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EAT => Breast Feeding => Topic started by: Samuel's mum on July 16, 2006, 20:22:36 pm

Title: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on July 16, 2006, 20:22:36 pm: This is an area people often need some help with so I thought I'd start a support thread for working mums who breastfeed.
You may be a champion pumper or perhaps someone who only breastfeeds a couple of times a day. Share your experiences and ask for advice here.

However please do feel free to start separate threads as always if you want a wider audience!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on July 18, 2006, 01:52:06 am: Wow my own sticky!!! He He!! I am currently nursing my second one and working full-time. My DD and I nursed for about 13 months- although I stopped pumping around 12 months. We made my goal of 12 months and no formula. But I had my problems of low supply and pump hatred! Luckily the second time around, the "pump addiction" didn't seem so bad. My DS has been alot easier since I was blessed with an oversupply issue. We are at 11 months and 1 week. I pump twice a day for his 2 bottles adn he is still nursed at home. I will stop pumping sometime this week or next week but plan to follow his lead on nursing for the time. I have battled mastitis with him (4 episodes!). As a full-time working mom- at least 10 hours of separation Monday-Friday, I certainly can relate to many working mom issues. I have turned to this website nearly daily for the last 11 1/2 months and that helps during the low-times, especially since time with my girlfriends is really rare now with 2 kids. I am pretty versed in different pumps, but am very partial to my PIS and Advanced PIS. I have played the rotation freezer stash game and am a pro at preparing EBM bottles for daycare!
My two cents on working - I currently have no choice, I have to work full-time- maybe next summer when my contract expires that will change. I have tried to adopt a new mind-set- instead of viewing work as something I have to do (like to make money, to pay the mortage, etc)....its something I do for me. I have an important job, I impact other people and their lives, and that makes a difference. So when DD asks why I have to work, I tell her...it makes me a better person and that makes me better for you, Daddy, and your brother. I think it is important that she sees my career as important and if the day comes that I can take a hiatus, then hopefully she learn to respect the opprotunity to make her own choice.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on July 18, 2006, 17:28:55 pm: You know, I thought that returning to work would be the hardest thing ever, but I do really enjoy it. I think that it is tough to strike a balance between family and work, but once dh and I get in to a solid routine, I think our family will be better for it. My sister stays home and I think that is great for her. I definitely feel that I am happier working though. It is a choice everyone has to make and there are definite pros and cons either way. Thanks for starting the thread.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on July 20, 2006, 00:10:47 am: This must be karma. I just went back to work yesterday and am not hating it, but not exactly thrilled to be there, either. I thought it'd be easier the second time around (my son is 3 1/2), but it really isn't. I breastfed my son for 12 months, which was great. No problems w/feeding or pumping. But, he wasn't a real big eater. My 11 wk old dd is another story. Although I know it's a supply and demand thing, I am concerned about supply since she's eating more, though I don't think it's more than average. (5 oz EBM bottles today). Anyway, theoretically, I should be ok as long as I pump as many times as she eats, right? I really want to be able to continue for as long as possible. It's great for her and, quite frankly, not bad for me, either. While work is not a choice at this point, I really love my job and probably wouldn't quit even if I could, though right now I am yearning for more cuddle time. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on July 20, 2006, 00:29:27 am: Most moms find that pumping every three hours while at work does well for them. Another good time for pumping is in the morning and evening (before you go to sleep). It is all variable- depending on separation time, number of days working, appetite of LO, etc. You didn't mention how many bottles. But on average is one oz per hour of separation. There is also a calculator. http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html#calculator
Good luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on July 21, 2006, 12:11:57 pm: I had the same issue with he pumping. DS was taking 3 five ounce bottles a day. I was worried about supply and spoke to two different lactation consultants. I spoke to the one at my hospital and e-mailed the one available through the Medela website. They both said that they were concerned that he was over-eating. I know this is long, but below is what she e-mailed me. I found it very useful. We switched to a 4 hour EASY so I only need to pump twice a day and DS is still happy with 5 ounces.

