Pumping at work *sigh*

[Got2chilluns]

Hi my name is Robyn - I am very new to the forum (like 1 day) so I apologize if this has been addressed umpteen times - I'm still browsing topics. Anyways,

My DD is 3mo old and has been exclusively BF since birth. I went back to work last monday, and have been pumping 3 times during an 8hr shift. I have a freezer stash of about 50oz. My general rule is to put back whatever she has used for the day, more if possible. When I leave her at daycare, I pack 2 bottles of BM, 4oz each and one "emergency" 4oz bottle of formula. Most of the time, she only drinks the BM :hugegrin: Things are going great with BF, to say the least, however pumping at work.... well, frankly, it sucks. I cant relax, I feel rushed, and I'm constantly staring at the oz line on the bottle, praying that it will miraculously fill. I don't feel let down very often as is, never have, but I know when its happening, and it takes forever at work. Its not for lack of privacy - there is a room I can go in, not the most comfy, but its private and I can sit back and put my feet up. My employer hasnt made a big deal about how long it takes, but I cant imagine that 45min 3 times a day will go unnoticed for too much longer. I have no trouble pumping at home, although I dont anymore now that I am back at work - I nurse at home. I have always had a difficult time clearing my head, meditating if you will... my mind races. Thats just my natural state. I have tried some relaxation techniques, with little success. I also take fennugreek and dring Mothers Milk tea, which are great, but supply isnt really the problem.

I keep telling myself "it's only been 2 weeks, give yourself a break!" but I'm so afraid that one day I'm gonna hook up to the pump and nothing will come out. I love BF my DD, even more so since I desperately wanted to with DS and due to a myriad of issues (his and mine - mRSA, jaundice, weight loss, PPD, relationship problems, etc) I quit after 3 weeks - I have felt guilty ever since for not sticking it out so this time around I was determined to make it work, and it has. I guess I would just like to know if anyone has had a similar experience and if so, how they overcame the anxiety of it... OR , if anyone has any techniques for relaxing to promote letdown.

Thanks!

[crystal555rose]

I had anxiety pumping at my mother-in-laws house. They are not exactly the most open people and here I am with my boob hanging out at the dining room table where we eat Christmas dinner. She completely supported breastfeeding, so it was not like she was making it difficult. It was just weird for me.

Going back to work is an anxious time in general. I had a picture of my son that I would focus on when pumping without him. Perhaps you can read so that you are not focused on the oz. line? I found when I did something else, next thing I know the pump is gurgling with an overflowing bottle. Breast compressions also helped milk come out a little faster.

Overtime I got more comfortable pumping. I also would pump at night after he went to bed to try to build the stash (which was rapidly depleted by well meaning over feeding grandmothers).

Remain confident that this will get better. Get a good mommy mag and hopefully you will be taking less time to fill those bottles!

[Candi]

you said 45min 3 times a day? do you mean 15 minutes 3 times a day totaling 45 minutes?

You will get better at pumping. It actually takes practice. I listen to a book on my ipod, and I think about the baby to encourge letdown.

You might also want to try 3oz bottles. Just a suggestion. It works well for my 4 month old and streches your supply a little.

Also, you only get out what you get out. If you run short you have done the best you could and thats all that anyone could ever ask.

[Mamacita]

Is there anyway you can pump on your way to work? I would do this, pump at lunch and then one more time in the afternoon. Your supply is a lot higher in the morning so even if you just nursed the baby I bet you could get some milk on your way to work.

[crystal555rose]

Your supply is a lot higher in the morning so even if you just nursed the baby I bet you could get some milk on your way to work.

So true! I fed baby, then would pump my greatest volume of all my pumping sessions.

[Got2chilluns]

nope, I did mean 45min 3 times a day..

Thanks for the replies, ladies. I think I will invest in a pumping bra to make it possible for me to do other things while pumping. I also noticed my 1st pump of the day is always the easiest/most fruitful, so I will try pumping when I get to work rather than waiting a few hours. Possibly even in the pm while she sleeps.

