pumping at work

[quietmim]

DD is three months old and I have been back at work for a month.  I haven't supplemented yet, but I will have to soon.  I work 12 hour shifts and it seems like 14 hours may be too long to be away from her.  I work three days a week.

My pumping output has been steadily decreasing, even with pumping quite frequently.  Some days I am able to pump every two hours.  A few very busy days I only pumped four times.  I get about three ounces per session now from both breasts, sometimes even less.  I have been also trying to squeeze in pumping sessions at home in order to get enough.

I am taking a supplement I bought at Whole Foods called More Milk Plus from Motherlove.

What else can I do?  I don't want to supplement, but if I have to, I want to at least be able to continue breastfeeding when I am with her.  I am worried that soon I won't have enough milk to continue nursing at all. Would it be worth renting a hopital grade pump?  I am using a pump in style that I used for about a month with my older babe.

Also, a pumping question...  I have seen people post about pumping until they get a second let down.  I have never experienced that, maybe I am not pumping long enough.  My breasts seem very empty after about 15 minutes, but is that a reliable way of knowing if it is possible to get more if I kept going.  I am not even sure if I could fit in longer sessions.  I am an ICU nurse.

TIA.

[hildare]

feeling empty is not an indication of whether you are able to have a second letdown. 

a couple of things you can try:  let the pump run longer after you seem to not be getting any more, that will signal to your body to up the production.

i have a PIS, too, and there's a "let down" button on my model.  You might try using that the second time, too. 

Also, you probably already know this, but replacing the membranes on your pump can make a huge difference if they are worn. 

It might be worth your while to try the hospital grade pump, though.  I have never used one, but they make a huge difference for some people.  Is there one where you work that you can try out? 

have you read the kellymom page about pumping and looked at www.workandpump.com ?  there are good ideas both places.

Don't forget, too, that you can supplement with breastmilk from other moms through milksharing organizations.  :)  good luck!