Before babies weigh 10 pounds (4.5 Kilograms), approximately, and while
they are still in the early days, and especially if they are playing
catch-up with growth, they may take 2.5 ounces (75 mls of milk per pound
of body weight per day. After the first few weeks or so, after babies
are about 10 lbs., until they begin solids, they take about 570 to 900
mls a day (19 oz. to 30 oz.) according to the recent research by Dr.
Peter Hartmann. This amount does not increase or decrease much. Split
into 8 feedings, this is about 3-4 oz (90-120 mls) of milk per feeding.
Babies will often take more milk out of a bottle, but this is because
they are trying to satisfy needs for food and sucking, and because they
are sucking for comfort, and cannot help but consume milk while doing
so. As babies grow, after the first several months, their growth rate
slows a bit, and they have a more efficient metabolism, and this is why
they continue to need about 19-30 ounces or 570 ccs-900 mls milk per day
until they start solids, regardless of their weight. Some ways to slow
down the amount that the baby is consuming out of a bottle are to use
slow-flow nipples, pace the feedings (so that feedings take longer),
hold the bottle more horizontally, and use methods of comforting the
baby other than food. Examples are these are rocking and walking with
the baby, carrying the baby in a sling or other carrier, etc…Some
caregivers switch from feeding the baby with a bottle to a cup, as even
small babies can be cup fed when the mother cannot be there. Babies
often consume less milk from a cup.

A baby who is fed with bottles may over consume milk from a bottle. This
is a very common problem. This is because bottles flow at a constant
rate, and abnormally fast. Babies can drink ounces over what they need
because they love to suck, and cannot help but get a lot of milk when
they do. In contrast to bottles, the breast flows at an uneven rate.
Babies can suck as much as they want at the breast, and not be overfed,
because towards the end of the feeding, the milk comes out very slowly.
It is well-known that obesity is less of a risk in babies who are
breastfed, and this advantages continues at least into childhood and the
teen years. Some of this is the breast milk itself, but how the baby
receives the milk—by breast or by bottle, is thought to also be important.

Again, this was from the lactation consultant available through http://www.medela.com. I apologize for how long that is, but it is useful information. The e-mail was actually a lot longer. If you would like, I can forward it to you. Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on July 21, 2006, 12:34:43 pm: Thanks! That does help. I was pretty sure that 5 oz was a lot, and saw on the calculator on this website that it is the highest end of average for her amnt of feedings (7), but my DH insists that she could drink more. I did try to explain to him the gist of what you posted, namely that babies suck for comfort and it's relatively easier for her to get the milk from a bottle, but he still thinks she's hungry. I will definitely be sharing this with him today, though. I just don't want to pump more than necessary as it's not real comfortable at this moment. Not sure why, if it's the shields or what, but I'm having all kinds of pain that I haven't had since my LO was a newborn and we were working on latch problems. Plus, the whoosh whoosh of the pump is probably distracting to my coworkers! :)

On another note, any ideas about setting a wake up time for the LO? She currently wakes at 5:30 to eat and then doesn't get up again till well after 8 for her next feed at around 8:30. I leave for work at 7:40 and since I'd rather feed her than pump right when I get to work I'd like her to wake at around 7 to eat. I did try this, though only for a couple days. She didn't want to eat at 7, slept a tiny bit, and then was hungry at 9, though didn't eat a lot. Basically, our day was shot and she didn't take many good feeds thru the day. My question is, how do I limit her at 5:30, just go by time? She eats at about 6:30 or 7pm, then DF at 10, so I figure she is hungry at 5:30am. I certainly don't want to disrupt her nighttime sleep as she does great w/it, but I also want a more reliable (and comfortable, for me) morning routine. Thanks!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on July 21, 2006, 12:48:08 pm: My DS is not sleeping as well through the night - so congrats at that. He wakes once around 3:00 am and then I feed again at 6:15 before I go to work. Is she just not hungry or do you have problems getting her to wake up for the feeding? If she is not hungry, I might try waking her up at 4:30 for a feeding so more time has gone by. This seems like it would go against getting him to sleep though the whole night, but that feeding right before work is really important to me and it starts his schedule off right for the day. If she won't wake up, try changing her diaper (that always works for me).

