Pumping

Nelly - posted on 02/08/2009

3 am is the best time for me, but whenever my daughter goes sleeping more than 2 hours I pump.I have the In Style too, and have been using it - more successfully after I found out I needed larger breastshields.

In the beginning, it yields really little, and then it builds up. I saved every little quantity I had, and eventually combined the packages. The important thing for me is to drink one full glass of water at each feeding, and eat well. Keep pumping after feeding, too - the supply will eventually build itself..

Veronica - posted on 02/08/2009

I used to find that as well - that my supply would suffer by the end of the day if I pumped in the morning. If you keep it up, your body will produce enough but I found I was exhausted by the end of the day..

I'm not sure how old your baby is, but since my daughter was 4 months old (now 6mth), I know that when she goes down for bed, she will sleep until at least 2-4am so I usually pump at about 10 and get a good amount out as it's been a few hours since her last feed - plus I know it's another few hours before she's awake to fill up again. If she did wake earlier, I could just give her what I'd expressed and start again with stocking up the next night.

If you have a routine where you know she will sleep for a while at night, you could try fitting in with that before you went to bed. Plus, if she is a good sleeper, it helps with not having engorged boobs first thing in the morning!!!

Re the pump choice as well, I find expressing is quite a mental thing so if you feel that you get more with the manual, you probably will because you are more relaxed with them and are confident that they work. I have an electric but still use the handle to control the speed as I felt too much like a dairy cow with the automatic setting!!!!

Liz - posted on 02/07/2009

My lactation specialist advised me to pump immediatly after feeding. I have two 24 day old twins, so right now its working for me. I have enough extra to feed not only a second baby but to have some extra as well. The lactation specialist also advised me to feed my babies formula (they are premies so they need the extra calories in the formula) twice a day -  so i still pump at those times, and i save that up.

If you pump isnt doing what you need it too - switch setting, or try pumping for 15 min, setting it aside for 20 and then pumping again. Hope this helps!

Good Luck with going back to work! Hope all goes well!

Marifei - posted on 02/07/2009

I have both pumps as well but only used the manual Avent once since pumping time is of essence (I have a full-time job and occasionally pump at home).  My lactation consultant adviced me to pump around the same time every time when my baby normally nurses.  This programs your body when to produce more milk.  Also,  she adviced me to drink lots of fluids, get lots of rest/sleep whenever possible.  They have worked so far.     

Marifei - posted on 02/07/2009

I have both pumps as well but only used the manual Avent once since pumping time is of essence (I have a full-time job and occasionally pump at home).  My lactation consultant adviced me to pump around the same time every time when my baby normally nurses.  This programs your body when to produce more milk.  Also,  she adviced me to drink lots of fluids, get lots of rest/sleep whenever possible.  They have worked so far.     

April - posted on 02/07/2009

Regarding the electric not working as well as the hand pump, have you tried messing around with the speed and suction settings? Sometimes it takes some messing with to get it to a setting that produces the most.

Pumping in the morning always yielded me higher OZ of milk, but it could be different for different women. The more your baby sucks and the more you pump, the more milk you will produce because your body adjusts to what it is demanded of it. Just be sure to get plenty of fluids, iron and calcium. I've also heard oatmeal, garlic and chicken soup are great foods to eat when you are nursing.

good luck!

Selena - posted on 02/07/2009

Hi there,
One other way that a lactation consultant told me was to nurse on one side and pump the other (at the same time), then nurse on the pumped side (the baby will drink up what the pump couldn't get out). If your baby usually nurses on both sides then she might be hungry a little earlier than usual, but after a few days your body will produce plenty for the baby and the pump. She said that whatever method you choose, it's important to do it at the same time each day (like the previous post mentioned). Good luck!!

Kimberly - posted on 02/07/2009

I find it best to pump at (or around) the same time every morning. I usually pump around 5 or 6 am and then my daughter nurses when she wakes up, which is usually about 30-60 min after I'm done pumping. If you keep pumping at the same time your body will treat it as an extra feeding and you'll be building a stash in no time. That's how I built my stash. I have probably 100oz or even more stored in my freezer now.

Melissa - posted on 02/07/2009

I pump whenever I feel full which is usually in the morning. Once you start pumping on a regular basis you will have enough milk because its like an extra feeding. If she doesn't eat that much during one of her feeds try pumping then too. I've never tried a manual pump but if you get more that way the use the manual. Just use the electric when you are in a hurry. good luck and keep trying.

Melissa - posted on 02/07/2009

I pump whenever I feel full which is usually in the morning. Once you start pumping on a regular basis you will have enough milk because its like an extra feeding. If she doesn't eat that much during one of her feeds try pumping then too. I've never tried a manual pump but if you get more that way the use the manual. Just use the electric when you are in a hurry. good luck and keep trying.