Pumping help needed

[scarymary48]

I am terrible at pumping! Every time I try I get maybe 20ml if I'm lucky- that's less than an ounce. It makes it seem so pointless, and I get so frustrated and always end up crying and getting all stressed, which doesn't help. I know a lot of you guys pump, so I'm really hoping you have some advice for me? I use a manual pump, the Avent Isis system if that helps.

[Heywie]

All I can think is you need to go electric... My pump does all the work!

Oooh, or you aren't giving yourself enough time to let down. Some of the pumps have an actual let down feature that mimics the baby sucking. They suck differently to get the milk to let down and then suck to eat.

[KMS]

Yeah, I have an electric so I am not sure how much of my output has to do with the electric pump. How long do you pump for? I pump for 20 - 30 minutes at each pump. You can also try to massage your breasts and use a wet warm washcloth on them (or a shower) before the pump. That physical touch and warmth can help mimic a child's effect on your breast. I have gone through my share of stressed tearful pumping sessions. My heart goes out to you!

[scarymary48]

Bugger, I suspected your successes might be due to using a electric pump :( Keely, I just pumped for 15 mins on one side and got maybe 15 mls, which is less than a tablespoon. I guess I'll have to go buy an electric pump and give that a try. I'm just worried that I'll be spending $300-odd for the same results.

I'll give the washcloth a try next time to see if that helps. Is there anything else, like a certain time of day that anyone finds yeilds a better result?

[saltyveruca]

Maybe you can try renting a pump to see if the electric makes a difference, and if it does, then go ahead and spend the $$$. I am going to start out with a manual pump, but if it doesn't cut it, that's my plan of action!

[KMS]

In the gosh darn middle of the night is when I've always gotten my highest yield. I don't know how this would work with the manual pump, but I have to do compressions during pumping. I used to wear a handsfree bra and get stuff done while I pump, but the compressions have helped so much that I do them the entire time.

[KMS]

Maybe you can try renting a pump to see if the electric makes a difference, and if it does, then go ahead and spend the $$$. I am going to start out with a manual pump, but if it doesn't cut it, that's my plan of action!

Good idea!!

[Goin2thechapel]

Quick question. I know that Zac is 3 months old now, have you been pumping all along or are you just picking it back up now? Is he still nursing? Are you getting the 20mls at the end of a nursing session?

All of your answers will help answer your questions better.

Also, I've used Mother's Love and Fenugreek. I think I had a good outcome with the fenugreek, but I think Amelia was too sensitive to it. She started having stomach troubles shortly after.

[saltyveruca]

I have a pumping question!

Do you ladies have any experience with being away from your baby for 12+ hours at a time? We've just booked 3 weddings for the first 3 weeks of January, and I realized that um, things are going to be a bit different than normal! Obviously, I am going to have to pump at some point(s) during the day if I don't want my breasts to explode, and build up a good frozen supply to send along to grandma's, but anything else I should keep in mind?

[savepaws]

Pumping is the bane of my existence. Ugh, how I hate it! Since my girls were born prematurely I have to pump all day around the clock and it sucks! (no pun intended!) I don't have any experience with a manual pump but I sure hope you can figure it out.

I also have some questions if anyone has the answers. I only get about 60 ml each session with my left boob doing all the work. My left one usually gets about 45 ml and about 15 ml out of the right one. I am wondering if that is normal? I pump for 15 minutes. The LC's told me to only pump that long but now I'm wondering if I need to pump longer? By 15 minutes hardly anything is coming out and my nipples just start to hurt so I don't know if I can take more than 15 minutes at a time. I pump every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

The babies are currently eating 35 ml each feeding but luckily their feedings are supplemented with a milk fortifier so I can keep up with their needs for now. We have been doing nuzzling and giving them a chance to try and breastfeed but they haven't figured it out yet. We don't even care if they breastfeed before we leave the hospital but we really really want to make sure my milk supply doesn't go away and we are hoping it'll go up but it is pretty much at a plateau right now and has been for the last week and a half probably.

The lactation consultants haven't been very helpful and if I ask for one, they don't even show up when I am trying to breastfeed so it is kind of pointless. And they basically just tell me that any day now my milk supply will go up but it hasn't.

[Goin2thechapel]

Pumping is the bane of my existence. Ugh, how I hate it! Since my girls were born prematurely I have to pump all day around the clock and it sucks! (no pun intended!) I don't have any experience with a manual pump but I sure hope you can figure it out.

