Supply/Pumping issue, formula??

[evjolin]

Soooo, been breastfeeding exclusively (son is 7.5 mos now). We started solids around 5-5.5 mos and he is thriving.

I have 2 issues--

(1) I can't seem to get anything pumping. I'm not worried about my supply as far his nutrition--he is wetting and pooping plenty, and gaining weight. But I am at the point where I need to have my DH bottle feed every now and then, and I need a sitter to be able to do the same. So, what can I do to increase my pumping success/supply?

(2) Has anyone ever used formula for the above scenarios? I'm not looking to "supplement" with formula, just use on occasion, if I can't fix the pumping issues. If so, what formula do you recommend? I would def. want to use an organic one.

Lastly--I have a medela pump in style. Borrowed from my cousin, so it's on baby #2, but I haven't pumped a ton, I don't think the machine is "worn out" yet.

Thanks ladies!!

[PatioGardener]

Have you tried to hand express? Some moms who do not respond to the pump are able to get quite a bit of milk by hand.

Also, have you looked into donor milk? If I could not meet my baby's needs (from my milk and solids) then i would look for donor milk before formula.

Good luck!

[evjolin]

no havent tried the hand expressing....what do you express it into? and no, haven't looked into the donor milk but i will!

[PatioGardener]

I express into a glass or a bowl, depending on how much i need and what I'm going to do with the milk. it took a couple of weeks to get really good at it - I still need to do the 'warm up' massage and breast jiggle to get a good let down, and sometimes repeat it in the middle. There are some good websites/videos about hand expression. If you try googling you may find a technique that works best for you.

Good Luck (and sending lotsa milky vibes your way )

[CheriK]

At 7 1/2 months, it wouldn't surprise me at all if your DS refuses a bottle.  An older baby never needs to use a bottle.  You can offer milk or whatever in a sippy cup.  And if you're only missing one nursing session on an occassional basis, you might never need to offer pumped milk.  He could eat solids instead.  He won't miss out on nutrition if it's only once in a while.  Or you can plan outings for when he already gets solids or is likely to not ask to nurse for a while.

Pumping is a learned skill and your body doesn't have all the wonderful cues to let down with a pump (it's not soft and cuddly, doesn't smell good, makes strange noises. . .).  What have you tried?  Some things that might help:

Pumping on one side while nursing on the other - this way your DS stimulates your milk letdown and the pump just takes advantage of it.  If/when he wants to switch sides, simply switch baby and pump.  Your nursling is way more efficient than the pump, so he'll still get milk from the side you pumped first.  And you'll get to take advantage of another letdown (but probably won't get a lot of milk since DS already nursed on the second breast).

Pump regularly.  Since it takes practice for your body to respond to the pump, if you only try periodically, your body might not respond.  If you can try to pump briefly at the same time every day, you might find you're more successful.  Most moms find milk supply is highest in the morning and it's easier to pump a little extra milk.

As already suggested, hand expression.  If you leak from the opposite breast while nursing, this is a good time to try expression. Or try a good-quality hand pump (Avent Isis).  These work better for some moms. 

If you're truly getting nothing with the pump, it would be a good idea to have it looked at, at least by an experienced pumper.  Perhaps you have something hooked up wrong, or some of the valves need replacement.  A pump retailer can test the pump motor for you (don't tell them it's a used pump ;-).  If you're getting only a little bit, remember that it's not abnormal to only pump 1/2-1 oz if you're nursing first.  You can combine milk from different pumping sessions to have enough to supplement your nursling when you're not home.

[motherhendoula]

Its not just the quality of the pump that needs to be looked at , the 'flanges' should be the correct size.  I had rented a hospital grade pump from an IBCLC when i returned to work at 12 weeks - and i never got more than .5 oz out of it.  Have an IBCLC or LLL leader who knows about pumps take  look at the fit, you may be able to order larger flanges.

I agree with the previous poster though ...it may be easier to leave baby with some food and liquid of your choice in a sippy cup.

Formula isnt a great option either because once opened, it has to be used up in a certain amount of time, so its just expensive to buy a bottle and use 2 oz and throw it away.

[triskelion]

Do you have a manual pump you could try? I find that sometimes that is helpful to get a letdown before using the electronic pump although I have no idea if that's an universal thing for other women.