Super Moms Online!

With pumping that is. I still love love love breastfeeding my son but I just dread pumping now. After my Hawaii trip my milk supply really took a dip cuz when Tre wasnt with me I wasnt pumping so my milk supply has really hit rock bottom. I cant seem to get it back up either. I have been pumping 3x's a day at work then I nurse all night and wknd. I have also been takin fenugreek and all its doin for me is makin me smell like stinky maple syrup. I have been eating good and drinkin water and im still only pumping 4-5oz a day. Its just so discouraging when I leave only a bottle of my milk for the day and hes stuck with formula the rest of the day. Ughh yesterday I only pumped 3oz! I just dont know what to do.

I'm sorry Roxy. I don't have any advice for you. I really hope your supply increases for you. Hopefully some of the ladies who have breast fed will have some good advice for you. Good luck! *hugs*

You're off to a good start. First off: don't stress. I know it's hard, but take a deep breath and relax.

Do you pump WHILE you're nursing him? Nurse on one side WHILE you're pumping on the other. Every time you nurse him on the evenings and the weekends. If you find yourself sitting while he's napping or in between feedings, sit for an extra pump session. Do you have an electric double pump? I would suggest getting one if not- if you qualify for WIC, they will give you one to use, otherwise you can rent one from the hospital. For a while, as you are working to build up your supply again, just figure that you're going to be doing nothing in your "free" time (and I use the term "free" VERY loosely) except pumping for a while.

Don't limit your pumping sessions when you're home. If you can, pump for 20 minutes MINIMUM on each side (or 20 minutes total if you're double-pumping.) If you are pumping while nursing and he finishes one breast and wants the other, that's fine. Switch the pump to the other side and let him nurse on the side you've just pumped. It may stimulate a second let-down.

I know it's unpleasant. My nipples were so tender while I was pumping for Abigail that I had to wear padded bras or breast pads not to keep from leaking through, but just to keep my nipples from rubbing against my shirt. There were days that I had to grit my teeth and curl my toes to prepare for hooking myself up to the milking machine, but the pain/discomfort would subside after a few seconds. If you have some time when he's napping- I said it earlier- pump then and sit with a book or a movie and just determine that you won't be going anywhere for a while. Unless you are away from him, don't ever replace a breastfeeding session with a bottle. If he eats a little bit of regular food, have him wash it down with boobie. If he eats regular food and seems full and uninterested in nursing, use that time to pump instead.

You can do it! The more you stimulate your body into thinking it needs to produce more, the more it will produce. Increase the demand and your supply will increase as well.

Thank you Shannon!


I havent tried pumping while nursing cuz even when I try to talk on the phone, watch tv, or read a book to him he constantly tries to grab and mess with whatever I have so I bet hes gonna do that with the pump but Im def gonna give it a try. He is just at that age where he gets distracted with everything. lol. Okay Im def determined to do it so I gotta just become one with my pump. Thank you Sarah!! I will keep u updated.

SARAH gave you some great advise. i really hope you can get your supply up girl i know how frustrating it can be. good luck and don't give up!

Thanks girly!! I really dont wanna give up either so Im willing to do whatever it takes.

Do you work or are you a SAHM?
I know for me I could NEVER get anything out when I tried to pump, so I just nursed every single time. Granted that would be hard if you work.

Just keep at it and I know it will all get better.
You are doing GREAT!

I work 40hrs a week so thats why its been rough and I have been getting so discouraged. I used to be able to leave him enough bottles for the day and now I can barely leave him one.

Thank you so much for the encouragement!!

You got some great advice. I hope it works for you. Also, when you are with him, nurse as often as you can. That's what really made my supply increase. Good luck!