The Stress of Pumping: Advice?
Y’all, I’m just going to say it.
I hate pumping.
I love nursing, but going back to work means pumping during the day, and I. hate. it.
It’s been five weeks since I went back to work, and I have had pumping issues for most of the time. My supply dipping, my pump dying, renting a hospital grade while I waited on insurance to send a new one and now my latest issue, my milk doesn’t seem to let down with the pumping.
Like at all.
I’m at my wits end.
I’ve called lactation. I’ve taken fenugreek. I’ve eaten lactation cookies.
It’s just not going well.
Anyone have any advice to offer? Ways you were able to keep your supply up?
Updated to add this: I have no problem with supplementing formula if I need to. With Elias I started supplementing at 5.5 months and Adeline at 6 months because I couldn’t keep up. But the no let down thing is really driving me crazy because the milk IS there!
This mama thing isn’t easy, is it?
I wish I had advice for you, but I had the same problem! The only reason I was able to keep my supply up for the 5 months my daughter nursed was because when I went back to work and she went to daycare she refused a bottle. So every day when I picked her up she basically cluster fed all evening and night. Once she finally gave in and accepted a bottle at 5 months though, the flow and amount she got from the bottle was a lot more and she gave up on the breastfeeding. Hope someone can give you some wise advice. Nursing is such a gift but is sure a lot of work too. Blessings, Kelly
watch this video:
http://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html
i also used more milk plus. and made oatmeal every morning (with flax seed and brewers yeast and chocolate protein powder and cinnamon and almond butter and almond milk- DELICIOUS). and drank a ridiculous amount of water.
good luck. you got this.
I’d say just keep getting what you can if you want to continue breastfeeding. But I also want to say that it is ok to stop if it just doesn’t seem to be working for you. Being a working mom is so hard, and your fast paced job/blog/writer/family life may be stressing you out and affecting milk production. I had to exclusively pump for 6 weeks due to latch/anatomical issues, and it added so much stress to that newborn time. I’m glad my son got breast milk for as long as I could pump, but I wish that time had been more relaxed for us! Good luck, Jess. You’re doing a great job.
Good fats like coconut oil and butter and avocado can be helpful, along with steering clear of processed foods as much as possible (a little rough on a mom with more than one kiddo), as well as pumping on the lowest setting for 20 minutes. I was an exclusive pumper for a year with my first…I feel for you! These changes were helpful for me. Ordered a helpful book online called Exclusive Pumping. Breastfeeding was the hardest part of having a baby for me-both times!
Praying you find Tje balance that’s best for you and your little one 🙂
Most of my pumping time was right after delivery until my little man was allowed out of the NICU 10 days later (and until he was strong enough to nurse for each feeding) One bit of advice I read was to have a picture of your baby with you while you are pumping (maybe just inside bag of supplies?) I know my wee one’s noises were a trigger for letdown for me – maybe if you recorded your little guy and listened to that while pumping that could help. I wish you much luck.
I had the same problem and it was totally miserable. I think if you’re still able to breastfeed while at home, do that as much as you can stand. For me, my milk essentially dried up within 2 weeks of when I went back to work. I had frozen some in advance, but it was totally gone by the time my daughter was 6 months. I think one big problem for me was that I was always too busy at work. I was essentially working while pumping constantly, instead of taking a “break” to pump. I was pumping non-stop, but it didn’t do any good. I spent a lot of time beating myself up about it and I wish I had just switched to formula earlier instead of getting so frustrated.
I had to pump exclusively with my first because she just was not a fan of even trying to nurse. I was able to do so for nearly 11 months. What I found helped was massaging my breasts before I started pumping to get the milk started. A pump just doesn’t do that! Also,my Medela pump had a different type of pumping to start the milk flow. I always had to turn the knob to the highest setting in order to get my milk really flowing. Whenever I felt as though I were not pumping enough, I would do shorter and more frequent pumpings, which should make your body increase your milk supply. When I eventually had to start supplementing with formula, I did so gradually. I would make up a quarter of a feeding with formula, the rest breast milk and then worked up to a full formula bottle when I ran out of stored breast milk.
