Please Help Question For Exclusive Pumpers

5 Replies
Julie - January 13

Hello! I have loved having this forum to check in with for questions as a first time mom! My little guy is 6 weeks and I will have to switch to pumping primarily. I have seen the other threads that talk about pumping exclusively. How do you do it?? I started today and got 4 oz in the morning but have pumped twice since and only got 1.5 oz each time. Are you eating anything special? Drinking a gallon of water a day? Herbs? Please help because I really want to continue giving my son br___t milk. I am using a Medela Pump in Style. Thanks so much!

 

Dawn C - January 13

I cant help u much. I am a SAHM but I try to pump 1 time a week just in case I ever need milk. I use the same pump. I get so frustrated. I pump for 15 or so min and only get about 2 oz. I know my lil one is gettin enough because he is 13wks and already weighs 16lbs 10oz. Maybe you will get a good answer but I have heard drink lots of water 15 min or so before you pump. GOOD LUCK

 

Kris10 - January 14

Have you been b___stfeeding since birth? I am an exclusive pumper, and try to pump every three hours for at least ten minutes. When I was first starting to pump I would pump every 2 hours for 15 minutes. Pumps aren't as efficient at getting milk out as babies are so it takes awhile for your b___st to adjust to the pump. There is also a tea you can drink to help stimulate your supply, it's called "mothers milk", I get it in the grocery store. You can also take fenugreek and blessed thistle, they are herbs you can get at natural food stores. They also help to increase your supply. The biggest thing is don't stress over the amount you are pumping. Try to find a relaxing spot to pump, and don't be concerned with amounts. (I know easier said than done, but stress will imped pumping). Well, hope this stuff helps. If you have any other questions, just ask!

 

AutumnsMommy - January 16

Julie--by pumping primarily, do you mean you are back at work or there is a medical problem that requires exclusive pumping? I work full time and pump at work and my baby receives only b___stmilk, and there are definitely days where I pump more or less than others. THere is a tea "organic mothers milk" (i think kris10 mentioned it) that I love, and do drink lots of water. I try to have a gla__s of water or juice with me at all times, especially when I'm pumping. But I also agree that the most important thing is to not stress out. Two weeks ago, my milk supply started to dip and I freaked out! It went down even more...then, I received advice on this forum to just relax--to not even look at the amount while pumping. And it worked! I play a game on my cell phone or read a magazine--pretty much anything to distract myself. If you stick with it, your body will adjust and you will be just fine!! Hope this helps.. :-)

 

Tara O. - January 16

I would recommend pumping longer than 10-15 min. Your milk lets down shortly after you start pumping, and it does again (mine does anyway) after about 15-20min. The longer you pump, the better. I've made it a rule now, that when I'm on the computer, I pump. No matter what time it is, or if my boyS are due to eat again soon. I'm trying to build my supply too, so.... I also ma__sage and squeeze the rest of the milk out! LOL I want to be TOTALLY empty- then more will come back! If you think your supply is low, you can also take Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Alfalfa, and Nettle Herbs. The first 2 are recommended by LLL, and the last 2 were in a healthstore book I saw at the store. Also, drink LOTS of fluid, and yes.. relaxing is a key. HTH. Tara O.

 

julie - January 17

Thank you Dawn, Kris, and Tara! I'm now taking the fenugreek and blessed thistle and also bought the mother's milk tea. And yes, it helps to relax and think about my son. I'm now up to 3.5 - 4 oz per pumping. The pumping is b/c I'm due back to work. However, I've put it off another week (was supposed to be back today), and honestly probably will put it off for longer...if not indefintely. our lives are being turned upside down as DH is being deployed to Iraq. I thought I was going to be able to keep much the same -- before baby -- but finding that this is DEFINITELY not the case. Thank you again. Looks like my little man and I will get to nurse primarily, but I like having the pumping too. Take care all!

 

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