[Candi]

You don't need to pump for 45 minutes. Pump for 15 minutes and what you get you get. If you want to increase supply pump more often.

really, 45 minutes worth of pumping is a LOT! I'm suprised the boss hasn't said anything yet too.

[Got2chilluns]

I don't really need to increase my supply for BF-ing purposes.... but guess if I want to increase my freezer stash I should try this. Thanks again

[sweetkisses]

Welcome and congrats on your new baby!

I think it takes a good 2-3 weeks to really get into a pumping routine and work out all the "kinks".

I really believe stress can impact how much you are pumping, which seems to be the main issue based on what you describe.

If you can find a way to alleviate that stress I bet you'll start pumping more and you won't need to pump for 45min each time.

Try bringing some pictures of your baby and/or and item such as as one of her baby blankets. You could try reading or listening to some music to help take your mind off the oz.

I also agree with pp about pumping on the way to work or right when you get there b/c you have more supply in the am.

Good luck!

[Tufftitty]

Definitely invest in something to make hands free pumping work. I've read that some people have used a sports bra that they cut holes in above the nipple if you don't want to spend a bunch of money. I had to do something else when I'd pump, or I wouldn't get anything. I worked on the computer, read a book, whatever I knew would occupy my mind for a few minutes. It does get easier!

[StillSingingMom]

I keep telling myself "it's only been 2 weeks, give yourself a break!" but I'm so afraid that one day I'm gonna hook up to the pump and nothing will come out.



Keep telling yourself that. Also, there are other options. You could pump when at home, to replace one session. You could maybe pump again in the morning. And you can try distracting yourself with audio books, magazines, whatever. Also you can fool around with your pump settings and see if you get a different response.

Often one set of settings can help with a letdown (a faster rhythm, a stronger suck) and a slower rhythm after let down may actually get more milk.

Things change. You will get more experienced with pumping. And any breastmilk is good. If you end up with supplementing, you can keep nursing when you're with the baby. It doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. I find that, personally, lowering my stress over the success helps reduce my tension and improves pumping.

[bfmomworries]

A few things i did were:

I carried a mini photo album with me and just looked at pictures of her while i pumped

I called my mom (the care giver) and got a minute by minute play of what they did together (doesn't work so well in a day care environment probably)

I read books

I also woke up half hour earlier than I would have liked to pump, then I would spend the next hour getting ready for work, and by the time I was ready I was also ready to nurse her before i left.

I did pump last thing every night before bed

Relax, and good luck! I never felt a let-down either so I understand what you are going through.

[angel25705]

I had issues relaxing while pumping at work too. I also recommend getting the pumping bra. It seems silly but I can get a lot of stuff done while I pump. I found that if I'm pumping and worrying about not working then I have let down issues so if I pump and work I'm a lot more relaxed. You're doing great not giving up just because you're back at work.

[Aysa_Mom]

I suggest cutting back on the length of time you're pumping. 15 minutes 3 times a day is long enough. If you plan on continuing your breasfeeding relationship with your baby, i'm afraid that you may begin to dread pumping if you keep up your current schedule.

[mommy101]

I also watch the oz line when I pump. I find that if I listen to good music that gets my heart pumping and makes me excited the milk gushes out. Try making a rice bag you can put in the microwave at work and put on your breasts before you pump. You just fill a sock with rice and warm for 30-45 seconds lin the micro. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and it should help the flow.
All the best!
http://firsttimemoms101.blogspot.com

[mommy101]

I had issues relaxing while pumping at work too. I also recommend getting the pumping bra. It seems silly but I can get a lot of stuff done while I pump. I found that if I'm pumping and worrying about not working then I have let down issues so if I pump and work I'm a lot more relaxed. You're doing great not giving up just because you're back at work.

Where can you find a pumping bra? I have never heard of one before...