[anabellee]

how can i pump more effectively? i have to due to my ds (see my failure to thrive post). and no matter what i do i never get more than an oz or 2. i'm trying to get enough to only use bm in the SNS but i just can't get enough out. plus, he won't always take the breast and we have to use the bottle to force him to drink. yes, i know it sounds awful but our alt. is an NG tube. i don't want to go there. i've got an Ameda Purely Yours, it's got all the nifty cycles and suctions, double pump, etc... our hospital rents Medela PIS. would that work any better? i've read they're pretty comparable. i'm taking domperidone so i know my milk is increasing, i can feel it i just can't get it out of my boobs! it's so annoying because i'm "full" but no amount of pumping will totally empty them. ds will not nurse enough/well enough to empty them. no type of nursing holiday nest nursing, etc will fix this because he has GERD and is in pain. we're working on getting him new/better meds asap but until then he pretty much has to be forced to eat. even getting him to take a bottle is a struggle. i don't want to lose my supply and if he does end up with a tube i'd like to put bm in it. anyone have any suggestions? my LC tried but nothing has worked yet.

 

[MamaChicken]

Have you tried massaging your breasts as you pump? It helps me get an extra ounce or so when pumping.

 

[RootSnort]

Are the horns the right size? Are you "comfortable"? (I find that a funny question, how could you be!) Most important, are you relaxed and focusing on something else like TV or the computer?

 

[BENBRIAN&JOSH MOM]

trying warm compresses and breast massage and gently squeezing your breast when the pump suctions. also the best thing you can do is relax, i know it is hard because i was never able to pump more than a half ounce even with horrible engorgment. but i learned to relax, which means stop staring at the pump to see if milk is coming out. lol and read or book or listing to a calming nature cd. i learned how to relax and now i can pump 4 to 6 ounces at once shot switching breast several times after i have caught all the let down