So the crux is, you have to find what works for you. But here are some things that helped me (I breastfed 4 babies while working 50+ hours/week, sometimes overnight, with varying degrees of success): think about your baby during let-down, look at pictures of your baby during let-down, call home or make a recording and listen to your baby during let-down, make sure your pump flange is comfortable (use cushioned flange covers if that helps), drink so much water it would drown a fish, when trying to stimulate let-down have your pump deliver short, shallow bursts of suction, after let-down change to slow, deep suction (the Avent pump is fantastic for that, but I think it can be done with others, too). I never bought the super expensive pumps and found cheaper ones that worked well for me, but I have heard that a real hospital grade pump is way better at helping maintain supply. I also pumped in a quiet, private place and allowed myself to goof off when I wanted or try to finish some work to get home faster, depending on my mood.
Put videos of your babe on your phone. Worked wonders. It’s stressful, it will be stressful. Accept the stress and move on. Just do what you can. You are rocking it mama.
Drinking tons of water would help and adjusting the pump location/ attachment helped. And if I felt myself getting stressed about how little I was producing I would stop, turn off the pump, drink an entire bottle of water and then try again in 15-20 minutes. Keeping relaxed and hydrated as much as possible. Oh, yeah, and oatmeal and fenugreek both helped my supply. I also seemed to produce the most in the mornings so some mornings I would add a pump before work since that was when I could get the most in one sitting.
I actually added an extra pumping session when I went back to work. I would nurse my boy, but also pump from the other side (he alternated which side he nursed from.) I feel like it helped my body think I needed to produce more milk. Getting the right pump (one that doesn’t die!) is also crucial. I have a friend who really liked her Medela, but then had supply issues. I loved my Lansinoh, but it died about a year into using it and I didn’t love the replacement I was sent.
Make sure you’re drinking tons of water during the day – I could always see my supply dip if I was dehydrated. And try to make sure you’re in a relaxed state when pumping. I was able to go to a very private room and take a few magazines. I caught up on a lot of reading during that time.
I’m sorry. 🙁 I wish it was easier.
I did this and I definitely got more milk.
I have absolutely ZERO advice for you on this one, but I still want to reach through this computer screen and give you a hug because your frustration is so thick in this post. I truly hope you find something that helps and that whatever happens, you can find a resolution to get rid of this stress you have right now. Love ya!
I have been ep’ing for my little guy for 7 + months with a hospital grade pump, I use my freestyle occasionaly while in the car. I eat oatmeal (the regular microwave kind) every work day and can tell a difference in my supply the 2 days after the weekend. I drink tons of water. I use coconut oil in my flanges…. the best thing ever! I massage… push… pull anything to help trigger let downs, if all else fails I pull out the pics/videos of my little guy. I get almost half of my daily output in my first morning pump so you might try pumping after the morning feeding. Good luck!
Check your flange size. I’m small breastfed so I thought that media size that the hospital gave me would be fine. Who would have thought that I needed XL flanges. I was using a flange too small and it was cutting off my supply when pumping and also causing a lot of pain. Good luck!
I had a preemie ( 2 lbs 15 oz) so I had to pump exclusively for the first 2 1/2 months until she was strong enough and big enough to nurse. I did what my lactation consultant called a power pump. I would pump 10 minutes, rest 2 minutes, pump 10 more minutes. I set my timer on my phone every time. Oftentimes I wouldn’t get the letdown until the second 10 minutes. I would also chug water in the first 10 minutes. I was also a stickler for every 3 hrs. My body learned what times I was going to pump. i never felt the letdown like I do when I’m nursing but if I ever felt the flow was to slow I would also massage the breast to encourage the flow. good luck.