I also have some questions if anyone has the answers. I only get about 60 ml each session with my left boob doing all the work. My left one usually gets about 45 ml and about 15 ml out of the right one. I am wondering if that is normal? I pump for 15 minutes. The LC's told me to only pump that long but now I'm wondering if I need to pump longer? By 15 minutes hardly anything is coming out and my nipples just start to hurt so I don't know if I can take more than 15 minutes at a time. I pump every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

The babies are currently eating 35 ml each feeding but luckily their feedings are supplemented with a milk fortifier so I can keep up with their needs for now. We have been doing nuzzling and giving them a chance to try and breastfeed but they haven't figured it out yet. We don't even care if they breastfeed before we leave the hospital but we really really want to make sure my milk supply doesn't go away and we are hoping it'll go up but it is pretty much at a plateau right now and has been for the last week and a half probably.

The lactation consultants haven't been very helpful and if I ask for one, they don't even show up when I am trying to breastfeed so it is kind of pointless. And they basically just tell me that any day now my milk supply will go up but it hasn't.

It will go up, I promise. And as for the difference in left breast and right breast, that's normal. I get a better feed out of my left breast than I do my right, and Amelia favors that side more However she'll nurse longer on the right side (I think I have letdown issues on that side).
Pumping sucks, Period. I totally sympathize with you. Have you tried compressing your breasts as the pump goes? I find that I have to mannually squeeze my breasts to fully empty them.

And to answer your questions Jessica, It's TOUGH (at least for me) to build that frozen supply. But here's how you do it...After every feeding you need to pump. This is soo hard and this is where I've given up having a frozen stash. Basically you pump after he/she gets off and you may only get 1/2 ounce, but after every feeding...this starts to add up. And eventually your body will produce more and more.
If you are 100 percent committed to this, then you'll be fine. Don't give yourself another option :)

[KMS]

Pumping is the bane of my existence. Ugh, how I hate it! Since my girls were born prematurely I have to pump all day around the clock and it sucks! (no pun intended!) I don't have any experience with a manual pump but I sure hope you can figure it out.

I also have some questions if anyone has the answers. I only get about 60 ml each session with my left boob doing all the work. My left one usually gets about 45 ml and about 15 ml out of the right one. I am wondering if that is normal? I pump for 15 minutes. The LC's told me to only pump that long but now I'm wondering if I need to pump longer? By 15 minutes hardly anything is coming out and my nipples just start to hurt so I don't know if I can take more than 15 minutes at a time. I pump every 2 1/2 - 3 hours.

The babies are currently eating 35 ml each feeding but luckily their feedings are supplemented with a milk fortifier so I can keep up with their needs for now. We have been doing nuzzling and giving them a chance to try and breastfeed but they haven't figured it out yet. We don't even care if they breastfeed before we leave the hospital but we really really want to make sure my milk supply doesn't go away and we are hoping it'll go up but it is pretty much at a plateau right now and has been for the last week and a half probably.

The lactation consultants haven't been very helpful and if I ask for one, they don't even show up when I am trying to breastfeed so it is kind of pointless. And they basically just tell me that any day now my milk supply will go up but it hasn't.

Yeah, mine have always been uneven producers! More often in those early days. I was told by my LCs to just pump for 15 minutes as well. I have come to find out, atleast in my experience, that LCs can be great breastfeeding advocates but don't know as much about pumping. I pumped every 2 hours (4 hours overnight), for 20 - 30 minutes, at a moderate suction level - for the first 12 weeks. Honestly (and excuse my language) it hurt like a b!tch for a while there and sometimes still feels rather horrible. I found the internet to be a huge help with pumping questions.

[scarymary48]

Quick question. I know that Zac is 3 months old now, have you been pumping all along or are you just picking it back up now? Is he still nursing? Are you getting the 20mls at the end of a nursing session?

I've only really been pumping regularly for the last two weeks, never had any need for it before now because he is still exclusively breastfed. And I get the 20ml no matter when I try :( I've tried pumping before feeds, after feeds, if he has slept through a feed and I'm feeling engorged. I've even tried during a feed, with him on one side and the pump on the other, which seems to be the most successful, as I routinely get 20-50ml during those ones- but only if I only feed Zac from the same side for a few feeds in a row and let the other side get painfully engorged. And then I still only get 50ml! I'll be pumping away and it will seem like I'm going to get a really good bit out, then bam, it stops and does not start up again no matter what I do. I'm going to take Jessica's advice and see about hiring an elecric pump to see if that helps. I'm pretty sure the Breastfeeding Association has a free hire service.

Danielle, I'm sorry the lactation consultants aren't being very helpful. Your supply will pick up though. From what I've read on the net, when you start pumping straight away, especially if the babies aren't actually nursing, it can take several weeks before you get a good supply up. Keep at it and it will be fine! I really feel for you though, I know how frustrating and painful it is to be pumping and pumping and not getting as much out as you want :flower:

[uptowngirl]

I only pumped for a little while, but I ran into some of the same issues...

Danielle - I found that one side produced way more than the other too, and from everything I've read that is completely normal. I think if you are able to really empty your breasts at each pump session you will see an increase in production - it really is a supply and demand system!

