Working Moms who pump, please come in and help me

[frodabaggins]

Hi all. Baby is 5 months old and was EBF until he was about 4 months old, then his hunger started outpacing my boobs and we started supplementing with Gerber Gentlease formula. I rented a Symphony pump at the beginning of this month, and my output has gotten better - if I pump three times per day, I usually get enough for four 4-5 oz bottles to make sure he's 100% taken care of while I'm away from him. However most of the time I only get to pump twice and so he still gets at least one bottle and sometimes 2 of formula. He's eating rice cereal at daycare at lunchtime each day, and we've sparingly tried other solids (sweet potatoes, apples, etc.) 

Back at the old place, I posted a thread about the Symphony and got the advice to buy one of those hands free nursing bras. I guess I am just skeptical of them because when I pump, I feel like I have to position the breast shields *just so* and really hold them firmly. I am having a hard time believing that the bra will really hold them in place positioned correctly. And at any rate, I would still need to hide in the corner of my office in the dark - although it will be nice to be able to read while I pump. The inconvenience of sitting in the dark with my shirt pulled up and boobs out is what is really making me want to stop. And I really only mean stopping pumping at work. I'd still like to be able to BF him in the mornings and evenings as well as any night feedings he may need (he's still waking anywhere from 1-3 times to eat during the night.) Maybe if I buy the hands free bra and keep renting the Symphony I can get through the next few months - I told myself I would get to 6 and then reevaluate, but I'd love to do more if I could figure this out.

I could go back to my old pump, that insurance gave me - also a double electric, but I always used it single and did one boob at a time. It was just the way I started and it seemed to work so I never gave it a second thought. I can cover up and still get work done while I do one at a time with that one. I just don't make as much milk, and it's also much harder to clean.

I'm wondering when the game of trying to keep up with him and being tied to the pump is done? I know this sounds really stupid, but if I'm not sending him to daycare with four bottles of breastmilk, will I be sending him with four bottles of formula until he's ready to eat more solids? When does that usually happen?

Thanks all, sorry this got novel-length.

[sjshark]

I can't answer your two questions, I think you need those who aren't first-time moms, not just people who pump at work. I can say that I have to pump a lot more than the three times at work to keep with my little one. I get three pumps in at work plus one before I leave for work and once before going to bed. I also do the morning and evening pump on the weekends to help build my stash, I feel like this also really helps my supply. Additionally, I drink anywhere from 150-200 oz of water, otherwise I drop to only 3ish oz per pump (both sides combined).

It is hard sticking with it but I really really want to make it the full year. If you stop pumping at work you might not be able to keep up bfing him in the mornings or evenings like you want bc it will most likely impact your supply greatly.

[shevacc]

BFing can be so hard! Unfortunately, it depends. I can't use the hands free bra bc I don't get enough milk that way. I have to massage, apply pressure, adjust the cups the whole time. How your body will respond if you stop pumping is kinda unpredictable. Likely you'll produce less and be unable to keep up with demand fully on weekends. But that doesn't mean you have to stop. You could just decide to send one formula bottle a day to relieve stress.

Why the dark? When I pump, I need both hands for about 10 minutes, then I take a few minute break to bump/probe, then I pump for 5 minutes more. Makes it less boring. Really anything you decide will work out fine! Lots of hugs and no stress! Being a mom is a tough job and being torn so many ways as a working mom is such a challenge.

ETA - I managed to keep up with my daughter pumping 3x a day most days. Right now I pump 2-3x a day for DS and am keeping up but consciously letting him reverse cycle and eat a lot overnight. But I've told myself that if I start to have trouble keeping up I'll supplement if/when necessary.

[lauraborealis]

To add to the PPs, I have the hands free bra and it does keep the shields quite tight to the breast, just have to make sure you get the right size. However, if you need to massage and apply pressure, the bra doesn't work. I usually end each pump session w/o the bra so I can do some massage...

I send 15 oz to daycare each day and have to pump 3 times while at work (8 hrs) and once before bed to get enough. I maybe have 0.5-1 oz surplus per day if lucky!

[rbl]

I never bought a hands free bra. I wear a sports bra and pull it down and tuck the pump shields into it (does that make sense?). Once I start the pump I adjust the shields but the suction + the sports bra is enough to hold the shield sin place for me. I will say I am not large chested to begin with so I am not sure how well this would work if my boobs were bigger.