I was going to write a separate comment, but this is basically what I did. And I wanted to say as weird as it sounds, massage your breasts. Figure out how to massage your breasts so you feel comfortable and that helped my let down. When I had been back to work for several months, I had to wait a longer period of time between pumping sessions when my breasts felt more full and then I would get more. I also drank Mother’s Milk Tea. And then I nursed my babies constantly during the afternoon, evening, night, morning and weekends. 🙂
If you hate pumping, stop pumping. Don’t berate yourself. Comfort nurse your little one at night and whenever. You will both survive. I did fenugreek, too. I noticed no difference. The best thing that worked for me was drinking lots of water, the occasional beer, and taking good care of myself. It all fell into place. I nursed four babies, BTW. Some for longer than others. They grew up just fine. (:
There is a Doctor at one of the medical facilities I worked at that had one of the rooms set up for her pumping and she had a picture of her baby sitting right in front. I also know that if you are stressed then your milk will not let down very easily. Lots and lots of water is VERY important also.
^^^ I agree with checking flange size I tried all of them to figure out which one worked best for me, and it was completely different from what the hospital lactation ladys told me to use. Try one size up or down and see if they work any better for you.
The website I linked was super helpful to me with my last baby. I had to supplement with my first and wanted to try not to with my daughter. I started pumping earlier than you are supposed to and then added in an extra session after I fed her before work. I also made sure to pump frequently at work as well. I pumped every 3 hours. I think the most helpful thing I learned from the Kellymom site (they also have a Facebook support group) was that 3 oz is a normal amount to pump. It is actually REALLY easy to over feed a breastfed baby. I think the amount they should drink via a bottle is 1-1.25 oz per hour that you are gone. My daughter drank 3 oz bottles for a long time and never went over a 4 oz bottle. I hope it gets better for you! And don’t feel bad to supplement. Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!
http://kellymom.com/
The Mom thing isn’t ever easy. How I kept my supply up was nursing on demand on the weekends. Sometimes I’d even let him use me as a pacifier. By Friday I wasn’t pumping very much but on Monday I was a gusher. I’m sure you’ve tried taking a blanket of his to smell, and tried thinking about him. I used to sprinkle baby powder on the carpet in his room because I love the smell, once when I was in Walmart I let down on the baby aisle b/c of the baby powder smell–smell is a really strong sense. Also, you might try getting away from your office to pump, maybe go down to HR? Then you can really relax and that always helps. Maybe you could even record him “talking” on your phone and listen to that while you smell his blanket and think about him?
I also added a 2 a.m. feeding once he slept through it in an attempt to make sure I had enough milk stored. Does the pumping go better at home?
I hope you find something that works!
Acupuncture and tea? And beer? I had the opposite issue and acupuncture was a life saver. Make sure you find someone who specializes in women’s issues.
My fifth baby was not gaining weight AT ALL as a newborn (turns out he was tongue tied), and my supply needed increasing to help get him back up to speed. My lactation consultant told me to nurse him and then pump at every feed possible (so for you, all of the feedings you’re home with him.) In a few days, my supply was much bigger. You may already be doing this to have enough, but if not, it’s worth a shot. I also took blessed thistle capsules. It was suggested to drink a beer a day, but I hate the stuff. I will pray for wisdom for you!
The pumping one breast while nursing really works for milk supply. It is kind of hard to manuever but you can do it! 🙂
Oh I sympathize with this struggle! Are you pumping both sides at the same time? I was doing one side at a time until someone gave me that tip – when one side starts releasing even a little bit, somehow it encourages the other side to do the same. Also, are you using the weird bra that holds the flanges? That bra thingy never worked for me – I had to be holding them in place with my hands to get enough suction.
Good luck!!! With both of my babies, I’ve been so sad to stop nursing, but the silver lining has always been that I haven’t had to pump at work anymore! I agree, it is SUCH a drag!
When my sister-in-law was having pumping issues, between her and her mother (who is a lactation consultant) they figured out that her lack of letdown was due to caffeine. Once she eliminated caffeine she had no issues pumping. Good luck!
Have you tried fennel essential oil? It’s more concentrated then the fenugreek pills. If you would like more info you can contact me at heatheradlerdoterra@gmail.com
I hope you find a solution that works for you.
