pumping too. The first 4 months I stayed home w/ DS so I pumped every night in addition to feeding him on demand. That extra stock helped me feed him sole breastmilk with no supplement until 8 1/2 months, but then I had to start supplementing because I just couldn't pump more than a few oz at each session and ds was drinking way more than that. I've learned to not feel guilty about it and just feel good that I'm still able to nurse him even if it isn't full time anymore.
I also used a PIS, i wonder if there is a better pump. Do you know anyone that has an ISIS that you can borrow? Or do you think you could rent a hospital grade one for just a month to see if it makes a diff?
whiterabbit
07-10-2007, 11:31 PM
Have you checked all the parts? And have you replaced the little white membranes? Sometimes that makes a difference.
And I know it's hard but try not to think about how much you're pumping out. Stresses you out more.
smittybike
07-10-2007, 11:34 PM
Sister, I feel your pain, I did the same, and I supplemented as of 8 months or so, I spoke with a REALSTIC Lactation conmsultant would said, any breast milk is a plus, relax, enjoy your babe, supplement and know your babe is still benefiting from your efforts! I also gave up pumping at 11 months and nursed when I was home we went 13 1/2 months, and it still makes us closer I think
rlsadc
07-11-2007, 12:11 AM
8 oz is ALOT to pump at a single session... ALOT
most moms onlypump between 2-5 oz...youre deifnately at the top of the list there.
heathenmom
07-11-2007, 05:20 AM
8 oz is ALOT to pump at a single session... ALOT
most moms onlypump between 2-5 oz...youre deifnately at the top of the list there.
You misunderstood. 8 oz. is the MAXIMUM I have ever pumped in one day, spread over 3 sessions. It worked out to about 2 oz. each breast the 1st session, then 1 oz. each breast the next 2 sessions. Believe me, if I pumped 8 oz. in a single session I would NOT be here complaining! :blush:
kadas33
07-11-2007, 08:35 AM
I'm the same way, so I feel your pain. I've gotten a max of 11 ounces over 3 pumping sessions, but it's usually more like 8-10 ounces total for the 3 sessions. My ds is taking some solids now so it's not as stressful, but I still worry about it. I use the PISA and have also rented a Lactina as well as take fenugreek w/blessed thistle daily and I've even tried Reglan. I noticed that my supply is better w/Reglan and might try it again. I know there's more milk in my boobs than will come out. Let me know if you find the secret.
kissum
07-11-2007, 08:42 AM
Hey mama-I've always had an OVER supply, and I still have trouble pumping.
I have some tips though that might be useful-
not just the picture, but like a pp said, something that smells like your baby.
Also, cover yourself up, I get a lot more if I don't watch it the whole time.
Relax! And most of all, think about your sweet baby. I get killer let down that way. I think about lying down to nurse her, funny little things that she does, the way her hair feels when she's all sweaty from sleep, things like that. It really makes a big difference.
GL!
teenbean31
07-14-2007, 12:18 AM
Just wanted to let you know you aren't alone. My baby was born on 5/11 and it's been a ROLLER COASTER with breastfeeding. Needless to say, I have NOT given up! I only can get out about 2 oz per session too when I pump. Sometimes a little more, but not much. I almost lost all my milk production b/c the docs had me doing more & more supplementing due to low weight gain. They told me I couldn't get it back but I met with a lactation consultant & going to support grps. Also taking herbs & eating oatmeal. Seems to help some. Don't give up! Like someone said, even if you can only give your babe a small amount it's better than nothing at all...and I know my babe loves the time she spends with me breastfeeding. Hang in there! I know...it's stressful.
attachedmamaof3
07-14-2007, 12:32 AM
IME, the BEST time for me to pump was in the morning....I know that probably doesn't help, but it would SIGNIFICANTLY increase my output.
spacecat1974
07-14-2007, 03:58 AM
I put my pump times on my calendar, which helped me to stick to a consistent schedule. I pumped until he was 18 mos. I read the comics, books, listened to music... Just about anything I could think of to make the pump break more of a "real" break and help me relax. I had MAJOR oversupply issues and won't tell you how much I pumped over 2-3 pumping sessions but I will tell you that replacing or washing the membranes on the horns and scrubbing out the yellow bits with a nipple brush REALLY helped. Also, try different settings on the pump. That often helps a lot too.
If you want to try the Isis IQ, see if it is available for rent first so you don't have to shell out a bunch of money for the same problem.:hugs:
spacecat1974
07-14-2007, 03:59 AM
IME, the BEST time for me to pump was in the morning....I know that probably doesn't help, but it would SIGNIFICANTLY increase my output.
Just having consistency helps too but the hormone levels in your body are higher in the morning, which is why output levels are almost always better at that time.
heathenmom
07-14-2007, 06:14 AM
Thanks so much, mamas! It's helpful to know that I'm not the lone woman who sucks at pumping. :blush: Consistency is definitely an issue for me. Due to the unpredictable nature of my job, it's difficult to pump at the same time every day -- even though it's on my calendar. I've also not been consistent at taking my supplements. I made a concerted effort the last several days and have noticed an increase in how much I'm pumping (4-5 oz./day up to 6-7 oz.).
I need to add to my morning routine -- "pack Heidi's dress from yesterday" -- otherwise I'll never remember to do it! I also want to pick up some oatmeal to keep at the office. If it's there, that's what I'll eat for breakfast. :thumbsup:
In other bf'ing news, I'm recovering from my first plugged duct today. OUCH!!! Heidi slept through the night the last 2 nights and I've woken up engorged and swimming in a pool of milk. Ick. I'm sure that contributed to the plugged duct. My mom suggested I get up in the middle of the night to pump, and just let Heidi sleep. I'm not sure yet how I feel about that solution, as I'D like to sleep through the night, too!
spacecat1974
07-14-2007, 05:46 PM
In other bf'ing news, I'm recovering from my first plugged duct today. OUCH!!! Heidi slept through the night the last 2 nights and I've woken up engorged and swimming in a pool of milk. Ick. I'm sure that contributed to the plugged duct. My mom suggested I get up in the middle of the night to pump, and just let Heidi sleep. I'm not sure yet how I feel about that solution, as I'D like to sleep through the night, too!
Well, pumping at night will definitely help your pump output but you could achieve the same effect if you got up at an earlier time and pumped first thing. MUCH easier said than done says the night owl.
______
tadbhoward
07-15-2007, 03:53 PM
I haven't read all the posts so this might be a repeat, but I can feel your pumping pain. I can never pump out more than 1/2 - 1oz at a time. I am fortunate enough to be at home so it isn't a necessity but there have been times when I needed to be away and a bottle would have been great. I agree with the few mamas that said to supplement if you have too and to not feel guilty about it. My only other advice would be to get as much rest as is possible for you to do so. I know how emotionally upsetting these types of situations can be which leads to frustration and guilt which spurs you on when you need to be resting and enjoying every moment with your sweet little one. Lack of sleep and emotional turmoil can effect your milk supply and not to mention, your mood! Really just enjoy the time you spend with you dc and go with the flow, whatever that might be. :thumbsup:
