Exclusive Pumpers... HOW DO YOU DO IT?!?!!?!

[shoes]

I need tips and tricks and encouraging words!! My dd will be one month on Tuesday (15th) and she's been in the hospital since she was 3 days old. (and will be there for about 5 more weeks) She's having a really hard time feeding and so now we are talking about getting her a G button. I've been pumping all along and she's gotten EMB so far, but my milk supply is really struggling, I'm having a really hard time finding privacy and time to pump at the hospital, and now with talk of the G button I'm wondering if how much longer I'll have to pump before she'll go back to the breast (if ever). I know there's a Exclusive pumpers tribe thread already, but with a 2 year old and newborn in the hospital, I don't have the time to read all 30 something pages! Please, tell me what I need to do to be able to keep going for probably several more months! How do you ladies do it?

[katheek77]

Originally Posted by shoes

I need tips and tricks and encouraging words!! My dd will be one month on Tuesday (15th) and she's been in the hospital since she was 3 days old. (and will be there for about 5 more weeks) She's having a really hard time feeding and so now we are talking about getting her a G button. I've been pumping all along and she's gotten EMB so far, but my milk supply is really struggling, I'm having a really hard time finding privacy and time to pump at the hospital, and now with talk of the G button I'm wondering if how much longer I'll have to pump before she'll go back to the breast (if ever). I know there's a Exclusive pumpers tribe thread already, but with a 2 year old and newborn in the hospital, I don't have the time to read all 30 something pages! Please, tell me what I need to do to be able to keep going for probably several more months! How do you ladies do it?

Set small goals. That's what I did. I have a supply issue. So, I set a goal of six weeks. At six weeks, I set a goal of two months...then three months, then four, then six...then nine. We're at (almost) 10.5 months, and I've set a goal of 12 months. No guilt. If you meet your goal, you've met it. Then you decide if you can continue.

Best of luck. No matter how long you do it, you're making a wonderful sacrifice, and should feel proud of what you've done when you could have given up.

[MotherWhimsey]

Hi, I have a tube fed five month old and a three year old dd. I have to say it is a lot of work! I feel like my life revolves around pumping and feeding sometimes. My first bit of advice is that if you do get the g-button, get a good enteral pump. That makes all the differance in the world. Go to zevex.com and find a representative in your area and give them a call as soon as you know that you're getting it. I'm serious, the second you know. Trust me, having a good pump to feed the kid makes a huge differance. Otherwise you'll just spend all your time fiddling with the pump or supplies etc, and feel overwhelmed with that alone (that's what we did the first month). Then start taking fenugreek, enough to make you smell like maple syrup. Then start eating as much oatmeal as you can stand. Both of these things will boost your supply (at least for most women). Then, make pumping time your break time. Pump at least 15 minutes each time, and I think no longer than 25. But I make that time the time when I sit at the computer and surf. I have finally gotten it coordinated with my sons naps or floor time, and now it works for us. Most of all though, give yourself credit for what you are doing. It's really stinking hard, and you're doing the best you can, and that's freaking awesome. Just try to relax when you pump and think about what an amazing thing you're doing for her.

[AlexisT]

A good pump (hospital grade rental), a hands free kit and something to do while you pump...

[shoes]

Originally Posted by AlexisT

A good pump (hospital grade rental), a hands free kit and something to do while you pump...

Hands free kit? tell me more....

[prettypixels]

The best hands-free kit, IMO...

Take one cheap-o, snug (but not tight) sports bra from wal mart or similar place. Cut vertical slits (NOT HOLES) over about where your nipples will go. (I put the bra on, put my hand inside the bra, pulled the cloth WAY far away from my nipple, then cut...with hand between booby and scissors!). Ta da! Hands free nursing kit.

Of course they sell more expensive bras for it but my sports bras with holes work perfectly.

[peaceful_mama]

oh lord i forgot the name of the site where i got mine!!! i'll look on the tag and see if it gives me a clue. it saved my life, it is why i didn't quit long before 6 mos. i did about 2 without, i don't recommend it. check out the links in my siggy, lots more moms in those groups have excellent advice. i couyldn't NOT respond to yur post. u can PM me if you want, like i said i ep'd 6 mos and i've been through the emotional side of it too...no help on the g-tube stuff. i know there was at least 1 mom on the ep group who was ep for her g-tube fed dd though.

[MotherWhimsey]

I have bras that just for some reason work well holding the horns in. I just stuff the horns in and pull the bra up to the little funnel part. It keeps them in fairly well unless I'm moving around a lot. I have big boobs though, that might help stick them to it... the poor little horns have no way to escape.

[DoubleLove]

Originally Posted by katheek77

Set small goals. That's what I did. I have a supply issue. So, I set a goal of six weeks. At six weeks, I set a goal of two months...then three months, then four, then six...then nine. We're at (almost) 10.5 months, and I've set a goal of 12 months. No guilt. If you meet your goal, you've met it. Then you decide if you can continue.

: Good for you for pumping! It is all about short goals and pumping really does just become a normal routine after a while. Nevertheless, I find it to be a very emotional roller-coaster and have found great comfort in the EP tribe her on MDC. I had never met or heard of anyone that EP for their DC before I found the EP tribe and for me it has made a big difference in helping me cope with my and DS's unique breastfeeding relationship. If it looks like you will be at it for a while longer, I recommend you buy some extra horns (Target if using Medela) because washing them out many times a day gets exhausting and tedious, especially trying to do so in a NICU. If your at home you can also just rinse them out and store them in the fridge between pumpings and then just wash at the end of the day. I wish you well during this challenging time and I hope your DD's feeding abilities improve soon.

[BakerALM]

Originally Posted by MotherWhimsey

Make pumping time your break time. Pump at least 15 minutes each time, and I think no longer than 25. But I make that time the time when I sit at the computer and surf. I have finally gotten it coordinated with my sons naps or floor time, and now it works for us.

I just wanted to dispel some EPing MYTHS.

Firstly you should Basically pump as long as you need to really empty your breasts & more than that if you are trying to build supply. Every woman is different and each breast can be different so you NEED to experiment. I had a low supply problem for 4mths & had to supplement since everyone I talked to about pumping said to pump for 15 min or so and then 2-5 mins after your milk stops flowing, so I was pumping for only about 15-20mins eachtime. What finally worked to build my supply was pumping for 3wks 8times a day for 30-40min each time. It was really hard to find that time and my nips were a mess but WOW did it work. I went from not making enough to being able to build a freezer stash. Think about it like how a babe builds supply, they nurse, nurse and nurse some more.

Now I pump 4 times a day for 30mins each time. I still meet her needs at 15mths old but I don't have enough to freeze any basically since I don't want to have to put that extra time into pumping to make extra. My family priorities have shifted away from milk production as #1.

Also look up power pumping, works wonders to induce another letdown and drain the breast further.

Ill post more later, when I pump again. :

[BakerALM]

Ok I am back pumping again, just the second time today and wanted to post one more thing.

Hands free bras work well for some but not for me. Basically for me to drain I need to massage/compress my breasts almost constantly. Works wonders for my supply but is a royal PITA!: I really cuts down on what I can do while pumping. Try compressions to boost your supply.

make sure your horns fit correctly. check this video out.

I know EPing stinks but your babe LOVES you for it. If your babe never takes the breast their are a few wonderful EPing moments to look forward to way down the line like when they realize the milk in their bottle comes from you : and when they want more they ask you to go pump it for them. You always wish with your whole being that they would just latch on but sometimes it is just not so.:

[melbb]

I agree with BakerALM that you may need to pump longer. If you want to maintain/increase your supply, you really need to pump at least 8x/day at this point. And 15 minutes may not be enough for you. When I pumped 8x/day, I pumped 20-25 minutes. When I pumped 5x/day, I pumped 35-40 minutes. If I didn't pump that long, my supply would have dropped. Herbs will not help you if you are not emptying. If you do this and your supply still doesn't go up or stabilize, you may want to consider domperidone.