I would not recommend trying to cut out the 5:30 feeding if you are having concerns about your supply or pushing it out. A book I read said that some moms have more issues with their supply if they don't feed for 7 or 8 hours straight and then try to adjust back to a 3 hour schedule. You are already right at that mark. You should probably leave the night/early morning feeding until you have her on a 4 or 5 hour schedule which might be a while :(
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on July 21, 2006, 15:08:33 pm: Right now I'm not even trying to wake her up. When I did, she got up but didn't want to eat and then was yawning 30 minutes later, which she almost never does so I know she was tired. She slept for about 45 min and then was up again. She seemed hungry so I tried to feed her at 9, but she didn't eat very much. After that they were 3 hrs apart, and were okay. I don't want her to just snack, but feeding before work is my goal. I think I'll let it go for a bit as she's not quite 3 months old, but as we get closer to 4 months I'll probably try to change as she starts spacing out feedings a bit more. I do pump at night after her DF, though I usually don't get a lot of milk. It just helps get through the night, and following morning, a little easier. My 1st didn't sleep thru the night till he was about 6 mo old, so I figure I have a few more months of interrupted sleep before I even think about trying to get her to sleep thru. Course, I probabably haven't had a truly uninterrupted night since before the 1st was born so I probably wouldn't know what to do with myself. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on July 28, 2006, 23:39:10 pm: My LO is now 4.5 mo and I've been working for 1.5mo. I do enjoy what I do, but I would so rather be at home with her. I actually find that I am a bit depressed by the end of the day and am seriously having the most difficult time.

I pump constantly at work. At first I was getting 9-10 oz at the first pump but now I'm only getting 5-6 oz. (significant decrease!). Although the post about the proper intake for a bottle feed was really helpful! I had no idea that she would be fine with that 5-6 oz. I've been pumping like crazy to stock up milk for her 8 oz bottles, which she'll down in seconds and seem to want more! I think I can actually breathe now!

Quote from: LyndaManus on July 21, 2006, 12:11:57 pm
A baby who is fed with bottles may over consume milk from a bottle.

Basically I'm just having a rather difficult time with all this "going back to work." I really just want to be a stay at home mom, however, financially that is just not possible.

It really is a mindset though, I guess I just need to stay possitive and tell myself that working is a good thing. Please tell me that it will get easier!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on July 29, 2006, 02:20:44 am: It gets easier! :) I don't know if it's ever really easy, though there are days that my 3 1/2 yr old makes me me want to run to work. I am finding that on top of feeling guilty for leaving my newest LO (12 wks old) I also feel guilty that I'm not really sad to leave my 3 1/2 yr old. He's in preschool and loves it and I am so thankful for that. However, as my DH pointed out when my son was acting out one afternoon, I race home from work to see the baby and don't spend any time w/the older one. I guess cause she is new and so very dependent on me whereas my son is pretty self-sufficient. Well, as self-sufficient as a 3 1/2 yr old can be. Anyway, it does get easier over time. At least that's what we tell ourselves. I'm grateful to have a job I love, which also makes it not so terrible to go to work. Hang in there!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on July 30, 2006, 19:13:48 pm: Thank-you. I'm sure I will be fine. It's just taking a bit longer to feel ok about leaving her than I had expected. I'll just keep on pumping and working and driving an extra hour each day to bring her to the sitter...

