Tips Pumping Breastmilk

I always come up short too when pumping at work. I had to go to pumping an extra time each day at home(I did late evening) to get the extra amnt I needed. Then I got tired of that, just went to using formula for the baby when I was at work. A co-worker swears by the herbal tea that is supposed to promote lactation. A different co-worker of mine would also pump to and from work as she drove on 35 (straight road), but I personally cannot imagine that. I like to keep two hands on the wheel. Good luck!

Try pumping at home on one side while you feed your baby on the other. The stimulation from the baby will help you let-down and pump more. This is way easier with an older baby who can latch on by itself. If you have a husband or friend who can help you, it can work.

Also while pumping at work try to relax as much as possible. Think of your baby and about feeding your baby. Bring one of your baby's blankets or it's shirt from the day before for the smell, it might help trigger a let-down.

If you aren't already in contact with your local Le Leche League (a group for breastfeeding moms) you might want to give them a try. Most leaders will work tirelessly to find an answer to your problems, not to mention you can make great friends at the meetings!

Good luck and I am so proud of you for making breastfeeding a priority, it's really good for you both!

Are you breastfeeding him as well? If not, it will help to pump more often. Pumping doesn't get as much milk out as feeding does, so you will need to pump 1-2 times more often than you would if you were to feed him yourself. I'm back at work full time right now and am pumping every three hours at least. So far I am maintaining, but I make sure I feed her at least twice, preferably three times when I get home. Also don't pump while driving. It's not worth the risk! I hope that helps!

You couldn't possibly be serious about pumping while driving...? Unless you want the pump imbedded in your forehead should the person in front of you hit the brakes for some reason; I wouldn't suggest it.

SLOW DOWN - Please for the sake of all others and yourself do not pump and drive.

I consider myself an expert pumper as I exclusively pumped for both of my children for 10 months each. First you need a good pump. I used a hospital pump for a while but found that my pump in style worked just as well. If you are trying to boost your supply you need to pump a few minutes after your milk stops coming out...to signal your body that more is needed. After a few days your body will adjust and you will get more. You can also add a pump an hour or so after you pump to signal more milk too. I took an herbal supplement called fenugreek. You can get it at GNC. The lactation nurse suggested it. Good luck!

I don't think I would do it, but you can get a hands free pumping bra that you could use while driving. I have no idea if it's truly hands free, but I guess that is the only time you have to pump, it's worth a try.

I used fenugreek to boost my supply that's definitely worth trying.

Can you pump one more time during the day while you're at work? More stimulation generally will make more milk.

Good luck!!

Hi J.,
It took me forever to get my milk going, but I did learn a coupe of things.
I'm not sure if you are into the herbal route but I did and it helped. A prenatal vitamin for nursing mothers and nursing mom's tea (drink at least 3 times). You can find these at the Wedge co-op in minneapolis, or any natural foods store, just ask.
I drank at least a gallon of wather a day too.
Oh and there is a book called "So that's what they're for?!" http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580620418/sr=8-11/qid=1... if you have the time.

I would suggest pumping more frequently. If you are not pumping at least once a night your milk supply will diminish, so make sure if you aren't already up nursing once during sleeping hours that you set your alarm and get up to pump. Also, if you're using a manual pump you might want to consider a motorized pump-you'll get a lot more milk out with the motorized pump, plus you can usually do both breasts at once which helps to cut down on the length of time. If you aren't having let-down during your pumping that will affect the volume of milk you express, make sure your having let-down, maybe a picture of your child could help that. Good luck!!

PS-I pumped for 7 months w/my first child-We had latch on problems and she was never on the breast-I became pretty familiar with all of the pumping ins & outs!