Breastfeeding and Exclusively Pumping

1. Choose your pump wisely. If you are going to pump for the long run, you are going to need a high quality DOUBLE breastpump. Hospital grade (Medela Symphony for example) is the best option. These however are expensive to buy, and not very portable. You can usually rent them from your local hospital, and some insurance companies pay for the rental.
If you cannot afford to rent a hospital grade pump, or you want something more portable look into getting a Medela Pump In Style Advanced (PISA) or Ameda Purely Yours (PY). I have used both and for eping I prefer the PISA over the PY. However the PY is more affordable and is actually FDA approved for multiple users as long as you purchase a new collection kit.

2.Pump Often. For the first THREE MONTHS (12 weeks) pump no less than every THREE hours start time to start time, for at least 20 minutes. Actually for 5 minutes past your last let down. It is not uncommon to have multiple letdowns in a 20 minute period.

3. Water, water, and more water. Did I mention water? It is very important to stay hydrated. It does not have to be water, although this is best. Aim for 12-16 8 oz. glasses per day. Yes, I do realize that this is a gallon a day. Drink one 8 oz. glass per pump. That is 8 if you are pumping 3X a day.

4. Rest as much as possible. I know it is hard. Have your hubby feed the baby at night while you are pumping. This will get you back in bed faster. It will also allow your significant other to feel more involved, and create a bond with the baby through feeding.

5. DO NOT skip the middle of the night feeding until you are at least 3 months post partum. Why? Because between 1 am and 5 am your prolactin levels are at its highest and this is when you will get your biggest output for the day.

6. Relax. If you are stressed, your milk production will go way down. I know you didn't choose exclusively pumping as a first option (at least most people don't). You are probably feeling like a failure for not being able to feed your baby off the tap. We have ALL felt this way. Breastfeeding is supposed to be natural. For some of us it isn't. That is why they had wet nurses all those years ago.

7. If all else fails, and you are so miserable pumping, or it isn't working out for you, your baby, and the rest of your family for some reason remember this: Formula, while not ideal, or perfect, is not the end of the world. You have done more than a lot of parents would even consider doing. You are not a failure for giving your baby formula. Any breastmilk is better than no breastmilk at all.

1. Water, water, water. I mentioned it above and I will mention it again. Water is a necessity for pumping.

2. Fenugreek. This is an all natural supplement you can get at any healthfood store. Taking three capsules 3X a day usually does the trick. When you smell like maple syrup you are taking enough to boost your supply. It doesn't work for everyone, but what does.

3. Mother's Milk Tea. Also can be found at healthfood stores. Doesn't taste the best, but people have found success with it.

4. Oatmeal. Old fashioned and steel-cut work best. Cookies work as well.

5. Lactation cookies. You can find a recipe here: Lactation Cookies Recipe

or you can order the dry mix here:
lactation Cookies Dry-Mix

6. Reglan and domperidone. Both require prescriptions. Reglan you can get in the United States. Domperidone you cannot. It is not FDA approved, and is illegal to prescribe in the United States. People have gotten from Canadian pharmacies. **Note: I do not condone getting prescription drugs that are illegal here from other sources.**

As always, talk with your doctor before trying any new herbal treatment for milk producition. I am NOT a doctor, I am just sharing tips that I have learned along the way.

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Thanks,
Tracy

Please do not stress out about feeding your baby, or how you do it. The best thing for your family is a HAPPY BABY. If baby isn't happy, NOBODY is happy. The best way to keep a baby happy is to keep him or her well fed, in a clean diaper, and in a happy environment.If you are stressed, the baby can sense it, and may become stressed himself.

I am proud to announce that as of March 31, 2010 I am no longer a breastfeeding mother. I am a veteran. I am happy, and sad. With each child I lasted longer in the pumping and breastfeeding. With my oldest I exclusively pumped for 13 months before hanging up the dreaded horns. My second breastfed for 19 months, until it was too painful to nurse while pregnant. My third, and only daughter, breastfed until I put her to bed on her second birthday. We had a conversation before that feeding about it being her last time, and explaining she was a big girl now. The next morning she didn't even look at my boobs. She got her cup of milk and was okay with it. That made me both happy and sad. She started potty training after that too. She isn't quite there yet with the potty training, but we are getting there.

How did you feel when you were done breastfeeding for good? How long in total did you breastfeed for? When I say breastfeed that includes exclusively pumping. To me that is breastfeeding. It is after all breast milk!