I was
able to exclusively breastfeed her and work full time. Because
of what I went through, the emotions of trying to pump enough
milk for the next day, I wanted to gather up all my tips
and write them down for others to use. I hope that you find
these tips helpful.
1. Plan ahead if possible. Get a freezer stash going before
you go back to work.
2. Do not just pump at work. Pump at home on your days off
and before and after work.
3. Pump while nursing. Pump on one side while nursing on
the other.
4. Find a good place to pump, where you are comfortable
and can relax.
5. Make sure everyone at work knows how important breastfeeding
is and not to interrupt you.
6. Drink plenty of fluids through out the day. Drink a large
glass of water about an hour before you are going to pump.
7. Use a good quality double breast pump like the Ameda
Purely Yours.
8. If your supply is dwindling rent a hospital grade pump.
9. Find other moms to talk to that are breastfeeding and
pumping.
10. Do not get discouraged if you don't pump a large volume
at once. Most moms pump around three oz per pumping.
11. Pump frequently. Pumping frequently is more important
than how long you pump.
12. Try to pump at least every three hours.
13. Pumping is NOT as efficient as nursing. Do not gauge
your milk supply by how much you pump. Your baby will get
more milk from nursing than you will make from pumping.
14. Before you nurse, relax and do a quick breast massage.
This will help you get a better let down.
15. Any time you give your baby a bottle make sure you pump
in place of that.
16. Nurse frequently at night or try reverse cycling. Reverse
cycling is when baby nurses more at night than during the
day.
17. Co-sleep with baby if you are comfortable so he can
nurse more at night. Nursing at night will help your supply.
18. Try drinking Mothers Milk tea.
19. Eat a bowl of oatmeal in the morning. Oatmeal is really
good for boosting milk supply.
20. Avoid giving bottle to baby before he is three weeks.
21. Use a slow flow nipple for your bottles.
22. Find a day care provider that is a breastfeeding supporter.
An uneducated day care provider can sabotage your success.
23. Take Fenugreek or Blessed Thistle
24. If you need to supplement when you are home use a Supplemental
Nursing System.
25. Do not assume because baby is fussing it is your supply.
Many times baby will fuss for other reasons.
26. When preparing bottles for day care, store them in three
oz portions. Your baby will likely only need three oz at
a time. If he needs more up it to four.
27. Send small 2 oz bottles of breast milk for day care
provider to give to baby if you will be picking him up soon.
This way baby will be ready to nurse when you get him home.
28. Nurse on your lunch break if you can.
29. Take picture of baby with you to work. Look at your
baby when you are pumping. It will help with your let down.
30. Have a nurse in. On the weekend spend the entire weekend
in bed with your baby and nurse as frequently as you can.
31. During pumping session, take a break when your milk
stops flowing. Massage your breast and use nipple stimulation
to get a second let down. You will usually get another oz
or so if you can get a second let down.
32. Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine will hinder your supply
33. Don't do extreme dieting. Eat a healthy diet.
34. Contact a La Leche League Leader or lactation consultant
for advice.
35. Avoid using bottles and pacifiers when you are home.
36. Try switch nursing when you are home. Nurse on one side
then switch to the other when baby seems to be getting fussy.
Switch sides two or three times while nursing.
37. Remind yourself of all the benefits your baby is getting
and that it's worth it!
38. Keep your pump pre-assembled so that you can keep your
pumping breaks shorter.
39. If your using a pump with horns put them in a Ziploc
bag and store them in the freezer between pumpings. This
way you can just wash them when you get home.
40. If you can, do paperwork while pumping. This way you
can have more pumping breaks and you will relax more if
you are not focused on pumping.
41. Don't watch the pump. Staring at the pump watching for
milk will make your session more stressful.
42. Adjust the suction controls, experiment with the speed
and suction until you find what works best for you.
43. Keep spare parts readily available for your pump so
you don't have any emergencies.
44. If you own a hands free pump like whisperwear try pumping
on the drive to work.
45. Massage your breasts while you pump.
46. Pump in the morning. Your supply is best in the morning.
47. Bring a baby blanket or item of clothing that smells
like baby. Use your senses to visualize your baby.
48. Close your eyes and picture baby nursing.
49. Keep a back up pump at work or in your car in case you
forget. The Avent Isis is affordable and a great pump to
have for a backup.
50. Pat yourself on the back for giving your baby the best!
For
more information or support visit our Pumping
Mommies board.