I haven't gone back to work yet with DD, but I can share my experience with DS. When I went back to work after DS was born I was pumping 3 times during the work day to try to provide enough milk for him. He ate a lot and I never pumped enough. I would send him to the DCP with two 7-8 oz bottles. Usually about 5oz BM and the rest formula. I got sick of pumping 3 times and knownck it down to 2 times per day. At first output remained the same but it slowly decreased and his bottles were probably 50% BM and 50% formula. A few moths later I got pregnant with DD and my supply dwindled. I gave up pumping and he got all formula bottles. I went back to work when DS was 5 months old and stopped pumping by 8-9 months, just to give you a rough time frame.

[annapunkalunka]

I have a hands free bra and it works great for me. It allows me a little bit of freedom while I pump (4 times in a 12 hour work day). It's snug, so I don't have to worry about repositioning it once I get it in place.

[puffandstuff]

I use a Simple wishes adjustable hands free bra. I can make it as snug or as loose as I like. I send 14.5 ounces while away for 9-10 hours.

[jules1614]

I use a sports bra with holes cut in it or someone posted an awesome hack using elastic hair ties. Just google hands free pumping elastic bands. Once the pump is on the suction is enough to keep it in place for the most part.

[sweetpies]

I use the Snugabell handsfree bra and it holds my 38G boobs in place. I just returned to work on Tuesday, and I've been nursing in the morning before I drop DS off, twice while at work, and then I nurse when I pick him up, cluster feed before bed, and in middle of the night. I've been able to keep up with his 14 oz demand during the day.

[peaece13]

I use this hands free bra called the simplicity hands free pumping bra. I got it for 12 dollars off amazon. I am a 38H and it works for me. I can also massage very easily while pumping with this.

[DirtyLurker]

This is the pumping bra I have and I love it. It is adjustable and comes with straps if you feel like you need them. It zips in the front so it's easy to put on.

www.lansinoh.com/products/simple-wishes-hands-free-pumping-bra

[bonvoyage]

Jan 22, 2015 20:07:05 GMT -5 lauraborealis said:

To add to the PPs, I have the hands free bra and it does keep the shields quite tight to the breast, just have to make sure you get the right size. However, if you need to massage and apply pressure, the bra doesn't work. I usually end each pump session w/o the bra so I can do some massage...

I send 15 oz to daycare each day and have to pump 3 times while at work (8 hrs) and once before bed to get enough. I maybe have 0.5-1 oz surplus per day if lucky!

This is me too!

[bobloblaw]

Jan 22, 2015 20:43:40 GMT -5 puffandstuff said:

I use a Simple wishes adjustable hands free bra. I can make it as snug or as loose as I like. 

This. I love this bra. I have two- one for when the other is in the wash because they are really affordable. It's REALLY snug when my breasts are full and not as much when I'm done pumping- but I do not lose suction. I have quite a bit up top but I think the way it fits, it would work for anyone.

When I do pump, it's nice to have the freedom to do other things. 

[elbug]

I LOVE my simple wishes pumping bra. I get more milk out when I go hands free b/c I'm not paying so much attention to pumping vs when I have to pay attention to holding the flanges I obsess more over whats coming out which usually results in less output.

In regard to when you'll be sending more solids instead of bottles - the answer really revolves around the saying "food before 1 is just for fun". Baby should continue to have primarily bmilk or formula until 12months. You can send more food but it goes along with milk/formula and may decrease how much milk baby is taking but it won't replace it until they're older.

[merry]

I can't help with the hands free bra question... I keep thinking about getting one but just haven't hit around it. At work I lift up my shirt and pull down my tank top (always wear one as abc undershirt) and j can tuck the flanges into my bra and the tank to sort of holds them in.

As for out put, if you stop pumping like pp's said odds are your supply will go down but as long as you are consist and with morning and evening feeds you should be able to continue with just those for a while. Originally I would feed DS in the morning (b/w 6:30 and 7:30 then pump at 10,1 & 4 at work then feed him after work and through the night. He drinks 3-4oz per bottle while I am gone (DD also never drank more then 4oz per bottle... Ever). I usually get almost enough for 2 feedings at my 10am pump, depends on what time and how he ate in the morning. Budy dally at 1pm I get enough fur a feeding the 4pm I may get just s little less so I am fortunate enough to put away at least enough for an extra feed per day. He is some what transitioning to 4hrs (usually in the am the closer to 3 later in the day) and with coming home for lunch some days I pump at 10 then feed him at two, possibly pump at 4 then feed in evenings.

I made it to 13.5 months with DD when she lost interest.... 12 months us my goal with DS. I am thankful it has come fairly easy and I am able to easily keep up. Do what is best for you as stress never helps.

