Home Forums Induced Lactation aka Adoptive Breastfeeding Medical Interventions to Induce Lactation/Increase Milk Supply Pumping Tips Please

Hi Everyone,

Just starting my 3rd week of pumping and I could really use some pumping tips. I've been trying different flanges to get the proper fit and so that's covered. However, in order to get those precious drops (at this point) to roll in to the bottle I have to lean way forward, which kills my upper back by the end of the day. Also, it seems that if I don't stay in that lean over position some of the drops "back up" in to the flange surrounding the breast. All tips and advise are very much appreciated!

Susanne

I had to do the same thing. I wouldn't remain in the bent over position just pump standing or sitting upright and every now and then bend over to allow the milk to roll in. Are you massaging before and half way through pumping? That really helped me.

Hi Lalle,

I'm following the exact protocol. Pumping with middle section stop and taking Dom & Fenugreek as directed. The middle section seems to help start the milk flowing again if it's stalled toward the end of the first session. Another thing I've noticed is that the milk continues flowing better when I leave the pump on the rapid cycle. When I slow it down as suggested in the manual the milk barely comes out. Is this a harmful thing to do at this time? At the beginning of week 3 I'm at anywhere from 1/4 to 3/4 ounce from the left each session and only about 1/2 of that (if) from the right breast. I'm pumping 9 sessions in a 24 hour period, one of those in the middle of the night. So I think I'm doing everything I can do. May I ask how long it took for you to get a good supply in?

I didn't start the protocol at the begining and had nursed my daughter with the lact-aid for a year before doing the protocol. At that point I was producing about 1/3 of what she was taking in.

Do you have the pump that adjusts suction and speed separately? If so you can turn the speed up to whatever you like just keep the suction at medium. I had my speed up high most of the time as well.

Yes I do. I'm using the Ameda Elite and it's awesome. And that is exactly what I'm doing, medium suction with high speed. That works the best. And some great news - at my 10:30am pumping session my left breast sprayed. I was so excited I wanted to jump up and down and then realized I'd better stay put and just let it do it's thing. I still wish I could keep the milk from backing up in the flange though. I want to produce the most I can, but I know that any amount will be great for my daughter.

Susanne

Hooray for sprays!!! Sounds like your breasts are getting this milk making figured out. Just keep on your pumping schedule and you should continue to see increase.

To prevent having to lean forward, you could try the Pumpin Pals Supershields. They are angled to prevent having to lean forward. You can find them at http://www.pumpinpal.com/

Those look like just the ticket. Has anyone here used them? I bet they are way more comfortable than the hard plastic.

I agree. I think I'll give those a try. Thanks for the link!

Susanne

Please give us a report on how they work.