question about pumping....

[twiggylee]

Hi :)
I recently stopped breastfeeding (recent meaning this past tuesday), and it was one of the biggest mistakes I've ever made...I want to start again, so I began pumping last night.
Because of the medication I was on, I'm not actually able to start actually breastfeeding again until sunday. So I'm currently pumping to maintain my supply until then.
My problem: I have 1 hand pump. My left side seems to be doing fine, but my right is not letting out a lot of milk...in 15 minutes, I can get about 1 1/2 oz. out of my left, but in the same amount of time, I can only get maybe 1/2 oz, sometimes only a couple drops, out of my right :(
Is there any certain way I should be pumping to increase the supply in my right breast? I am very worried about it. :(
Thank you so much for any help!

[StillSingingMom]

It is common for one breast to produce more milk that the other. This is not a problem, unless your overall supply is too low for baby's needs.

To increase supply, you need to pump more frequently. Good luck with returning to breastfeeding!

[Jmom1010]

I also recommend a double electric pump if you do not see a big change with increased pumping with your manual pump. How old is your LO? You can also try eating some oatmeal too that helps bump up supply. Then when you can nurse nurse nurse, babies are the most efficent supply bumper uppers out there.

[twiggylee]

I also recommend a double electric pump if you do not see a big change with increased pumping with your manual pump. How old is your LO? You can also try eating some oatmeal too that helps bump up supply. Then when you can nurse nurse nurse, babies are the most efficent supply bumper uppers out there.


Yea, everyone I have asked about this has suggested I get a double electric...but I'm not able to at the moment.
Levi is 4 months....I'm praying he even wants to nurse still, after being on a bottle for 5 days straight :(
I heard that oatmeal upped the milk supply, I ate some this morning...I don't know if I'm supposed to be able to notice a difference though lol
I'm so nervous to finally see if he will nurse! I am praying that I can do this again.
Thanks for your help! :D

[twiggylee]

It is common for one breast to produce more milk that the other. This is not a problem, unless your overall supply is too low for baby's needs.

To increase supply, you need to pump more frequently. Good luck with returning to breastfeeding!


thanks for the reassurance!
I guess I'm just paranoid...I don't know why I can't get very much out of that side! And I'm afraid every second I'm not pumping my milk is giong to just go away :(
Thank you! :D

[stys82]

Sorry, I don't have any advice that hasn't already been posted, I just wanted to provide some encouragement and wish you the best!

[twiggylee]

Sorry, I don't have any advice that hasn't already been posted, I just wanted to provide some encouragement and wish you the best!


Thanks so much!
I am a lot more encouraged than I was earlier, just by speaking to several women on here and llli :D

[Nipple_nectar]

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your decision to continue BFing. We can help you here. I wanted to know what meds were prescribed to you as most of the time, it is not necessary to quit BFing, there are almost always a safe alternative that will not interfere with the BFing relationship.

If you list your meds and the dosage instructions, we can help you with that. The quicker you return baby to the breast, the higher your chance will be of your success. www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html

Here are a few links for you: www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html, check out the boot camp link for relactation: www.fourfriends.com/abrw

Some women do have a greater yield using these angled horns: www.pumpinpal.com

[twiggylee]

Welcome to the boards and congrats on your decision to continue BFing. We can help you here. I wanted to know what meds were prescribed to you as most of the time, it is not necessary to quit BFing, there are almost always a safe alternative that will not interfere with the BFing relationship.

If you list your meds and the dosage instructions, we can help you with that. The quicker you return baby to the breast, the higher your chance will be of your success. www.kellymom.com/bf/concerns/baby/back-to-breast.html

Here are a few links for you: www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/alternative-feeding.html, check out the boot camp link for relactation: www.fourfriends.com/abrw

Some women do have a greater yield using these angled horns: www.pumpinpal.com


Thanks :)
I started bfing again this morning...he was really excited, until he only got a mouthful. Now I can only get him to suckle for a very short time...usually under 30 seconds before he gets frustrated.
My pump broke this morning, too :(
I was on Wellbutrin 300mg. But I only took 4 of them, so my dr said there wasn't much in my system.

[Nipple_nectar]

Wellbutrin can cause a marked decrease in milk production, as stated here by Dr. Hale: http://neonatal.ttuhsc.edu/discus/messages/43/615.html?1238521148

Dr.Hale is the leading expert in the field of medications and BFing:)

You can use breast compression to help baby empty the breast: www.kellymom.com/newman/15breast_compression.html