Help! Might have to go to China for a week and have very little supply for dd.

[BK Mommy]

Hello,

I have been pumping at work for dd to have during the week days and breastfeeding in the evenings and weekends.  I just found out that there is a 50/50 chance that I might have to go to China for a week long business trip on 8/15.  I freeze my pumped milk but going at the rate I am going, I would only have enough for her to last a couple of days and nights.  I REALLY don't want to give her formula. 

Are there any ways to pump up the volume of my milk supply this next week? 

And separately, does anyone have experience bringing breastmilk through customs?

Big thanks in advance!

[homemademom]

Do you pump in the middle of the night? Your prolactin levels are highest then and milk output can be higher then than during the day. I hope you get some other replies!

[Heba]

Not addressing your original question, but might you perhaps consider sourcing donated milk through the Human Milk for Human Babies network on Facebook?

[BK Mommy]

Will try to pump in the middle of the night.  Dd likes to night nurse still (nearly 8 months), but I'll give it a try.

Interesting thought about baby milk banks.  Hadn't thought of that.  Will keep that in mind.

Thanks to you both!

[HappyMonkey]

Milk Share too

http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com

[Heba]

Other ideas for maximising pumping output...fenugreek/blessed thistle; hiring a hospital grade pump (don't know what you have now); "hands on" pumping (essentially breast compressions while pumping, also combining pumping with hand expression...google hands on pumping stanford); using a single pump on one side while baby feeds from the other...good luck, mama!  Please let us know how you get on.

xx

[bigmommylove]

I don't have any experience with traveling out of the country with milk, but I would think using something herbal should help get your milk supply up. I've seen a good increase in my milk supply since I started Breastea. I would just use it as needed to boost your milk production.

[blessedwithboys]

I'm not sure how far China is from your location, but I can't imagine leaving an 8mo baby to go to the mall, let alone a foreign country for a whole week.  Why don't you bring your daughter with you?  I'm sure it's worth the extra plane ticket for her care-giver.