going back to work pumping question!!

So I go back to work next week, I've been EBF and pumping here and there in case I go out and to get her used to a bottle which is fine. My issue is not pumping enough milk. I'm scared I will not have enough for her I need to have some tips or advice on getting my pumping really going. My pump sessions are usually 10-20 mins long and I can pump maybe 3-4oz I have a tiny amount of frozen breastmilk

going back to work pumping question!!

How much is she eating in a feeding? Will a 4oz bottle be enough for her?

Pump as often as she would nurse. Relax while pumping. Drink a TON of water at work, and be sure to eat 3 meals a day + snacks. (Steel cut oatmeal is good for breakfast!)

I wasn't a great pumper and had to throw in a night pumping session after she went to bed to keep up. I also pumped a little on the weekends to have a reserve.

going back to work pumping question!!

Try More Milk Plus - worked great for me. And all of what the PP said!

Re: going back to work pumping question!!

i just went back to work last week and had the same concern. DD is taking 3 5-ounce bottles a day at daycare. there are days i can pump a total of 19-20 ounces which gives me some to also stash in the freezer and there are other days i barely get enough to cover her bottles

i notice that first thing in the morning is when i get the most so i pump the longest (instead of 10-15 minutes each session, i will pump for 20 and even sometimes 25 minutes.)

drink a lot of water

i started to play around with the "let down" button (i think thats what its called on my madela pump)...when i notice nothing is really coming out i will push it and it seems to help.

i dont stare at the bottles while pumping...i put on my nursing cover and pumping bra and keep myself busy. ill look down after 3 minutes to make sure im positioned well and that milk is coming out, and then i dont look again for another 10 minutes or so which is when i will play with the let down button if i need to. being distracted seems to help me bc im not sitting there worrying that i am not getting enough milk for dd

i have fenugreek tea at home...i took it when i needed to help my milk come in. i am debating on trying it again

Message edited 5/28/2013 2:37:21 PM.

going back to work pumping question!!

i also took fenugreek to increase my supply. i don't an exact amount that it went up, but i did feel that it helped.

Message edited 5/28/2013 2:43:52 PM.

going back to work pumping question!!

What the other two posters said and also get some mothers milk tea and drink lots of water

going back to work pumping question!!

I have been pumping for the past 2 months; I eat Oatmeal EVERY day for breakfast; and drink a TON of water I pump 3x usually 10am; 1pm & 4pm. There are days when I can get up to 22-23 oz (DS is 5months and drinks 19oz) but some days I only get 19 or 20 (today I only got 17). If I don't get the full amount he needs l usually try to pump a 4th time if I can. I had a nice freezer stash (300oz) before I went back to work. So I don't reall stress when I pump to make sure I have enough. Also because I pump 3x 5 days PLUS 1-2x on the weekend I'm always adding a ton to the freezer (All of Friday's milk usually and he gets what I pumped Sat & Sun to drink on Monday).

AND i'm currently rotating the frozen milk so I add 3oz of frozen milk to his fresh each day so I always have extra fresh milk in the fridge. I'm able so if I ever have to dip into the freezer stash to make his daily bottle; I am able to replace it by the end of the week.

I would also make sure to try to pump until you get a 2nd let down. That usualy happens for me 1x per day (not all sessions). I'll let the pump completely empy both sides then wait a few minutes (usually arrange my milk in the bottles for storage) then start pumping again. I can usually get at least another 2 oz in the 2nd letdown (anything counts).

I say all of that to say that pumping regularly has helped keep up my supply (on the weekends etc); eating oatmeal; salads (someone told me that helps) drinking lots of water. Haven't had to take any supplements yet but I will try fenugreek if the time comes to it.

Good Luck!!

Re: going back to work pumping question!!

Having a hands free bra will help you relax and produce more milk. I e pumped for 19 months for my twins. Fm my if you have questions. Good luck!!!

Re: going back to work pumping question!!

thanks so much for the tips!!! I will let you know how it turns out next week!!! I'm gonna take it day by day!!

going back to work pumping question!!

I did buy a hands free bra; but I felt like I get more milk just holding the pump myself. I like to squeeze my boobs at the end and get another 1-2 oz out each side. That was difficult with the bra. I don't want to know how saggy my boobs will be after I stop breastfeeding because of this!