Speeding up let down

[meladorie]

Hi all, hope you don't mind me popping in (I hang out on PAL, preemies, and M15). My LO is 4 weeks today and still in the NICU so I'm exclusively pumping. I was wondering how long it should take for the initial let down? My right breast consistently starts after only a minute or two of pumping but my left one sometimes takes 15 minutes of pumping before I see any milk. (The left one is also prone to clogging so I pretty much always have to massage it when I pump). It's frustrating because I end up pumping for 30-40 minutes each time just because that breast takes so long to start (whereas my right one is done by 15-20 minutes). Any tips on getting that breast to let down faster? I've tried looking at pictures of LO but it doesn't help (even when I've just held him it doesn't help).

[auburn]

I used a heating pad on my back last night and that seemed to help. My LC also told me to pick up my boobs and then drop them a couple of times before pumping. She said that animals always bump their moms' teats before nursing and research has shown it causes a let down. It sounds weird, but it's worth a shot!

[Widget123]

Hmm not sure. What is your supply like in general? I wonder if the issue will resolve itself when there is more milk?

[meladorie]

Well I saw the LC today and she took one look at my breast and said it was way more clogged than I thought and that that is the problem. She doesn't think its a let down issue at all. She suggested soaking my breast in hot water while leaning over and massaging for 10 minutes, then pumping. It has already made a huge difference.

[serejane]

Hopefully getting the clogs out solves the issue!
Are you using the symphony at the hospital? If not and you're bringing a pump back and forth I would recommend asking about using a symphony and seeing if u can have a set of parts to keep at the hospital. I was able to do that and it was one less thing to worry about schlepping around daily!

[meladorie]

Feb 13, 2015 12:57:00 GMT -5 serejane said:

Hopefully getting the clogs out solves the issue!
Are you using the symphony at the hospital? If not and you're bringing a pump back and forth I would recommend asking about using a symphony and seeing if u can have a set of parts to keep at the hospital. I was able to do that and it was one less thing to worry about schlepping around daily!

The hospital uses Ameda and I'm renting a second one from home. Definitely worth it for the convenience!

[birch113]

Feb 12, 2015 21:22:41 GMT -5 meladorie said:

Well I saw the LC today and she took one look at my breast and said it was way more clogged than I thought and that that is the problem. She doesn't think its a let down issue at all. She suggested soaking my breast in hot water while leaning over and massaging for 10 minutes, then pumping. It has already made a huge difference.

Hi, hun!! I hope LO is doing well! Look into taking Lecithin. It's supposed to lubricate ducts to prevent plugged ducts and speed up let down. I've had some plugs myself, and just ordered some. I've read taking 1 1200mg capsule 3-4x/day is recommended. GL, mama!