[kirabou]

Jan 22, 2015 23:14:21 GMT -5 elbug said:

I LOVE my simple wishes pumping bra. I get more milk out when I go hands free b/c I'm not paying so much attention to pumping vs when I have to pay attention to holding the flanges I obsess more over whats coming out which usually results in less output.

In regard to when you'll be sending more solids instead of bottles - the answer really revolves around the saying "food before 1 is just for fun". Baby should continue to have primarily bmilk or formula until 12months. You can send more food but it goes along with milk/formula and may decrease how much milk baby is taking but it won't replace it until they're older.

This is exactly what I was going to say. I'm able to distract myself from the task at hand when I'm using my pumping bra (Simple Wishes for me, too), and my output seems to have increased since I got it. 

I don't have any insights about your other questions, unfortunately, but I do want to advocate the pumping bra, and doing what you can to make the pumping process as enjoyable as possible. 

[mc03]

I pump three times a day for around 14-16 oz. I usually send 12 oz, some days she takes 16 but they have frozen milk at daycare. With DD1 I sent 16 oz a day until she was one and we transitioned to cows milk. Food before one I really for practice and her ilk intake never decreased because of it.

Some moms have luck doing formula during the day and nursing while with the baby, some don't, it just depends. However I have heard that if you make it past 6 months and then change to that schedule it might be more successful.

[meggyski]

I have the Medela hands free bra, it was $20 on Amazon and it works fine, plus I can massage through it to get more milk out at the end of each pumping session. I would really recommend getting one, it will help you relax and feel more productive during your pumping time. Keep at it, you've done great to get this far already!

[vk]

I have the medela hands free bra and it works pretty well. I always wear a long tank top so while my boobs are out, I don't feel naked because my belly/back are covered. I am still able to massage to get more milk out. I will say that the holes stretch out a bit so every once and a while I have to re-adjust but honestly it is not that big of a problem for me. I have both the medium and small shields, and the medium stay in place better than the smalls do. I have even propped up a pillow or jacket under the bottles while pumping so there is a little more support. I am currently pumping right now and the hands free is defintely helping me to PB

[weeklyplanner]

I SAH so take what I say with that in mind....

Working moms amaze me. Working moms who also pump/provide BM amaze me even more. I was just talking with my mom yesterday about how there is this whole working mom vs SAHM kind of mentality with my cousins. I can see benefits from both ends, but it is definitely WAY harder to have to pump!

I also believe that some BM is better than none. I think this whole "EBF" term that gets thrown around is a little much. If you can and want to supplement there is no shame. FWIW, I've been supplementing by choice one feed a day because it helped with the stress of my PPD. No guilt! Formula is full of vitamins and nutrients and I'm happy to have it for my sanity.

All of that is a long way of saying, try not to stress. You are already doing so much for your LO. Find a system that works for you.

Also, I use the Lansinoh hands free bra and watch videos of my LO on my phone when I pump. DH is amazed at the letdown that happens when I start a video. It really helps!

[Courtniko]

I don't have a lot to add, but I will say that the Simple Wishes hands free bra is really great! If you have a medical FSA you can use the money from that, and it is not that expensive. Worth a try!

[yogini kiki]

I have the Medela hands free bra which keeps them attached and towards the end I usually start manipulating the thingies to get more out. Sometimes I will also turn off the pump and restart the letdown setting in the middle because that helps me get more out of each session.

I am in the camp of pumping before work and before bed to get enough for the wee one. It is tough for sure!

[inaya]

What PP's have said - I am a huge fan of my hands-free bra. I used a sports bra with holes in it for a while but it's MUCH easier to manage zipping the Simple Wishes one around me at work vs actually changing or wearing two bras or whatever I'd have to do otherwise. I can't imagine the hair tie thing working for me to keep things in place but the bra does a great job. I also use the Pumpin Pals flanges which seem to fit my breasts better than the Medela or Hygeia flanges I've used. I feel like I'm always mentioning these stupid flanges; they should pay me to advertise for them. I think having my hands free to mess around on my phone or even to do work helps me get more milk because then I'm not stressing over the process of pumping, I'm just letting it happen.

There's a chance that if you stop pumping during the day altogether your supply will keep decreasing, but some moms can supplement and BF at the level you're considering. You just have to be OK knowing that you might be moving completely to formula before you do it, I think, so that it's not a stressful thing if your supply does decrease. I agree with weeklyplanner that some BM is better than none, and that no BM is fine, too. I could personally be a poster child for turning out fine with formula. The social pressure of FF vs BF is stupid.

