Get More Milk from Every Pump

I'm almost one year into my breastfeeding journey. Yes, it's fulfilling but at the same time i find breast feeding demanding right now. Baby's almost 10 months and i'm actually struggling to nurse him more often. He's been getting more solids while i'm at work and his breast milk intake has dwindled.

My pumping output has also decreased. During my first months after returning to work, i pumped about 20 ounces in a 8-hour period.  Now, after six months after my maternity leave, it has declined to about  12 ounces.

My only saving grace is that i get to pump three times at work. No matter how busy i am, i try to squeeze in a short pumping session.  Every session takes me about 15 minutes but on really busy days, i only get to pump for about 10 minutes. At times when i can't pump thrice at work, i make it a point to pump when i get home.

[caption id="attachment_1247" align="aligncenter" width="225"] As work day gets busier, finding time to pump in the office gets a bit more challenging.[/caption]

Here's what i do to keep breast pumping as productive as possible:

Use a double electric pump.

It cuts your pumping session in half. Get a handsfree pump support so you can do other things as you pump.

Tinker with the pump settings. You can get an idea at which setting you can get the most milk. Sometimes i get a second letdown when i restart the pump midway through the session.

Do breast compressions.

Try to squeeze out the milk from your breast. While pumping, massage your breasts by sliding your fingers from armpits to the nipples, as close as you can to the flange. Try to touch several different sections of the breast to collect milk from different part.

Use hot compress. 

Heat stimulates milk production. I put hot compress on my breast for a few minutes before pumping.  I found this technique effective, especially during my first months post partum.

Make sure the flanges are a good fit and placed correctly.

With a correct fitting flange or breast shield, your nipple must be placed at the center of the tunnel. Your nipple should move freely and not touch the insides of the flange.

[caption id="attachment_2702" align="aligncenter" width="250"] This is a proper fitting breastshield. Source of Photo: Medela PISA manual.[/caption]

Lean forward when pumping.

The rationale for this that gravity enhances breast milk flow. Avoid leaning back as this can also encourage back flow of milk that already in the pump. Try to maintain one comfortable position.

Regularly inspect the pump parts.

Some parts - like the membrane and valves get worn out over time. If there are cuts and tears on the membrane, this may be a sign it needs replacement.

Know the local distributor of the pump. If you're using Medela, check out the Medela Moms Facebook page. I've been scouting all over for the cheapest valve and membrane for my Medela PISA. Medela Moms is  selling 6 membranes and 2 valve heads for P390. It's the cheapest ones i found.

Bring a bigger cooler to store your used pump parts.

This way you won't have to wash the parts every after pumping.  Actually, if you think about it, breast milk stays good at room temperature for 4 hours. So you need not wash the parts after pumping. Reuse the pump parts for the next session, provided it's within the 4 hour-interval.  When i'm working for just a few hours, i don't bring the bulky cooler anymore since i'll just have to pump twice during that 5 to 6 hour period.

Eat enough..... or more.

I noticed that i get more milk when i'm full. Best to eat right and make those calories count. The best foods for nursing moms are malunggay and oatmeal.

I really get hungry right after pumping. So i keep a stash of oatmeal cookies in my work station to munch on.

Moms, pumping is crucial if you're planning to breastfeed long term. It will sustain your supply even if direct breastfeeding is limited. Baby's demand will dwindle, as he eats more solids. Pumping will create demand for your breast milk, so you'll  produce enough milk.

Here's what you can do to increase breast milk supply at home:

Nurse baby as often as possible.

At daytime baby eats more solids and drinks less breast milk. So during the night, i indulge him by letting him nurse all he want.

Nurse first before feeding solids.

For babies aged 6 to 12 months, breast milk is still a major source of calories. By nursing before feeding solids, you can be sure that your child has the appetite to nurse.

Pump if possible.

Squeeze in a pumping session when baby's sleeping. If doable, pump first thing in the morning. It's when you get the most milk.

Work and Pump is a comprehensive resource  for moms who express milk in the office.

Kudos to breastfeeding moms and i do hope we all breastfeed as long as we want!

***