Pumping "Shortcuts" for Low Milk Supply Mamas

[germin8]

I'm a low milk supply and am constantly pumping to build up a supply.

I thought I'd post about how I make pumping "easier". Feel free to add your tips!

My DD is now 4 months... but during her first 6 weeks, I pumped after every feeding (every 2 hours) using a hospital grade pump - Ameda. During the night, I would pump and leave the little milk that I pumped in the containers on the pump.... at room temperature. I had two sets, so I would pump next to the bed & crib... then, after 6 hours refrigerate and grab the next set of flanges and containers. At times, I would do the same during the day.

Since then, night-time pumping has decreased, and I have switched the Medela SNS. I only have one set of flanges, but the containers from the Ameda also fit the Medela. So, I use them interchangeable. Now... when I pump, I remove the flanges and unplug the tube & motor. I put the rest in the refrigerator waiting for next time. Then, I clean the flanges for next time, and at least, they are not cold from refrigeration. When it comes time to pump, I have to be careful not to spill. I've lost a few ounces putting things together, but still prefer this method so I am not constantly cleaning. This allows me to last all day on the same set of containers where I store milk. I do the same for night time pumping

Obviously, I don't produce much more after SNS feeding, so this is possible.
ETA: But if you don't have a low supply, you could probably empty the milk into a storage container and refrigerate the empty containers... so you don't have to wash them.

Just thought to share that.

[mom2tig99Nroo03]

i have 4 sets of shields/pump bodies that i use. when i was pumping 8-10 X a day this was a necessity, now it is just nice since i pump and toss the dirty stuff in the sink and wash it all at the end of the day a lot of the time now. makes thigns a little easier.

i can't recommend having multiple sets highly enough as the best time saver.

also, for anyone who needs to know. the ameda hygenikit tubing system works well on the older style medela pumpnstyles. in facvt that is my preferred swetup as i don't back up the tubing that way (very fast letdown initially and good supply)

[CorasMama]

invest in multiple sets of the horns/connectors/valves set. That way there's only a need to wash a couple of times a day.

Hands free pumping bra FTW! I don't think I'd still be pumping, or pumping as much, without it.

after the milk stops flowing, I turn everything off for a couple of minutes, then start again. About 20% of my total comes from this second letdown.

[Carolina Kel]

I also heartily agree with the multiple pumping setups. I pumped 7 to 8 times a day, and had 8 sets of flanges, bits, and bottles. The hands-free bras were helpful and there are plenty of sites that show you how to make your own without having to spend a ton of money on specifically designed ones.

Other suggestions:

1. Learn how to pump one-handed. :D That way you can pump and read or type or whatever with the other hand. When I figured out how to do this, pumping turned out to be less of a chore.

2. Get help. I do the cooking, and hubby does the dishes. When I started having to pump, my husband pretty much agreed that I am making the food, he can do the dishes and wash all of my pumping parts.

3. Have a cooler at your bed with cold-packs. If you have limited sets, just put the stuff in your bedside cooler for the next time. This was a lifesaver for me when I first started pumping and had limited sets.

4. Have bottles into which you can pump directly and then use for feeding. I love the bottles that came with my Ameda - I was able to pump, slide in a locking disk and store it in the fridge. When I needed to feed my son, all I had to do was slide out the disk, and pop in a nipple. 

[AustinMom]

If you don't have a hands free bra make one out of an old sports bra by cutting small holes in the nipples, just large enough to fit the back of the flange through.  With the Medela, it's pretty easy to just leave the flanges in all day, with the Ameda, it's a little more difficult, but doable.

Have what I call "pumping treats".  Everytime you pump, treat yourself to something nice.  Online shopping, chocolate (I loved my HUGE TOBLERONE bar for a while, now am on yogurt covered raisins).