Also, why do you have to hide in the corner in the dark? Is it because you don't have a better place to pump? Do you feel sort of exposed when you're pumping? I know my output struggles if I'm worried someone is going to come into my office when I'm pumping (my door doesn't lock). If it's a privacy issue, have you thought about using a nursing cover while you pump? I always have a thin muslin blanket with me that I use to cover everything up, and that makes me more comfortable while I'm pumping.

I think you should stick with the Symphony if the rental isn't an issue.

You're doing a great job, mama! I hope you can figure out what works best for all of you and don't worry about all the what ifs.

[elbug]

One more thing, I've tried both medela and simple wishes. Medal pumping bras suck. Just my opinion.

[frodabaggins]

Jan 23, 2015 16:14:48 GMT -5 inaya said:

What PP's have said - I am a huge fan of my hands-free bra. I used a sports bra with holes in it for a while but it's MUCH easier to manage zipping the Simple Wishes one around me at work vs actually changing or wearing two bras or whatever I'd have to do otherwise. I can't imagine the hair tie thing working for me to keep things in place but the bra does a great job. I also use the Pumpin Pals flanges which seem to fit my breasts better than the Medela or Hygeia flanges I've used. I feel like I'm always mentioning these stupid flanges; they should pay me to advertise for them. I think having my hands free to mess around on my phone or even to do work helps me get more milk because then I'm not stressing over the process of pumping, I'm just letting it happen.

There's a chance that if you stop pumping during the day altogether your supply will keep decreasing, but some moms can supplement and BF at the level you're considering. You just have to be OK knowing that you might be moving completely to formula before you do it, I think, so that it's not a stressful thing if your supply does decrease. I agree with weeklyplanner that some BM is better than none, and that no BM is fine, too. I could personally be a poster child for turning out fine with formula. The social pressure of FF vs BF is stupid.

Also, why do you have to hide in the corner in the dark? Is it because you don't have a better place to pump? Do you feel sort of exposed when you're pumping? I know my output struggles if I'm worried someone is going to come into my office when I'm pumping (my door doesn't lock). If it's a privacy issue, have you thought about using a nursing cover while you pump? I always have a thin muslin blanket with me that I use to cover everything up, and that makes me more comfortable while I'm pumping.

I think you should stick with the Symphony if the rental isn't an issue.

You're doing a great job, mama! I hope you can figure out what works best for all of you and don't worry about all the what ifs.

First of all thank you so much to everyone who has responded to this thread - I appreciate it more than I can say!!

inaya I hide in the corner because while I have my own office, it doesn't have a door and one of the walls/doors is open on top and the back wall is mirrored. I feel very exposed unless I'm hiding in the corner and I feel like I have to do that anyway because I pull my shirt up to position the breast shields and when I'm wearing my nursing cover, I can't see what I'm doing to get them positioned correctly! This will certainly be less of an issue if I get the hands free bra!

Thanks very much for the rest of your supportive comment. 

I have one more question for everyone - I'm tagging some so y'all will come back - sjshark, shevacc, lauraborealis, rbl, elbug, merry. yogini kiki  I *was* doing great with the Symphony pump and getting 4-5 ounces as opposed to just 3 with my other pump. However, today is day 14 of me being under the weather. Right now it's the remnants of a sticky chest cough/stuffed up nose/head congestion but I also was running a fever for many days - at least 1-2 ibuprofen every day to get through it. At first it wasn't affecting my milk supply, but now on Friday and today I barely got 3 oz each time I pumped with my Symphony. Is this the illness/lack of sleep/taking ibuprofen catching up with me? I took no other cold meds. I also haven't been drinking enough water but I've kept up with my oatmeal and brewer's yeast. I have to decide this week if I'm renting the pump for another month and I'm really sad I'm back down to only 3 oz. He needs at least 4 for his bottles and would probably happily drink 5 oz if I could make it.     

[shevacc]

Sickness definitely decreased my supply temporarily. Try to force yourself to drink more water -- it hopefully will help you get better faster in addition to helping your supply.

I would rent the symphony for another month, especially if you're just getting over being sick. Likely when you start feeling better your supply will pick back up too. If you're not absolutely sure you're done, don't quit on a bad day! You can always send a bottle of formula a day if you don't have enough fresh/frozen milk. I'm in the camp of not mixing BM with formula to not waste any BM but depends on what you're comfortable with and what LO will take.

ETA - I never take ibuprofen so I'm pretty sure it's the sickness itself, not the meds, messing with your supply. Try not to beat yourself up, you're doing great!