I used a hands free bra (Easy Expressions bustier). Like BakerALM said, I needed to compress my breasts (the right one as it had a less strong letdown). I was still able to use this bra. I just didn't zip it up all the way. I zipped it up enough to hold the horns in place, but there was still room to fit my hands in there to compress. Unfortunately I think I now have arthritis in my hands after 16 months of that. So only compress if you need to.

I think the important thing to remember is that each woman is an individual and will respond differently to various strategies. You have to just try to figure out what works for you. Don't listen to people that try to list rules as if they apply to everyone. The biggest thing for me was to pump longer than the typical "pump 15 minutes". I usually would letdown within the first minute, then have another one 5 minutes later, then have subsequent ones every 10 minutes. I had a lot of time when very little was coming out. But more would come if I just waited for that letdown. If I just pumped 15 minutes, I would have had just 2 letdowns and my supply would have tanked.

[prettypixels]

This is amazing info mamas, thank you so much for posting it. I'm wondering about the breast massage/compression you are talking about. Is there any way you could describe the level of pressure and types of movements you found helpful? How would a pumping mom (she asks, while pumping) know if this were helpful or not? Is there any reason you couldn't do it outside of the bra? (Just because it seems easier to use the bra to hold the flanges, then I could use my hands to massage/compress.) Thanks!

[prettypixels]

BakerALM you are inspiring me to try a pumping marathon, but I have no clue how I will manage it with my baby and I here alone... how did you do it???

[christyp]

This thread has been helpful to read - I pump 4x during the 8 hrs I'm away from DD and am happy to come home with 6 ounces.

Doing almost constant compressions allows me to get the 6 ounces. Without that I would have about 6 drops.

I don't have a handsfree kit, so I balance one bottle between my knee and chest, hold the flange with one hand and massage/compress with the other. I use a Medela system and have found that it helps to put the bottles into the little stands even if I am wedging them between my knees and chest.

HTH, still every body is different.

[melbb]

prettypixels, I would massage both breasts by holding my hand in a stretched out "C" shape at the outside of my breast, and pressing/squeezing in toward the nipple while closing the C. I hope that makes sense. I then realized that I didn't need to massage the left breast which had a stronger letdown. So I would use both hands to massage the right breast as described above.

You can massage through the bra, but the friction will eventually weaken the fabric and create holes. I didn't make my own bra and wanted to buy as few as possible, so I didn't massage through the bra most of the time.

As far as knowing whether compressions work, your output should increase if it is helping. You may even notice while pumping that if you don't massage, you only get drops coming out, but if you massage, you get streams. I only massaged during the letdown, too.

[bri276]

I know what you mean about the privacy thing in the hospital, dd had two surgeries- a few times, while DH was there, I was able to sneak off into a private pumping room with a comfy chair- but mostly, they (nurses, CNMs, docs, residents, janitors, lady who brought the food trays, etc) had to deal with it!!! I would put a blanket over my top, and usually wear some type of sweatshirt that I could pull down, and that was that. fun, easy? no, but what can you do....

at one month post partum, 20 minutes per sesson, 8 sessions per day, would be the standard- some people do need more, very few people need less to maintain a lasting supply. if you are still nursing your 2 yr old, you can count the minutes she nurses towards that. hospital grade rental pump is a very strong bonus. Fenugreek and other herbs you can find in health food stores that promote lactation can help but you usually need to take a LOT. drink lots of water and make sure you eat well. (I know that's hard when you're so busy and under stress, but just try your best). check out the link in my siggy that says "ep'ing"- it's a yahoo group with very helpful ladies

& remind yourself it is worth it, for all the immunities she'll get while in the hospital, etc. it's sooo hard in the beginning with the strict pumping schedule, and HOPEFULLY you'll be able to get her back to the breast, but if not know it does get easier, it becomes a lifestyle. As far as the hands free, some people just take a sports bra and cut holes in them, I was just able to learn to balance them in a regular bra, but my boobs aren't big keep up the good work!!!!

