My mom and I are going to a conference all day Saturday, and dh is going to take care of dd (who is 11 months). I've tried pumping a couple of days this week, and I can only get an ounce... my body will not let down! I don't pump a lot, but I have been pumping since dd was 3 weeks old for dates with dh or a sewing class I took in the evening or other things like that. I've never had a problem letting down before. DH can bring her to me to nurse, but it would be helpful if I could fill at least a couple bottles-full for before naps and bedtime. Could this be a sign that my milk is starting to dry up? I want to keep nursing past a year, but I also need to have the option (for everyone's sanity) to be away from her at least for an evening, if need be. Has anyone had this happen to them before? Any ideas?
quarli
04-27-2006, 11:32 PM
Try taking a warm shower then try pumping immediatly afterwards....I take my pump in the bathroom if I am gunna do it this way. I dont do it often though cause its a pain to move it...lol
Elphaba71
04-28-2006, 01:03 AM
You can also pump one side while dc is nursing on the other. It helps a lot with letdown. This is a great option for just storing up (obviously not helpful for folks who pump at work).
loni1090
04-28-2006, 06:40 AM
1. just relax, think about your DC.
2. looking at a picture while you pump can help with the letdown.
3. be in a warm area. If it is cold while I am trying to pump, I cannot get a letdown
squirtymomma
04-28-2006, 08:28 AM
Thanks for the help, ladies. After thinking more about it, I'm pretty sure my supply has been slowing down substantially. I don't think I'm being paranoid, as I've never doubted that I could provide for her thus far. My dh got some More Milk herbal supplement capsules for me to take, so we're going to see if that makes a difference.
Ginamcf
04-28-2006, 03:16 PM
Hi Katy!
I still pump a couple of times a day at work and there are times over the last year that my supply will drop dramaticly for no reason. I would always try to pump in the morning because your prolactin levels are higher then and you can get more. My other advice isn't fun but it has worked for me. Practice pumping more. If your body isn't used to pumping all that much and your supply is low too it will be hard. If you pump even an ounce a day in the morning, your supply will slowly increase and your body will respond to the pump better. Call me if you want I have some other ideas.
Gina
wbkt8
04-28-2006, 03:54 PM
i'm not a pumper but i do know that it seems like my supply dips some around mid-cycle (from o) and right before af comes - it could be hormonal in your case as well. if ppaf is back.
bethanyjoy
04-28-2006, 05:02 PM
How old is your DD? Has she started solids, is she nearing a year? Your supply will naturally adjust itself to a lower level as she demands less...if she's been sleeping a lot at night (especially going for a 4-6 hour stretch or longer) then that can have a real impact on your supply as well.
Here's a TON of info you might find helpful, for evaluating your supply and then steps to increase it if necessary... http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/index.html
Oh, for the pumping...I always found that I could pump a lot more at certain times of day than other times...ie, morning was usually better than late evening.
Also...may seem silly...but have you checked the mechanics of your pump? I had to replace a valve in mine, it totally lost suction...took me forever to realize it was the pump not me! :blush:
1bigfamily
04-29-2006, 06:29 PM
I used fenugreek to increase supply when I was pumping before the twins latched on. It was really hard to pump enough for them. I agree withe the other suggestions too.
squirtymomma
04-29-2006, 09:42 PM
Thanks, you guys. I do think the dip in my supply has been hormonal. The herbs seem to be resolving the issue, so I'm relieved. We had fun at the conference today too. :)
mommypooh
04-30-2006, 01:16 PM
I haven't been able to pump this time around no matter what I do. SOme womens bodies just don't respond to the pump. I also noticed as my first child neared 10 months I didn't respond to the pump. And even after my second child just getting a bottle full is a couple of days chore.
3lildoodlebugs
06-29-2009, 12:54 PM
this sounds weird but I am finding that it works! Try putting the pump on and waiting a second then take them off then right back on - kind of like when a baby pops on and off. The starting and stopping seem to stimulate everything and have a let down. . . can't hurt to try! I have to do that 3 to 5 times in a row till it drops usually. . .
Hahaha. . . don't know how I pulled up a post from 06! Thought this was recent oh well maybe it will help someone else!! Hehehe lol