[yogini kiki]

Jan 26, 2015 19:43:54 GMT -5 frodabaggins said:

Jan 23, 2015 16:14:48 GMT -5 inaya said:

What PP's have said - I am a huge fan of my hands-free bra. I used a sports bra with holes in it for a while but it's MUCH easier to manage zipping the Simple Wishes one around me at work vs actually changing or wearing two bras or whatever I'd have to do otherwise. I can't imagine the hair tie thing working for me to keep things in place but the bra does a great job. I also use the Pumpin Pals flanges which seem to fit my breasts better than the Medela or Hygeia flanges I've used. I feel like I'm always mentioning these stupid flanges; they should pay me to advertise for them. I think having my hands free to mess around on my phone or even to do work helps me get more milk because then I'm not stressing over the process of pumping, I'm just letting it happen.

There's a chance that if you stop pumping during the day altogether your supply will keep decreasing, but some moms can supplement and BF at the level you're considering. You just have to be OK knowing that you might be moving completely to formula before you do it, I think, so that it's not a stressful thing if your supply does decrease. I agree with weeklyplanner that some BM is better than none, and that no BM is fine, too. I could personally be a poster child for turning out fine with formula. The social pressure of FF vs BF is stupid.

Also, why do you have to hide in the corner in the dark? Is it because you don't have a better place to pump? Do you feel sort of exposed when you're pumping? I know my output struggles if I'm worried someone is going to come into my office when I'm pumping (my door doesn't lock). If it's a privacy issue, have you thought about using a nursing cover while you pump? I always have a thin muslin blanket with me that I use to cover everything up, and that makes me more comfortable while I'm pumping.

I think you should stick with the Symphony if the rental isn't an issue.

You're doing a great job, mama! I hope you can figure out what works best for all of you and don't worry about all the what ifs.

First of all thank you so much to everyone who has responded to this thread - I appreciate it more than I can say!!

inaya I hide in the corner because while I have my own office, it doesn't have a door and one of the walls/doors is open on top and the back wall is mirrored. I feel very exposed unless I'm hiding in the corner and I feel like I have to do that anyway because I pull my shirt up to position the breast shields and when I'm wearing my nursing cover, I can't see what I'm doing to get them positioned correctly! This will certainly be less of an issue if I get the hands free bra!

Thanks very much for the rest of your supportive comment. 

I have one more question for everyone - I'm tagging some so y'all will come back - sjshark, shevacc, lauraborealis, rbl, elbug, merry. yogini kiki  I *was* doing great with the Symphony pump and getting 4-5 ounces as opposed to just 3 with my other pump. However, today is day 14 of me being under the weather. Right now it's the remnants of a sticky chest cough/stuffed up nose/head congestion but I also was running a fever for many days - at least 1-2 ibuprofen every day to get through it. At first it wasn't affecting my milk supply, but now on Friday and today I barely got 3 oz each time I pumped with my Symphony. Is this the illness/lack of sleep/taking ibuprofen catching up with me? I took no other cold meds. I also haven't been drinking enough water but I've kept up with my oatmeal and brewer's yeast. I have to decide this week if I'm renting the pump for another month and I'm really sad I'm back down to only 3 oz. He needs at least 4 for his bottles and would probably happily drink 5 oz if I could make it.     

your supply should come back up as you feel better!  drink tons of water and add an extra session either before bed or in the am.  it may take a few days but you should bounce back!

[lunarmodule626]

First off, yes, your supply will increase when you're better! I was sick this past week and thought my boobs were broken.

My LO is getting about 60/40 BM to gerber formula-my job (preK teacher) doesn't allow me much pumping time, so I do early morning, once at work, and before I go to bed. Each session gets me about 6-7 ounces, which is what she takes in a bottle. I send her with three bottles to day care, then she gets formula for her last two bottles.

I eat the crap out of oatmeal and lactation cookies. I'm bad about drinking water, but when I do, it helps so much. You're doing awesome.

[peaece13]

I agree your supply should come back with rest/time. It took about 2 weeks for me to recover fully from being sick and my supply dip with that sickness. I also notice she LO has had several bad nights of sleep in a row and I am not somewhat rested that effects it too.

[elaina22]

frodabaggins Is there anywhere else you can pump that is more private? I was using my classroom for a while and hiding in the dark corner because the door has a glass pane. Now I am pumping in a book room that another teacher and I have dubbed our Mother's Lounge. Although the room is used by many teachers, they have all figured out when they can and cannot come look for books. My output is much better now, because I can relax and I'm not rushing to avoid a possible awkward encounter. Just an idea! Good luck and hang in there!