Does anyone else have problems pumping? I've returned back to work after having my second baby, and usually have to pump at least once, possibly twice during the day (I don't work FT), but it seems like everytime I have to start pumping regularly, I start to have issues with clogging, or my breast just not draining well. I get enough milk, but it just seems to mess everything up. When I nursed my last baby, I had mastitis several times, possibly related to pumping. I already had another episode of mastitis with this baby, which didn't happen until I started pumping. Just looking to hear from other moms that they struggle with this also!?
If you have problems with mastitis you need to pump more often. Once is probably not enough and I had to bring in a note from my doc stating so, otherwise my previous employer would not let me have regularly scheduled breaks to do so.
I know it's been a decade since I pumped, but I passed on my experience to a friend, whose oldest is 18 mos., and she has the same experience. The pump you use can make a difference! The one that worked well for me - and my friend - is the Avent Isis hand pump. I only experienced mastitis one time during my nursing experience, and I really feel like this pump was helpful.
In addition to the other advice, also keep in mind the mental aspect of it. I was never able to pump more than 1 or 2oz at a time, until once I was away from son overnight and my mother called to tell me he was refusing a bottle of formula. After I got off the phone with her I was able to fill 2 bottles!!!
This may sound silly, but try looking at a picture of your baby while you pump, or try to imagine that you are breastfeeding instead of pumping. Make sure you are relaxed before you start. It can make a huge difference!
Pumps are just not as good as babies! Babies remove milk much better, which is why some moms don't have problems until they begin pumping. You need to make sure you have a good flange fit, and a quality pump. Medela or Ameda are the brands to look for. Gerber, First Years, Evenflo are not as good a quality, and will not work for most moms. Even with good quality pumps, some moms aren't able to respond to the pump as well as they do their baby.
It would be best to have a lactation expert help you to make sure the flanges are a good fit. I am a mom of 4 with personal breastfeeding experience as well as a BF counselor for our local WIC office. I regularly fit moms with pumps, so I would be glad to help you however I could. Try massaging the breast while pumping to help the milk flow and loosen up areas that are prone to becoming plugged. Some moms find that having a photo of their baby and even an item that smells like their baby helps to elicit a good let down as well. Good luck, and know that you are doing the VERY BEST thing you can for your baby when you give your milk!!
I had to practically wring my breasts out! I totally squeezed with my hands at the same time the electric pump worked. Push from the outside in and especially work from behind where you tend to get plugged ducts toward the nipple.
If you continue to have troubles, seek out your local La Leche Legue and ask them to help.
I also wonder if you need bigger horns for your pump? It should be taking in not only your nipple but some of the areola around it as well - just like the baby's mouth.
There are herbs, like alfalfa and blessed thistle, that you can take to help improve lactation issues. I also know that if you have these problems, you're not supposed to use nipple shields. In addition you're supposed to use moist heat for 30 min preceeding each feeding. Massaging is also important.
You need to also make sure YOU'RE drinking plenty of quality fluids.
Are you sure your flange is fitting right??? Do you have a good pump - one that cycles at least 60 "pulls" per minute?
Pumping should be a reflection of what your baby would naturally do at home, schedule wise. I would pump more often, but for shorter periods to keep your breasts free from blocked ducts.
You want to pump for 8 to 10 minutes every 2 hours, rather than 30 minutes every 3.5 to 4 hours.
The other thing is, I bet you are wearing bras at work (not like you can free-boob it in the workplace). Make SURE your bra is not too tight. Tight fitting bras and sleeping on your chest are big causes of mastitis.
I suspect that the combination of bra, not pumping frequently enough and possibly a flange that is too small are causing your problem.
If you need anything, just contact me. :) Peace-Love-Tatas
http://onehotmessalaska.blogspot.com/2015/01/breast-pump-....
Don't read this unless you have a good sense of humor. ;)
Being relaxed is important. If you are not relaxed then you will have more problems getting the milk out. If you don't get all the milk out it can lead to mastitis.
Take some of the suggestions that people have put out. It's as much mental as it is physical. :) You have some great suggestions to make this work. I know you can do it. Just remember you are doing the best you can for your baby! :)
HUGS! From one nursing mama to another! :)
I don't know how old the baby is, but perhaps you are not pumping frequently enough. If you have a private place to pump, consider putting a hot washcloth on the breast for a minute or two before starting. Rotate the flange a little as you pump so that you are not holding the pump in the same position the whole time, and lean a little forward if you can. Finally, if you have got underwire bras, put them away for the time being? Good luck.
