Out of Formula? Switch to the Store Brand

[kriket]

This is what I was greeted with in the mail box today There was a number and I called and left a message to have my name removed. I don't know where they got my name in the first place. I am signed up for WIC, but other than the first week of DS's life under less than stellar advice from the Pedi, DS hasn't had any formula. I didn't get that from WIC, it was the sample can that they send from the hospital.

Any one else get this? We are at a rough patch in our nursing relationship (My freezer stash is OUT and I WOH. I don't need this crap sneeking up on me in my moments of weakness.

Any ideas where this came from? Who else I have to call to get my name removed? I really don't need formula on my mind right now.

[tanyam926]

Have you bought any nursing tops or bras from a large chain maternity store? They are notorious for selling the info of their customers.

I specifically asked the employee when I shopped there if they sold my info and they assurred me they do not, however she didn't know what she was talking about and I got tons of junk in the mail. (And later called and found out it is common practice at their store).

[ExuberantDaffodil]

I got one of these today in the mail, too. I was kind of surprised.

I don't shop at maternity stores at all, so I am not sure where it came from.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by kriket

We are at a rough patch in our nursing relationship (My freezer stash is OUT and I WOH. I don't need this crap sneeking up on me in my moments of weakness.

I hope that you guys (and your nursing relationship) are doing well!

[kriket]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

I hope that you guys (and your nursing relationship) are doing well!

Thanks We're doing alright, but I have started to have to go home from work on lunch to nurse and pump, and I am pumping 5x a day and only getting about 8 oz if I'm lucky I have plenty of milk, I just don't let down for the pump any more.

DS is 8m and I really want him to be EBF. It almost feels like a selfish pipe dream. Formula won't kill him, but I want him to be an all melon juice baby. I am starting school here in a week, and will be able to stay home with him more and things should ease up for me in the pumping department.

[PatioGardener]

Letting down for the pump...

Have you tried the breast massage and 'jiggle' before pumping? And after the first let-down? The only other thing I can think of is to replace the membranes etc in the pump in case that will squeeze you another ounce.

I totally understand about wanting to keep baby on your milk as his only milk! I don't think that is selfish at all - he's benefitting from it! I hope things do ease up next week.

[DeerMother]

Does anyone think they look up hospital records? I also got an onslaught of formula coupons for about 1.5 years.

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by esaesa

Does anyone think they look up hospital records? I also got an onslaught of formula coupons for about 1.5 years.

ooooooh - that would be a major privacy violation, no? I can't imagine them doing that just because of the backlash if they were caught. (Although if it were the case I would love to see them caught!)

[ExuberantDaffodil]

hm, well I had a homebirth and I know my mw wouldn't have sold my address to a formula company.

[kriket]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

Letting down for the pump...

Have you tried the breast massage and 'jiggle' before pumping? And after the first let-down? The only other thing I can think of is to replace the membranes etc in the pump in case that will squeeze you another ounce.

I think I am going to replace the membranes, They say they are good for 6 months, and these have only been on there for about 3.

I know all about the jiggle. I have quite a ritual. there is the massage with shirt on, stroking with shirt off, manual nipple stimulation, Lean forward and jiggle like you're guessing the weight of 2 melons, suction on low cycle on high. 1st let down is easy. Then I have to (try to) relax and visualize my milk flowing out of me, like those Spanish painting of virgin Mary, then I think about something cute the kid did recently, and maybe if I'm lucky I get a second let down.

It's such a kick in the groin because I used to have so much I donated about 100oz!

[PatioGardener]

Originally Posted by kriket

I know all about the jiggle. I have quite a ritual. there is the massage with shirt on, stroking with shirt off, manual nipple stimulation, Lean forward and jiggle like you're guessing the weight of 2 melons, suction on low cycle on high. 1st let down is easy. Then I have to (try to) relax and visualize my milk flowing out of me, like those Spanish painting of virgin Mary, then I think about something cute the kid did recently, and maybe if I'm lucky I get a second let down.

I think we should name this pumping protocol the Kriket Pumping Prep! Thanks for writing it down - it will be really useful to a mama who is new to pumping!

Hopefully your membranes have given out early and you'll be back up to regular output soon - with no 'help' from the 'delightful' formula companies!

[kriket]

Originally Posted by PatioGardener

I think we should name this pumping protocol the Kriket Pumping Prep! Thanks for writing it down - it will be really useful to a mama who is new to pumping!

I've been thinking of making a youtube video (faceless because I'm a chicken) I know I only found ONE video of premie moms pumping when I was trying to figure out if I was pumping correctly!

Like all the pics you see of nipples in flanges what is a correct fit? My nipples look like none of them. I still don't know if I have the right size! I know the regular sized pinches me, so that can't be right.

I am going to invent milk teleporters so we can just beam the milk out!

[Aubergine68]

Originally Posted by kriket

I know all about the jiggle. I have quite a ritual. there is the massage with shirt on, stroking with shirt off, manual nipple stimulation, Lean forward and jiggle like you're guessing the weight of 2 melons, suction on low cycle on high. 1st let down is easy. Then I have to (try to) relax and visualize my milk flowing out of me, like those Spanish painting of virgin Mary, then I think about something cute the kid did recently, and maybe if I'm lucky I get a second let down.

I haven't nursed in about 2 years and I swear I got a letdown just reading this!

[Chavelamomela]

Originally Posted by kriket

I think I am going to replace the membranes, They say they are good for 6 months, and these have only been on there for about 3.

I replaced mine after only 6 weeks, even though I read they're good for 3 months. It made a big difference.

Membranes are about $1 a piece (if you buy a package of 6), so it's completely worth the $2 to improve my pumping output.

[_betsy_]

My pump (in my head) says "Breastmilk... breastmilk... breastmilk..." And if I make some sucking and swallowing action/noises, I can usually get a second letdown.

Oh, the things we do for our babies!

And Oh, the things we admit to on the Internet!