Having trouble pumping?

Question

My son is 7 weeks old and today is my first day back at work. I breastfeed and having a lot of trouble pumping right now. I've pumped several times at home with him and at least got 6 ounces at a time. I've tried 3 times in the past 4.5 hours since I have been here and I am not getting much at all. My breasts both feel very full, but not much will come out. I realize this is probably because I am emotional today and having trouble adjusting.. but I need to be able to pump..
Any suggestions???

Answer 1

If your breast(s) (it may be just one breast or both) are painful and sore, you may have mastitus - its a blockage in the milk duct, you will need to massage your breast (quite firmly) to unblock it or, allow your baby on the nipple as their strong sucking can also help unblock it.

However, I am not sure if you know this, but using a pump too often and not allowing your baby to suckle will reduce the amount of milk you produce as its really your baby's strong sucking motion that stimulates the breast to produce more milk, but a pumps 'sucking' motion is no where near strong enough, you need to make sure you also allow your baby to suckle as much as possible and not solely rely on the pump or your milk will dry up.

Answer 2

Try and find a private place and RELAX! Look at pictures of your baby, bring in something he wore yesterday, read a parents magazine or anything that you don't have to think too much while doing.

I used to massage from the outside towards the center of the breast.

It does take a good few minutes to let down and start getting much of anything. Just try not to stress. Just try and relax every part of your body and breathe deeply to start off. I used to get involved in reading an article and it would help get my mind off of watching to see how little I was pumping! I pumped more when I thought about it less. I did about 15-20 minutes, both breasts at the same time.

I hope you have an electric (double) Medela pump in style. I had that one and it was great. The hand pumps aren't really recommended fro regular daily pumping from what I understand.

Keep at it. It takes some getting used to! If baby's not hungry at a particular time on weekends or when you're home, then you can pump and freeze it (lansinoh makes great thick 6 oz bags). I prepped some before I went back to work since I could only pump twice at work.

Answer 3

I have been pumping since my son was born since he was in the hospital for 2 weeks. Today he is 5 months old. My suggestion to you to get a good pump. I have the medela pump in style. I know it is pricey but it is worth it. Next, relax in a warm place. If this is your first time away from him, anxiety could be creeping in. Massage your breasts during pumping sessions. This will help stimulate flow. Bring a picture of your son to look at during pumping. For today, just relax and try to picture him in your mind. That should help your let down. Pump for 15 minutes, even if you feel nothing is coming out. Also, try to pump every 2-3 hours at first to help get your body used to it. Pumping isn't as efficient as a baby, esp if you are used to that. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 4

Use an electric pump.

Before pumping place a warm/hot face cloth on your breast for a few minutes then begin pumping.

While you are pumping the milk massage the breast in a downward motion, this will encourage the milk ducts to release the milk and help it flow down to the nipple.

If you notice milk starting to leak from the other breast apply the second cup and pump both at the same time (that is the beauty of an electric pump).

Good Luck!

Answer 5

You are right, it probably is because you are stressed. Contrats on the new baby and sorry you have to go back to work so soon...Me too...today is my first permanent day back also :-(. Have you tried gently squeezing, kneading, massaging your breasts while pumping. Sometimes this is the only thing that will get mine flowing for the pump (plus I pump during my 15 minute breaks so it helps speed up the pumping process). But be careful to not bruise yourself in the process. Think about baby, look at a picture, picture baby's sweet face at your breast, think about baby's hungry cry, and relax, relax, relax. I have to remind myself that even though I'm in a hurry what I am doing is not work...it's something special for my baby and to relax and enjoy what I am doing.

Answer 6

Pump for a second, them massage your breasts, particularly rub the parts of your breast the pump doesn't tough, you should be able to feel the ducts. Just be firm, but don't cause pain. Then pump again. When the flow stops, do more breast massage. Also I can sometimes hand express more than I can pump. Give that a try before you are in a wet shirt. (You may want to practice hand expressing into the sink or toilet if you aren't used to doing it. It takes awhile to learn to aim)

Look at a picture of your baby. (If you don't have one have someone e-mail you one).

Make sure your breasts and the pump are warm!

Think about feeding,walk through it in your mind, where you go what you do. For awhile reading the word breastfeeding used to make me leak. (Yeah that was fun)



Tomorrow bring something that smells of your baby.

Deep breathing, and "let go". You kind of learn how to use biofeedback after awhile.

Answer 7

Get a washcloth or some papertowels and run hot water on them. Apply the moist heat to your breasts before trying to pump.

Massage your breasts, starting from the outside and moving in towards your nipples, kind of like doing a breast exam.

Do you have a picture of your baby to look at? Don't just THINK about baby, fantasize about him. Think about the touch of his skin when you hold him, how he smells, how he smiles at you, what he was doing when you left him today, etc. Try to make the emotional connection and get in touch with those "mothering hormones" that just don't click on for that silly pump. It helped me to have something that smelled like my son as well. (You can even begin this fantasizing part before you leave your desk.....you may find you're leaking by the time you get to your pumping spot!)

Go through the motions of turning on a water faucet. Imagine the sound of the water running. (Actually DO it if you have to.) Then mentally go through those actions when you set down to pump. Sounds odd, but it helps some moms "turn on the flow" too. Imagine the feeling of your breasts becoming warm and heavy with milk and the sensation of letdown.

Answer 8

I think that quality of the pump has a lot to do with it. Rent an industrial pump from your local pharmacy/medical supply store. The parts that are critical are disposable, and the industrial pump is critical for good results.
Also, your mood DOES matter...I sympathise with how hard it is to leave him. Maybe if you can sit down in a quiet place, and think about him, and him nursing, and how relaxing it is...that will help. I've seen pump bags that had spots for baby pics for exactly this reason.
Good luck!

Answer 9

In my experience, warm compresses and massage help a lot. I also got larger flanges for my pump that fit my shape better. Right before I pump I call to find out how my daughter is. When I'm pumping, I listen to the same music we listen to when I nurse her before bed. It's very relaxing and helps me to get "in the mood". Good luck, I know it's frustrating but it does get easier with time and practice.

Answer 10

You are not relaxed enough. I had this problem when I returned to work as well. You need to bring a picture of your baby next time, or a blanket he/she has slept on and keep it right next to you when you pump. Also, you cannot have a million things on your mind because you will not get the "let down." Try to relax, and most importantly - you MUST drink more than you are drinking! Have a big glass of water right before you pump and throughout the day. Drink, drink, drink!