There is no way I would have been able to empty a breast in 15 minutes, even with the hospital grade pump - it would easily take me 20-30 minutes per side even with warm washcloths and compressions. I found that doing two cycles of the let down setting on the pump helped get things going better - after the pump switched over to the suck mode, I'd set it back to the first setting for a few more minutes. My LC also told me to only pump for a certain amount of time, but after my bout of mastitis it became way more important to me to make sure I'd gotten every last drop cleared out!

Jessica - an important thing to remember is to pump as regularly during that 12 hours as you can - not just to keep your boobs from exploding, but to keep your supply from getting messed up. The experts would tell you to pump every three hours...but I have photographed weddings before, and I know that is pretty much impossible...

Sarah - I think an electric pump will make all the difference. Although if you are pumping after a feeding, 20mls may really be all you're gonna get. Like Keely, I definitely produce more about 1-3am - so if you are looking for an optimal time of day, the middle of the night may be it! As far as pumps go - I have a smaller pump (Medela Swing, $150 usd) and get the same output as with the big hospital grade one, I just have to do one side at a time. It's still a lot of money, but better than $300!

[saltyveruca]

Jessica - an important thing to remember is to pump as regularly during that 12 hours as you can - not just to keep your boobs from exploding, but to keep your supply from getting messed up. The experts would tell you to pump every three hours...but I have photographed weddings before, and I know that is pretty much impossible...

I have been thinking that's going to be exactly the case, having a hard time fitting regular pumpings in during a hectic day, especially if it's for more than 10 minutes at a time. (You can't pump in a moving car, can you?? Seriously.) I am just glad that JD is the main photographer and it's OK for me to hide out now and then! We may have to get an assistant to come in and help us if the schedules look tight. And who am I kidding, they are always tight!! :rofl: We have a low-key wedding in December that I am planning to work, so that should give me an opportunity to attempt a wedding while pumping before the craziness of January.

[KMS]

Oops I forgot to reply to your post too, Jessica! I was MOH about 1 month pp. I pumped in the bathroom right before we walked down the aisle, on the way to the reception, and on the way home from the reception. Heck yes you can pump in a moving car!! I often do. I'll try to pump right before we go somewhere and right after we leave so that I can be at that place/event instead of pumping.

[saltyveruca]

Good to know! I am totally keeping a cooler in the car. :whoohoo:

[Heywie]

I pumped in the car just yesterday as we drove through Beverly Hills! My pump (Medela Pump in Style) comes with a little cooler and ice pack that stays cool for 12 hours!

As for the small amount of pumping time in the beginning, I thought that was just to encourage your milk to come in! Once it comes in, you definitely want to empty the breast for fear of mastitis!

[savepaws]

So things aren't going any better and are actually worse. While the girls were in the NICU, I continued to pump with the hospital grade pump every 2-3 hours during the day and every 4 hours at night. I pretty much stayed at a steady 60 ml total (2 ounces) every session. Now that I'm home, I'm lucky to get 45 ml a session. My boobs don't feel full when I start pumping like they used to. I haven't had a normal 60 ml pumping session since coming home.

I don't know if its the stress, the pump (In Style Advanced) the fact that I'm not pumping on a very good schedule or the lace of sleep. Or probably a combination of all these things. Sometimes its 3 hours between pumpings, sometimes 4. I don't mean for it to be. :( I hate pumping and my nipples hurt so bad that just wearing my bra hurts, so I don't even want to attempt breast feeding. My heart really is not in pumping or breast feeding. I hate it so much that I almost feel that I'm setting myself up to fail. I know I need to do this but I don't want to. I know that is extremely selfish of me since breast milk is best for the girls but I wonder why I should even bother. They eat about 70 ml a feeding and I'm no where near that. My frozen supply is quickly diminishing and I'm not producing enough for each feeding...I just don't know what to do. I want to quit so bad but DH doesn't want me too and I can't stop without his support. I don't know how to change my attitude about it either. :(

[Heywie]

Is there a lactation specialist you could see? Look up La Leche League in your area - they could really help! I was exactly where you are now. My nipples hurt so bad I didn't want to shower because the water hurt. Once I saw an LC, my pain went away gradually and now I'm an avid breast feeder. Just a thought!

Oh, and if it doesn't work out, don't be so hard on yourself. Formula today is great for babies and your girls will still grow up to be healthy little girls!

[KMS]

I can imagine that the girls being in NICU at the beginning really hurt your supply. :bbconfused: Have you tried taking any supplements to help the supply? I should probably know this, but I don't remember - sorry! I remember when taking a shower hurt horribly bad too. It's still uncomfortable, but not painful. I have darn near quit several times. I came really really close and I still literally start each day with the idea in my head that I'm going to make it to the end of the day. Remember - it's not only the calories that you're giving the girls. Every bit of breastmilk you pump is giving them antibodies only you can give them so even if you don't make enough to feed them only breastmilk, you are still making a big difference in their lives.

