Got2chilluns
09-03-2009, 08:13 AM
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 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!
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 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!