[RootSnort]

My secret has been distracting myself while pumping with a book or TiVo or the computer. Also, I use both a manual pump (Avent Isis) and the WhisperWear, which is hands-free and battery operated (fits in the bra). I have been known to pump while driving, though I do not place or remove the pumps while moving!
Also, I get as much sleep as I can, and try to remember to stay hydrated. WhisperWear is very portable, and when DS had an unexpected hospitalization, it was nice that I happened to have my pumps in my purse!

[shoes]

okay... I've got a few questions.

1. If I need to be pumping 8 times a day, should I be pumping through the night too? So every 3 hours, day or night, or while I'm awake more like every 2 hours?

2. Will my nipples ever adjust?!? Do they eventually just get used to it?

3. If I do end up EP'ing for a year or so, will I always need to pump so much? Or will I just become a milk machine and not need so much stimulation?

4. I'm taking the fenugreek capsules now for help with my supply which is still struggling. Do you ladies take it ALL the time? Like those of you who have pumped for a year even, do you take it still? Or again, will my body finally go into milk mode and I can drop it?

5. My father bought some Brewers Yeast for my milk supply. I haven't seen anything on this site about it helping with supply issues, and the bottle doesn't say anything about it, but I thought I'd ask if any here has heard about it? Does it work or is my dad just silly?

Just an update: Faris is going into surgery tomorrow morning for her G button and a fundoplication for her reflux.
Thanks for all the advice so far! It's been great! Off I go to pump again!

[bri276]

1. If I need to be pumping 8 times a day, should I be pumping through the night too? So every 3 hours, day or night, or while I'm awake more like every 2 hours?

Personally, I think at this point you don't want to go more than 4 hours, 5 tops without pumping. The thing is too, hormone levels tend to be quite good around those wee hours of the morning. It sucks, and if you're finding yourself incredibly exhausted, just do the best you can. Around 2 months post partum I started pumping my last session at 10:30 pm and then at 3 or 4 am, and again when I got up- I wasn't struggling with supply, though- if I had, I'd never have gone that long. But for many months after that, I'd just pump every 2/2.5 hrs during my waking hours.

2. Will my nipples ever adjust?!? Do they eventually just get used to it?
yes, but it shouldn't HURT. turn it up just as far as you can stand and no further. usually I turned it up more and more as the session went on.

3. If I do end up EP'ing for a year or so, will I always need to pump so much? Or will I just become a milk machine and not need so much stimulation?
the $60,000 question! depends on a lot of things, genetics, your hormones, your time, your inclination, etc. I EP'ed for 21 months and did 8x per day for 2 months, 7x per day until probably 8 months, 6 times per day until 1 year, 5 times per day by 13 months, 4x at 18 months, and then gradually went 3, 2, 1. Different things work for different people. Though I don't think I've ever come across an EP'ing mom who still pumped 8x per day at 1 yr. The majority gradually cut down. Everyone does what works for them the best. But the first 12 weeks are most important for establishing supply, and the effects of that timeframe will last.

4. I'm taking the fenugreek capsules now for help with my supply which is still struggling. Do you ladies take it ALL the time? Like those of you who have pumped for a year even, do you take it still? Or again, will my body finally go into milk mode and I can drop it?
In 21 months I took it for maybe 2 weeks total. I took 5 or 6 capsules 4 or 5 times a day- really, really OD'ing on the stuff and smelling like Aunt Jemima, to see any difference at all. It worked enough to get me back up to where I needed to be.

good luck with surgery I know how hard it is, I hope recovery is smooth & easy!!