Since nothing else about having these babies has gone smoothly, why did I think breast feeding/pumping would? :) Everyone always joked about the size of my chest and assumed there would be some kind of correlation on what kind of milk supply I would have. Let me kill that myth right now.
I started pumping the day after the twins were born. I was doing it every three hours using the hospital pump (Medela Symphony), the first few times I got nothing, not even a drop. After about 3 or 4 sessions I got a few drops. By day 2 or 3 I was getting a syringe full. By day 4 I was getting a bit more, but not more than 1/4 ounce. Day 5, nothing. Day 6, nothing. I have met with the lactation consultant (LC) a few times already and we have talked about the possible reasons for my sucky supply:
- babies came early
- bedrest
- low blood count
- c-section
So the odds are stacked against me. I have started the herbal supplements (Mother's Milk Tea) and am using warm wash cloth compressions, massaging during pumping, looking at pics of the babies, increasing fluids, etc. I had a Pump in Style for home that I borrowed from my SIL, and the LC said it was not strong enough for me. So I rented (I should say Greg rented b/c he did the research and picked it up) a Medela Symphony for home. I have gotten a bit more the past few days, but barely more than a syringe full. I will meet with the LC again tomorrow, she wants to talk about prescription meds. I am not too keen with that idea at this point. Anyone with supply issues have suggestions for me?
On a related note, it is so cute how committed Greg is to my pumping. While I was getting the blood transfusion I couldn't bend my arm, making pumping impossible. So he had to hold the pump each time. He keeps encouraging me and I don't think he will let me give up, at least not for awhile.
11 comments:
Hi there,
I'm sorry that I don't have any advice for pumping. But I just wanted to offer my support and encouragement. Hugs. x
See if they have a different pump that you can try. I've nursed all six of my kids and when my youngest was in the NICU I tried the symphony and couldn't get much milk. I switched to the older version and it worked a lot better. Just a thought, newer isn't always better.
I use that pump and love it. I keep the suck setting on min and speed around 2... and I get twice as much out. Also, you should look into getting a hands free pumping bra. It makes pumping so much easier. You can truly turn on the pump, surf the Internet and forget that your pumping. The less you think about it, the more you will get out. Try eating oatmeal to increase your supply as well. I hope this helps, the best thing you can do is relax! It takes a while to get a lot out with a pump. When I first started I barley got out on oz., but now I'm up to 8 oz. You'll get there!
Ugg - I hated pumping too! I've always had a tough time with pumping (low iron equalled low supply for me). I ended up eating a ton of oatmeal and drank tons of fluids (and also the occasional beer - my LC suggested it). I used a Pump in style at home - it was the only one that I could get about 2 oz of (the most I've EVER gotten when pumping). (((hugs))) and hang in there! And just to let you know, just because you're having pumping issues doesn't mean you won't be able to BF - I had no problem BFing all my kids (including the twins once they were home). Good luck!
Sorry it's not going well. My hospital had an Ameda and it worked well for me. I ended up renting that instead of using my SIL's Medela. It took me a good week to get going. Also, make sure you are drinking INSANE amounts of water. I was averaging 2-3 liters/day. Even will all of that, I never got more than 2 oz per session. Keep at it, it will come.
Oh Andrea. Please please please give me a call. I've been through the ringer with breastfeeding, have some suggestions for you..... I'll leave my number in FB.
You poor thing! I had to pump at first too and hated it, so I give you mad props for doing all that you are. And Greg is so sweet!!!
I don't know if this will help you at all, but I find when I PIG OUT on pasta (whole wheat or white even) my supply goes through the roof. Totally weird and maybe it's just me, but worth a shot! (and a good excuse to fill up on stuff we're not supposed to eat a lot of !)
Man, you deserve something to go easily for once! I obviously have no advice, but I am hoping your supply increases soon. Maybe you body just needs time to recover from losing so much blood during your c-section and it will get better soon? I hope soon! ((HUGS)) How are the babies? Are you still in the hospital?
i'm gonna hope you share any wisdom with me. :)
i started with the ameda at the hospital and loved it, and took the medela pump in style home. i'm on my 3rd one. insurance paid for it, so it keeps replacing it. i think it just can't take the pressure and amount of pumping i do right now. i didn't get a whole lot at first, either....i feel like it was at about 2 weeks when i finally felt like things were going to work out. now, going back to work has really put the breaks on. i'm on my second rx med...i can email you if you want to know details.
hang in there, girl!
xoxo
I think you have the right pump but the thought of your husband helping holding the flanges to your chest made me laugh. I recommend getting one of these - it's totally ridiculous looking but FANTASTIC!
http://www.amazon.com/Easy-Expression-Bustier-Hands-free-Pumping/dp/B000Y1RQ0C
I found I am able to pump longer and relax while pumping better because I am able to stay busy (emailing, reading, etc) and not have to worry about the things sliding or dripping and stuff.
I had a similar experience and I recommend the Mother's Tea, the Hands Free Pumping Bra, and the biggest help, More Milk Plus (or Special Blend). It made a HUGE difference. I was able to give the twins breastmilk for 3 months before I dried up due to mastitis.
Good luck!
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