How often are you pumping? If possible, you may try pumping every 2-3 hours to see if that may help you produce some more milk. Also, how long are you pumping? Sometimes it can take a while for your milk to let down. I used to pump several minutes after my milk stop coming out just to kind of let my body know it needed to make more. One more thing you might consider is the size of your pump flange (the part that fits on your breast). When I first started pumping I had the same issue of not having much milk and I tried a bigger flange and it made such a big difference. Hope this helps. I commend you for not giving up!
Yes, I am pumping every 3 hours!
I have no advice, just empathy. I had the same problem. I would pump for 45 mins and get 1-2 oz. So frustrating. And I’m a teacher I couldn’t just pump whenever I wanted, which didn’t help. I hope you find something that works for you!!
I’m a new mama but I’d say looking at pictures or thinking about my little girl definitely triggers a let down. I think a lot of people have said the same thing in previous comments so maybe that will help! I actually have crazy boobs that are constantly letting down and spray my poor baby in her face,nose,ears etc. while she eats. They are insane but I am definitely grateful we have plenty of milk. Good luck!!
All great suggestions. You could also try bringing an item of clothing or a blanket E has used recently. His smell might help with let down issues. I know our scent helps them so it might work the other way as well.
So you have to find a way to relax enough to allow the let down. I think in the evening or when ever you have some time soon try taking a bath ( I did this a lot in the first few wekeks of pumping) or findi a way to close your eyes and drift think of your baby and nursing your baby. . Close your eyes while you pump try nature music and don’t look at the pump and bottles alot . Once you achieve this a few times it will become much easier to recreate don’t be afraid to do it before a feeding either your baby is old enough and it can up production and make it easier. I had specific times I would pump just like a feeding. You can even try feeding and pumping at the same time it can help with the let down. It’s worth it if you can find the time to really relax while pumping it becomes easier and a lot faster your body gets better at it over time.
I never had very much luck with the super-expensive, “high-end” pumps. I got a “cheap” $35 Evenflo (single electric) at Target, and began pumping WAY more, and much more comfortably! The base of the flange is much wider than the hospital-grade pump I was using, and that made all the difference.
I’m also a postpartum doula and I had a client just recently who was having trouble with her “fancy” pump–wasn’t getting a single ounce. I recommended this other pump to her, and she is now very successfully pumping for her baby easily, comfortably, and abundantly. She is also a working mom (and a single mom) and she says it has made all the difference.
So my advice? Try a different pump!
I had to travel with my first, and pumped a lot. I had problems with let-down too. I would watch the same video of my baby every time I pumped and it helped with letdown. I tried other videos and looking at pictures, but for some reason there was a specific video that just “triggered” the let down. Also, eating more calories and drinking lots of water. I know it’s hard to consume more when you are trying to let go of that baby weight (my second is 3 months old), but it is worth it!!!
I have been there 🙁 Aside from dietary things, which are so important, my lactation specialist recommended a tiny bit of lanolin –very little– applied before pumping to help stimulate letdown. Combined with pump cycles to mimic real nursing, this is the only way I was able to have letdown when pumping. Good luck!
You allready did a grat job with those 5 months. Pumping never worked well for me. I would just give them (I have 5, including twins) formula during working hours and breastfed the rest of the day. That mostly worked until they were about 8 months.
That’s so frustrating! I’ve noticed lately my pumping amounts are going down, and I’ve realized (hopefully this is the problem, it hasn’t been solved yet) that my pumping bra is getting stretched out and is way less supportive, so unless I hold both flanges and push them up against my boobs I just don’t get much at all, which sort of defeats the point of having a hands-free pumping bra. I just ordered one from Simple Wishes that reviews say is much better (adjustable so you can tighten it as it stretches out over time). Maybe your accessories could be the problem? I don’t really have answers, just want to add my (ahem) support to your conundrum. Good luck!