I promise you that it will get better. Yeah, I still take it a day at a time. However, at the beginning I was completely miserable and swearing and crying up a storm about my pumping. Honestly, I think I was a little p!ssed off about doing it. Now, I shed a tear now and then and am mostly just annoyed. I can do this for a year if it will make a difference for her entire life. That's what I remind myself.

How do you change your attitude? Time. Time is really the only thing that has helped me. That and support from DH.

[savepaws]

I was all set to quit the day that I posted my last post. I even skipped all but 2 or 3 of my pumpings that day. I figured I would try and reduce the supply even more since rather than quitting cold turkey. But instead of being happy that I was soon going to be free of the pump, I felt worse because I was trying to get rid of something that I spent so much time and agony trying to get more of. So I couldn't do it. I started pumping again and I hope I didn't do too much damage to my already puny supply.

I hadn't tried any supplements yet but I sent DH to the store today for some Fenugreek so we'll see if that works.

The day I changed my mind (yesterday? I have no clue when one day starts and the other one ends) I had actually gotten a few hours of good sleep in a row and I felt refreshed and had a positive attitude about it all. Now that its almost 3 am and I haven't had any sleep, I'm back to running on empty again right now and I would really love to quit again. LOL So I think I need to make sure I have a few hours of good sleep in a row before I make any huge decisions. :D

I've been pumping on schedule again and I'm only getting 45 ml each time. I really hope the Fenugreek works. I'm trying to get as much rest as possible and trying to remember to eat so I get enough calories and remember to drink water. It's hard to take care of myself right now and I just know all these factors are not helping me one bit.

[scarymary48]

Danielle, I also find that drinking that nursing tea a few hours before I pump really helps. I know you have to pump a lot more often than I do, but maybe it's something that could also work for you? I'm really sorry that you are having so much trouble, and hope that the fenugreek works :flower:

[KMS]

I'm proud of you for not quitting. I have been having one of those days where I really wanted to quit. It's really crazy how it can go back and forth so much - being positive and negative about it all. Keep your head up, girl. You have a lot of support here.

[lalaland13]

Oh Danielle, sorry you're having so much trouble. I've never breastfed or been breastfed (long story on the latter), but I think it's great how hard you're trying. You've got not one but two preemies and heaven knows enough stress to mess up something that already sounds like it can be very tricky to figure out. Good luck whatever you end up doing.

[savepaws]

So I'm not sure about this Fenugreek. Apparently it is a laxative! :blink: I won't go into details but it hasn't been fun and so far no increase in supply and from what I've read on other forums, most people notice an increase in the first 12-24 hours. Ugh.

I just don't understand what is wrong with me. No one else I know has problems making enough milk for their children. I know I have 2 but I'm not even making enough for one baby. I suppose if I was actually able to breast feed from the start it would be better...exclusively pumping is probably not the best way to get a supply going for twins.

[lalaland13]

Nothing is wrong with you, Danielle. Some moms get lucky and can produce enough milk to exclusively BF, but some don't, and it's not a character flaw or personal failing or anything like that. That Fenugreek does not sound fun at all, yikes.

[flyerso6]

Danielle - I agree that the NICU probably hurt your supply. I know this isn't what you want to hear but I gave up pretty early on breastfeeding. Like I attempted 3 times with each baby. It was way to overwhelming. They were latching ok but just for a few seconds then I would have to help them latch again. I could only do both at the same time if the lactation consultant helped, they were very busy and it was unreasonable for her to help every time. Then Logan had low blood sugar so they gave him a bottle, after that he couldn't latch hardly at all. Needless to say by the 2nd day (like 15 hours after they were born) I had completely given up, and DH was supportive of that. It was like that was all I was doing. Once both babies were "fed" and changed it was time to start the process all over again.

It didn't help that there was visitors and I was uncomfortable doing it in front of them, and MIL didn't want to leave at all. DH wanted to go home and shower and asked if I would be ok alone, and she was like well I am staying. I was like well I would like some alone time. And she still wouldn't leave so DH ended up staying with me so she would eventually go home. It was pretty late too.

Formula has been working out great. DH and I can both feed and I don't have to worry about pumping.

Good luck with your decision!

[KMS]

I was okay on the fenugreek, but Paisley didn't take well to it. I stopped it after a day or so. The Mother's Milk Tea worked well on both of our systems. There is nothing wrong with you, sweetheart. Your circumstances have been working against you. Do what you can to increase your supply, but don't be so hard on yourself. Just do what you can do. You can't ask for anymore from yourself.