Pumping at work--not going well!!

[LilaQ]

Hi all! I started back to work 2 weeks ago and I'm really struggling to pump enough for my child. I know it's not a supply issue because I have plenty Fri-Sunday when I'm at home all day. The milk is there--my body just does not seem to letdown for the pump while I'm at work and it seems to be getting worse. We're already supplementing a couple of bottles of formula per week.

The weird thing is I don't really have issues pumping at home--the milk flows there. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm trying to relax, look at pics of my babe, distract myself, etc. I have a really nice private pumping room at work so why am I struggling so badly?? Oh, and I rented a hospital grade pump this week and it's not helping a bit.

[Carita]

It took my body sometime to learn to respond to pumping. The worst part is that stress can make it much worse. Try not to stress!!! (i know - easier than it sounds!) Also, make sure you are getting plenty of water and enough calories throughout the day. And play with your pumping functions - start fast with low suck like let down, then stronger suck and slower to express. And make sure you are massaging really well - I recommend a hands free pumping bra.

GL!

[~Charlie's~Angel~]

Have you tried bringing in an article of the babies clothing that they've already worn to "sniff"? I know, sounds wierd, but it helped me. Also picturing the milk actually coming OUT of the breat helped too.

[Caneel]

I would take fluffy stuff to read, material that I didn't have the time to read at home.

Also, make sure you are drinking enough water/liquid of choice.

I found massaging my breast tissue in a slow steady downward motion (towards the nipples) made a huge difference in output, like an ounce or more.

I can't remember exactly where I read about the technique, maybe kellymom's site.

[Mama Lo]

I second everything above, and to add I have to close my eyes and take slow deep breaths to clear my mind. Sometimes I have to do this for a few minutes before my body responds and my milk lets down.
Sending , heres hoping you can the milk flowing

[Baby_Cakes]

I had to pump on days I didn't work to make sure I had enough for when I did. I pumped every morning before leaving, too, after DD had nursed. Weekends, days off, every morning both sides. That might help you, b/c then you aren't stressing at work to pump enough.

Definitely massage your breasts, squeeze and roll down toward the nipple. Move the shields around. Are you using a hands free pump? Make sure you adjust the shields every so often so that you get milk from all the ducts. Stop stressing! More Milk Plus tincture helped me when my pumping output was at its lowest. It takes a few days to really kick in but it helped. Also, eating oatmeal.

I didn't have any supply issues either - only pumping output issues. But taking the supplement and eating oats really helped me have enough for DD while I worked.

Good luck!!

[Caneel]

Another thing I just thought of is the size of the horns/shields.

I had the standard ones that came with my Pump in Style. Somewhere I read that going up a size can help. My LC told me it wasn't necessary, that my breasts fit into the standard size just fine but I tried it anyway, buying the next size up and I honestly think it made a difference.

If it matters, I think I have normal to large-ish boobs. I don't look that large but because I have a lot of breast tissue off to the side and top, I were a large cup size.

[Kimmyc2]

I agree with others, make sure you are relaxed. Try pumping three times a day (if not already), make sure you are drinking enough water etc. In the beginning with my first I used to look at photos of my dd and would bring in what she slept in the night before for scent, I even recorded her sounds (anything in different clips like grunts, squeels, cries) and would close my eyes and play them when I started pumping if I was having problems letting down. It seemed to help. My body has no problem responding to a pump now, it just takes a little time.

[bender]

I found that drinking tea or drinking water helps my milk let down. No idea why, but it does. Maybe it'll help you too.

[justKate]

Originally Posted by Caneel

Another thing I just thought of is the size of the horns/shields.

I had the standard ones that came with my Pump in Style. Somewhere I read that going up a size can help. My LC told me it wasn't necessary, that my breasts fit into the standard size just fine but I tried it anyway, buying the next size up and I honestly think it made a difference.

If it matters, I think I have normal to large-ish boobs. I don't look that large but because I have a lot of breast tissue off to the side and top, I were a large cup size.

I want to third (or fourth?) extra water when you're at work. I try to visualize the baby nursing, because I'm so sick of pumping.