I read through about half the comments and don’t know if I have anything to add except encouragement (((JESSICA))) – I pumped for three kids at work and it kinda sucked. Except with my third who liked to bite so I actually preferred pumping. Are you trying to pump WHILE working (email, internet, etc)? I used the time to pull up a TV episode I wanted to watch so I could tune out of work for a while. Maybe you are now so worried about the let down issue that you are stressing your body into doing it? Give yourself permission to be sad while you are pumping – I was always (almost) sad that I wasn’t feeding my baby myself. And the hormones that get going with lactating made that worse! Do you ever pump at home? Even just after he is done feeding to get a little extra out? Maybe doing that can help switch your mindset, if that is the issue? XOXO Robin
Whole Foods has a supplement from MotherLove called “More Milk Plus” – it helped me tremendously. Also, try power pumping at night after he goes to sleep – it only takes 2-3 days of doing this to build up your supply.
Power Pumping: http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/pumping_decrease/
With my first son, I was a dairy cow! Pumping was a breeze! But by fourth, pumps just don’t do it for me. I’ve tried everything from hospital grade to manual pumps and nothing comes out!
I finally started hand-expressing. It takes a little practice at first but I’m a pro now (I do it the “wrong” way but the right way didn’t work for me, do whatever works for you)! I get more milk out faster than with a pump. If you need to be hands-free, hand express until you get a good stream going and then switch to the pump.
Good luck!
I second the comments about pumping on one side while you nurse on the other! A friend gave me that tip and it is amazing how well it works, even if it is a little awkward at first. She had supply issues and would feed on one side only in the mornings (when you are full so baby still gets plenty) while pumping on the other. Because the baby is so good at stimulating a let down throughout the whole nursing session, the other side will produce an equal amount usually.
And if nothing works, just give yourself a pat on the back for making it work for as long as you did!
Yes, I tried that this morning and it didn’t work. However, I am going to try again tomorrow because I rented a hospital grade pump again and see if that works!
With my first baby I pumped full time due to nursing difficulties a couple things that helped me was a hands free pumping bra that way you pump both sides at the same time and honestly I did it for 20-30 min every 3-4 hours to keep my supply up -as let down was a struggle with that one. I tried everything under the sun! I’ve since had no issues with let down with my other 3 babies but I exclusively breastfed. Sorry if this was repetitive to other comments I didn’t read those first 🙂
Thanks so much for your words. I have a hands free bra and love it!
Hi Jessica! I know co-sleeping is somewhat controversial; however, night feeding really helped me keep my supply up when I went back to work with my first!
Jessica, I SO could have written this post. We have so many similarities….I think we should be friends! 🙂 Our babies were born on the same day AND I work in the marketing department for a hospital. 🙂 I’ve been back to work for 8 weeks now and I had the exact same problem. I literally tried everything! I supplemented with formula after pumping and getting virtually nothing. I am now formula feeding full time because my daughter doesn’t want to work to nurse. She would fight it every time I tried! I beat myself up over it, but realized there’s nothing I could do to change it. Like you, the milk was there. I just couldn’t get it to let down with the pump.
Try Nashville Birth & Babies. They offer a meeting for working moms to discuss breastfeeding/pumping while working. Kate Cropp is a great LC there. I responded better to a hand pump than I did with an electric one when I had my second baby. There are also some local moms who pump and share their milk if you are interested in continuing with breastmilk instead of formula. Email me if you are and I will help you get connected.
So, when I am (was? – I just finished nursing/pumping!) having a hard time getting milk out, I would turn it up as hard as I could stand it and pull it to one side or the other so its like the pump was pulling my nipple at an angle. I would make it pull in different directions and it got the milk going. Also, I have heard that some people took pictures of their baby to look at or recorded their cry on their phone and when they heard the cry, their milk let down. You could also take a rice bag or something and heat it a little as warm compresses are supposed to help. Good luck, Mama!
I hate it too. I get up at 6am to pump because that’s when I have the most. I’ve been taking Honest Company’s lactation boost vitamins and go in to my designated private area three times a day. I think frequency is the key. On the weekends, I just want her to nurse all day to keep up the supply 🙂 Good luck!!