Help me figure out how to pump more efficiently this time around.

[jeliphish]

With DD, I went back to work at 8 weeks . I pumped during work and BF at night. I was able to pump 18-21 oz which was fine at first but my supply never increased when her need for milk did. By 7 months I had to substitute a feeding several times a week with formula. I suspect the reasoning for this was the minimal amount of time I pumped at work....maybe 2 times but the two sessions got A LOT of milk. How can I do better at pumping this time so the baby doesn't need to be supplemented. Pumping is no problem at all for me and I did it for over a year without a second thought but I need to figure out something more efficient.

[Ruthla]

I'd suggest adding in one extra pumping per day, first thing in the morning- even on your days off. Feed the baby on one side and pump the other- it doesn't matter whether you nurse and then pump, pump and then nurse, or do both simultaneously. The point is to get your body used to making MORE milk than your baby is drinking each day. You'll want to start this before you return to work- so you'll have some extra milk in the freezer, and so you'll do this early enough postpartum that your milk supply can easily adjust.

This will do two main things for you:

1) You'll already be making more milk, so when the baby's demands increase, you'll already have some more milk each day.

2) If the baby's daily input exceeds your daily milk production, you'll have extra stored in the freezer and not need to use formula. Additionally, if you're only short "a little bit", the amounts you pump on your days off may be enough that you're not dipping into the freezer stash each week.

It's vitally important that you rotate your freezer stash. Ever week, thaw some milk and serve that to the baby while you're working, and then freeze an equal amount of freshly pumped milk. This way the milk in the freezer won't expire before you need it.

(This advice about pumping daily is ONLY for WOH moms- if you're able to be with your baby full time there's no need for pumps or baby feeding devices at all.)

[jeliphish]

Originally Posted by MommytoC

I posted a similar question --- I'd love to be able to pump even 10 oz/day, which would be three times what I'm pumping now....how did you manage that, if I may ask? I only get 1.5 - 2 oz/session.

I have NO CLUE LOL. The second day I was back at work...I could fill up a milk storage bag in 10 minutes on one side and a storage bag and a half on the other side. My boobs were a 34 H LOL and I am a small framed girl: 5'4 135...I literally looked like a walking boob. I would have probably had more even pumping sessions if I had built up a stash before going back to work like the PP said, but I only pumped one day in advanced. I went from nursing on demand all day to pumping in 2 sessions for the next day's meal.

[jeliphish]

Originally Posted by Ruthla

I

It's vitally important that you rotate your freezer stash. Ever week, thaw some milk and serve that to the baby while you're working, and then freeze an equal amount of freshly pumped milk. This way the milk in the freezer won't expire before you need it.

How long does it last in the regular freezer? Is it 3 months? Do I just put in the fridge to thaw? My mom "reheats" the milk by putting it in warm water for 15-20 minutes and then serves.

[mrsfrenchy]

didn't read the other responses. this is just what i learned as an EPer. (although she's back on the boob now which is sooo much better!)

1. pump hands-free. you may already know this but it makes so much of a difference.

2. always pump a minimum of 15 minutes, preferable 3-5 minutes AFTER the milk stops flowing.

3. do breast compressions while pumping. you'll get more (or at least get it faster if your crunched for time)

4. water,water, more water

5. try pumping in the car (handsfree of course, hooking and unhooking when you're stopped) under a nursing cover. you can do this on your commute to/from work, adding one or two extra pumping sessions a day.

6. when your DC goes to bed, pump one last time (even if they'll be waking up soon, you can just pump one side)

[beru]

20 ounces is a lot! ...so maybe it is not realistic to expect more.

How long were you away from your baby? How many bottle did the caregivers give and how big were the bottles? I am wondering if your baby was overfed while in care. 20 ounces would have been 4 to 5 bottles for my daughter, it never increased after 4 months old. Breastfed babies should not be bottle fed as formula fed babies are.

Read this link, always use the lowest-flow nipples and educate your daycare providers.
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

p.s. see if the next baby will take cold bottles. If you avoid warming the bottle, the left-over will last longer. My lactation consultant said 4 hours, with a heated one, she said 1. There are definitely other opinions out there on this. I think the LC was on the conservative side.

[sattygirl99]

Originally Posted by mrsfrenchy

didn't read the other responses. this is just what i learned as an EPer. (although she's back on the boob now which is sooo much better!)

1. pump hands-free. you may already know this but it makes so much of a difference.

2. always pump a minimum of 15 minutes, preferable 3-5 minutes AFTER the milk stops flowing.

3. do breast compressions while pumping. you'll get more (or at least get it faster if your crunched for time)

4. water,water, more water

5. try pumping in the car (handsfree of course, hooking and unhooking when you're stopped) under a nursing cover. you can do this on your commute to/from work, adding one or two extra pumping sessions a day.

6. when your DC goes to bed, pump one last time (even if they'll be waking up soon, you can just pump one side)

The bolded is actually not the best way to increase supply.

I was doing that and noticed that my supply never increased.

You may have more success by pumping for less time but more often. Try pumping for 15 min every hour and a 1/2 or 2 hours vs pumping until you are empty every 3-4 hours. It demands more milk if you empty more often than if you fully empty yourself every 3-4.