Diaper Swappers

heathenmom · 07-10-2007, 12:32 PM

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.

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by kealoha

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Happy

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?

07-10-2007, 12:32 PM	#1
heathenmom Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 51 Ratings: 6 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	What else can I do? Frustrated pumper vent :( 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. __________________ Elizabeth -- mama to Fiona (2004) and Heidi (2007)

07-10-2007, 01:14 PM	#2
ktog29 Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 45 Ratings: 2 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: What else can I do? Frustrated pumper vent :( 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

07-10-2007, 02:00 PM	#3
kealoha Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 86 Ratings: 3 Feedback: 100%	Re: What else can I do? Frustrated pumper vent :( What kind of pump are you using? __________________ Katie Mommy to: Caitlin - 9/1998 Emma - 3/2000 Cole - 2/2002 Ethan - 7/2003 Sera - 5/2005 Allie - 06/2007

07-10-2007, 03:34 PM	#5
kht2006 Registered Users Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,251 Ratings: 23 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: What else can I do? Frustrated pumper vent :( 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.

07-10-2007, 05:24 PM	#6
Happy Registered Users Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 783 Ratings: 64 Feedback: 100% My Mood:	Re: What else can I do? Frustrated pumper vent :( 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. __________________ -Happy ebay feedback Last edited by Happy; 07-10-2007 at 05:28 PM.