[Penguintrax]

I used to be able to pump (at least once a day, sometimes 2) and get anywhere from 3-5 ounces.

Since mid-August, I'm lucky if I can pump 1 or 2 ounces at a time. We are desperate for a couple hours out for dinner or a movie, but can't do it without having a milk supply onhand.

I've tried:

Looking at pics of DS
Looking at pics of DS nursing
Having DS in the room
Pumping side #2 right after DS eats side #1
Using Bach's Rescue Remedy a few minutes before pumping (had the best results with this, but still not great)
Soft music in the background

Any other ideas from you-all? I've got an Avent Isis pump and have always liked it. I do have a Nurture III electric pump that I borrowed from a friend, but I've never used it.

Thanks in advance...

 

[Quirky]

When do you pump? I found that morning is best (with ds nursing on the other side) because my supply is highest then.

Can you pump every morning for a week, then use what you've saved up for your Friday or Saturday night date? If you can get 2 ounces every day for five days or a week, that ought to hold your baby over for several hours.

HTH!

 

[Geofizz]

I know it goes counter to most advice, but I have the most luck pumping while not thinking about DD at all. Reading the newspaper, dorking on the web, etc work the best for me. I also need to be warm. Sometimes I will put on extra clothes to the point that I'm nearly uncomfortably warm.

It also helps to not look at the bottle. Ounce Angst will keep you from letdown. In fact, you need to relax and avoid stress as much as possible (adrenaline will hinder the release of oxytocin).

Try massaging the breast as you pump just as you would doing hand expression.

Check that you have a good "latch". Is the nipple too big for the horns? You might need a different pump or a larger horn. I don't know what there is to change the horn shape on the Avent Isis. Is the pump put together properly?

Pumping is a learned art just as nursing is, but not nearly as enjoyable!

 

[Penguintrax]

Mid afternoon is usually best, but I try to get in one session when I can in the morning.

I've tried the reading/web surfing thing, too. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I'll keep trying - I think the horn size for the Avent is fine. Maybe it's just a matter of perseverance, kwim?

Thanks, mamas!

Barbara

Quote:

Originally posted by Jane When do you pump? I found that morning is best (with ds nursing on the other side) because my supply is highest then. Can you pump every morning for a week, then use what you've saved up for your Friday or Saturday night date? If you can get 2 ounces every day for five days or a week, that ought to hold your baby over for several hours. HTH!

 

[Penguintrax]

Mid afternoon is usually best, but I try to get in one session when I can in the morning.

I've tried the reading/web surfing thing, too. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I'll keep trying - I think the horn size for the Avent is fine. Maybe it's just a matter of perseverance, kwim?

Thanks, mamas!

Barbara

Quote:

Originally posted by Jane When do you pump? I found that morning is best (with ds nursing on the other side) because my supply is highest then. Can you pump every morning for a week, then use what you've saved up for your Friday or Saturday night date? If you can get 2 ounces every day for five days or a week, that ought to hold your baby over for several hours. HTH!

 

[bilbo333]

I exclusively pump, so some of this may not work for you. The biggest thing I can suggest is routine.

I drink a glass of water before I pump.

I pump in the same spot - either at work or in the living room.

I change the horn position - I lay on my side with my boob hanging off the edge so horn it 90 degrees from sitting up position - I do this on both sides.

I massage

I do something else - talk on phone, internet, tv

I pump for 25-35 min avg

I vary my pump speed - starting at minimum and working to midline - the max speed is too harsh for my nipples

Hearing dd works better than just seeing her. I have a video clip I play at work of her chatting in the a.m.

Hope this helps.