Printable View
So as you know I had been struggling with pumping enough milk at work to send to daycare so I've been having to mix Sophia's bottles with both BM and formula. Well a friend of mine let me borrow her Medela and I tried it when I got home tonight. I usually can pump only 2 oz. at night, but I was able to pump 4 oz! I'm hopeful that I can finally pump enough to send to daycare now and stop using formula! Yay! I have to say though, those Medela accessories are freaking expensive. Geez!
Glad you found a pump that is working better for you! Yes the accessories are expensive, but worth it.
Glad you can pump more! I know how frustrating it can be. I was making plenty of milk before I decided to do bottles of BM during the day and BF at night. I have a manual pump but was pumping nearly 6 oz from both breasts so I had alot of extra BM, but it slowly diminished this week so I have started BFing more and pumping. I was just reading a few minutes ago that a good pump can make a difference and then I saw this. I may have to go get a good pump. Which kind do you have?
I have a Medela pump, and it's worth it! I'm a very low producer, but I do very well with it.
The pump in style advanced. I was using the Ameda purely yours ultra, but I'm so clumsy, I've dropped it at least 3 times and it just stopped working like it used to.
I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced as well and I love it. I am going back to work next week and can let you know how pumping at work goes, but for what I do at home it's great. I'm glad you've found a pump that works for you. It's nice when it's a simple solution.
I had a hospital grade pump (the health center loaned it to me) and I could get 5oz/side but that was exclusively pumping.
A friend made up the following list for pumping tips:
Drink LOTS of water and fluids
Rest as much as you can. I know this is hard but it really is important.
Pump as often as you can. At *least* 8 times a day, but more is better.
If you feel a letdown between your normal pumping times go and pump! Even if you have to hand express DO IT!! (BTW... Learning HOW to hand express can be very valuable. If you are ever stuck somewhere without your pump it could come in very handy, no pun intended)
Pump near your baby or look at a picture of your baby while pumping.
Record your babies cries or sounds and listen to that while pumping.
Relax while you are pumping. Listen to soft music, read a book or look at a magazine. Do not stare at your breasts waiting for the milk to come out.
Use the correct size breast shield. Your nipple should not rub against the side of the shield. If it does then you need a bigger size. Not only will the bigger size help your supply it will make your nipples less sore. The standard 24mm is usually too small for most women. A little pain is normal but if you are continuously in pain then something is wrong. You should speak with a LC if you are in pain. They can also help you chose the breastshield that is the best fit for your breasts.
Use a hospital grade pump. If you can not use one try to get one that has a letdown feature.. If you cant do that then start pumping with the pump on the lowest suction and fastest speed.. Slowly increase the suction until you are comfortable
Pump both of your breasts at the same time.
Pump for at least 15 minutes. If your are still getting milk pump for 2 minutes after the last drop. You want to make sure you fully empty your breasts.
Compression compression compression!!! Massage your breasts before and during pumping.
Keep your breasts warm. Cold air or having your breasts cold can restrict the milk flow.
Pump at least once during the night. Do not ever go more than 5 hours without pumping.
Do not ever go more than 5 hours without pumping.
Do not ever go more than 5 hours without pumping... Very important... The "supply" works on a supply and demand basis.. if you are not demanding then your breasts will not supply.
Maintain a healthy diet; take supplements where needed. Get your hemoglobin checked. Breastmilk is made by taking vitamins and nutrients from your blood. If you are lacking these then your milk will be lacking these and anemia could result in poor supply.
UPDATE: Now that I've gone back to work, the Medela Pump in Style Advanced is working great. I am able to get about 4 oz each pumping, which is a lot for me.
I'm glad it's working so well for you! I found I could get way more from my medela too. I hated the ameda!