Help with pumping - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

Sherri-Lynne · 01-01-2008, 07:04 PM

Hi ladies
I am exclusivly breastfeeding. I am not really having any trouble with him eating but I would like to be able to feed him from a bottle or at least have some stored for when we go out etc... I find I can't really pump anything. He drains me dry. In the past I would pump in the morning and get 5 oz. But now everytime I try and pump, even if I know my breast is full I can't get anything out. I think right now he may be staring a growth spurt, so that could be why he is draining me dry. He is 4 1/2 months old. I tried the rice cereal and he did gobble most of it up and then he was fussy all night long. I think it really didn't agree with him. My doc wanted me to wait another couple of weeks at least before giving him cereal so I am going to wait until after I see him again. Anyways my question is when should I pump? If I pump and he eats is he going to get any milk after? How can I increase my milk supply so that I can pump? Thanks everyone for your help. Sherri

By the way he is not starving or anything I am producing enough as he is 20lbs and only 4 1/2 months old. It seems like I am only producing just what he needs and nothing more.

mcr285 · 01-01-2008, 08:51 PM

usually pumping first thing in the morning is going to be your most productive time. you could try increasing your water intake and standing in a nice hot shower before pumping (warmth is supposed to stimulate let down). you could try pumping a couple of ounces each time before you feed him. this would encourage your breasts to make more milk in order to satisfy his needs.....

HOWEVER..... if you pump, you'll increase your milk supply and you'll be stuck pumping all the time or you risk engorgement. it might be easier to just introduce him to formula for those times you want to be out and can't nurse him. i nursed both my daughters but when we were out, they got formula and had no problems with it at all! they didn't mind the back and forth switch from bottle to breast as long as they got fed!

baj406 · 01-02-2008, 09:05 AM

Try fenugreek or Mother's Milk tea which will help increase supply. Also, oatmeal bumps supply as well. Make sure you're well hydrated, which I'm sure you know. Try pumping in the morning, or at least 1 hour after a feeding. This will stimulate more production and you should be able to pump some off.
Also, bear in mind that a pump isn't as effective at getting the milk as a baby. Oh, ans what kind of pump are you using? I had excellent success w/ a Medela Pump In Style. I know they're pricey, but very worth it if you'll be pumping a lot.
Anyway, best of luck to you.