Pumping Problems :( - Granby,CT

Updated on September 05, 2011
L.L. asks from Granby, CT
8 answers

I'm back to work as of today. I nursed this morning and then pumped as I always do and got a total of 3oz., which is my normal morning routine. Then I pumped at lunch time and only got an other 3oz, It should have been more seeing as I didn't nurse before. Then I nursed one side when I got home at 4 and tried to pump again and got nothing. Not even from the side I hadn't nursed on. I clean pump and checked flanges and such to make sure it wasn't a mechanical problem and all was ok. Now I'm worried because I do not have enough of a stockpile and need to be getting at least 6 more oz pumped during the day to keep up with my little guy. I wonder if it could be a mental thing? Any suggestions? It's not the fit as I have pumped successfully on many occasions but then will have problems when it's necessary.

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

L.:

First things first - take a deep breath...stress does a lot of things to your body and will affect your milk supply...I know from experience it's easier said than done...but take a deep breath..

Your body went through a big change today - you went back to work and I'm sure there was nervousness about leaving the baby, returning to work and all...

When you nurse when you get home this evening, pump again...even after nursing...then pump again before you go to bed and after you nurse in the AM.....

Hope this helps!!

2 moms found this helpful
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N.C.

answers from Boston on

I would like to mention two things here: 1. The more you naturally nurse, the more supply you will have. So if you can keep nursinging him in the morning, and then nurse as much at night at home, that should help your supply for pumping. 2. Stress - it will decrease your supply. You have to be in a relaxed state for milk to flow freely so if you're stressed out, it won't come. So if you can simultaneously keep nursing him naturally as much as possible, and then completely relax (close your eyes or bring a photo of your son with you) when you do have to pump at work, hopefully, it will all work out. Good luck!

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

It could. I would not let the first day get you down. Drink water. Eat oatmeal. Try to relax. Make sure your valves didn't get bumped. Take a picture of your kiddo and maybe his blanket or shampoo with you. If you pumped before, you can do so again.

P.M.

answers from Tampa on

I'm sure your transition back to work has you a bit saddened and stressed - which can definitely cause issues with pumping. Such a shame you didn't ask for pumping advice while baby was less than 2 months old - because we would have told you to start stockpiling since month 2, when milk is plentiful.

Don't give up on pumping... the more you pump and the more often (every 2-3 hours for 15 minutes if possible) the better!! It'll be worth it.

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Not unusual to have a change of routine have an effect on your supply. Make a point to take extra good care of yourself the next couple weeks. Drink extra fluid, relaxation time (a nice bath, foot rub, or other), and get plenty of rest. You also don't mention what kind of environment you have for pumping at lunch. Is it somewhere you feel comfortable and have adequate privacy?

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C.B.

answers from Boston on

I have a friend who is going through this - she was able to use a conference room in Human Resources that is totally private and quiet - many women end up stuck in a bathroom or not so private conference room. She brings a photo album of her baby. She takes several herbs to help her milk production. But she had problems with supply all along, not just while pumping. Keep it up, try to relax, and if worse comes to worse, you could start mixing some formula with pumped milk to augment your stock pile. My husband and his brother are from the era when moms were told NOT to nurse and they are both strapping healthy 50ish year old men, so even if after some time it turns out you need to go to formula, don't stress over it, what you did by nursing those first few months is priceless.

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J.H.

answers from Boston on

I agree with others. Relax, and make sure you are drinking tons of water throughout the day. And, I recommend having a picture of him- may be even a cute video on your phone or something. Thinking about him will help the flow (hormones). Good luck, don't give up. I pumped for 5 months after returning to work and while it was hard at first, it gets easier and your body gets used to it. I also agree with trying 3 times or so a day, especially in the beginning, even if it's only an ounce or so each time.

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A.J.

answers from Boston on

I had the same problem! Try pumping once more at night before bed, this will give you some extra milk and increase your supply. You can also try Fenugreek, its an herbal supplement that helps to increase your milk, although it makes your pee and sweat smell like maple syrup =). I hope this helps, good luck!

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