But at least she is happy! She's got a great sitter! So that makes it much easier for me!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on July 31, 2006, 17:11:01 pm: Oh sweetie....it definitely does get easier! And I treasure my weekends so much more. I am the champ at eliminating things that don't need to be done....because I want to spend time with my LO's. I have heard of women pumping while commuting (yes, while actually driving)..so you might want to try it. I used one of those "hands-free" bras while pumping at home/work and it was wonderful. So I guess you could set up your pump, hands-free bra, and plug into cigarette lighter and off you go!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on July 31, 2006, 17:24:05 pm: I am in the same boat with a 1.5 hour drive to work. It stinks, but I agree with jbepko. Having to work so much really makes DH and I cherish every moment we get with DS. Hopefully I won't always work as far away as I currently do, but until then I know I am doing what is best for both me and my family. Hang in there!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: shivi on August 10, 2006, 18:42:53 pm: It's so nice to hear your stories. My DS will be 4 mo on 15th and I return to work mainly for financial reasons on 28th. He has been on EASY since birth, is a spirited baby but has become more angelic since about 12 weeks. He now settles himself to sleep for naps and night time and will go from dream feed at 11 to 5 or 5.30am (originally it was df 11, wake 2 and 5, then df 11 wake 3 and 7). I live in Poland but am Irish and was home with son for first time for 3 weeks, just back now, and unfortunately got out of routine of pumping in morning for df, which I had been doing since DS was 2 weeks old, with DH giving df.
Now, DS is 7.4kg (birthweight 3.3kg!) and empties both breasts at each feeding. He is on 3.5 EASY now, more or less, and has made the transition himself.
I would like to stock about 5 or 6 feedings in the freezer but don't know how I will do it as he empties both breasts each time! Of course I will pump twice while in work but would love to have a stockpile for the rainy day!
Please advise me!
I am glad to go back to work, to wear normal clothes for the first time in ages, to travel alone and have a great nanny for Oscar so am not worried in that department either....

thanks once again for all the great posts!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on August 10, 2006, 18:50:26 pm: You can try pumping after about an hour or an hour and a half. That should give you enough time to replinish.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on August 10, 2006, 23:10:00 pm: Agree with pp. I started iwth morning nursing- nursed then 1 1/2 hours later pumped. THen after a couple days add mid-morning, etc. It depends on your goals for a stock and how effective you are as a pumped with how often you will need to pump.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on August 30, 2006, 12:41:16 pm: I am going back to work when my little one is 8 weeks old. he nurses and takes breastmilk bottles. I'm trying to do easy now and get a routine going before i leave him with dad during the day. I am concerned about sleep. I don't know how i am going to function at work when my babe wakes up at 12am, 2am, and 4or 5 am ... and hubby doesn't seem to be able to help at night.
amy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on August 30, 2006, 12:49:24 pm: My husband doesn't help at night because I want to breastfeed. Once you get him firmly established on EASY, it will get a lot easier. My ds is on a 4 hour easy. We do a df at 10pm, he wakes around 3am and then I feed him around 6 before I go to work. It is definitely tough, but you will get the hang of it.

FYI - dh has offered to get up, but he never wakes up before I do. Most of the time I figure since I am already awake I might as well be the one to get up rather than interupting his sleep. DH felt really bad that I was doing so much so we agreed that, at least on he weekends, I would wake him up at any time other than the feeding time. Really helps me catch up on much needed sleep.

Do you do a dreamfeed? If you add it around 10 or 11, it may help iliminate the 12am feed so you can get more sleep. Then you are only getting up twice a night for a while. By the time lo is 3 or 4 months you will be down to waking up once a night or not at all if you are lucky. It isn't too far away.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on August 30, 2006, 13:12:56 pm: thanks for answering.

I have just started and haven't gotten the hang of the dream feed yet. nursing isn't as easy to do as bottle. when i nurse i never know if he's had a good feed or not. also can't seem to get him to nurse without waking him...yet... i'm going to try and dreamfeed tonight..
another question... last night lo woke at 12 am and wouldn't go back to sleep... i nursed a 2am.. then he slept.. could he have gotten too much sleep during the day? I found that he tends to skip one or two nap times during the day... but yesterday i put him down anyway because i was trying to follow easy routine.... and it says one month olds should sleep .... i'm not really good at recognizing sleep signs... and feel like i was forcing naps yesterday. last night he cluster fed at 5, then bath, then tried to put him down - but he wouldn't sleep. tried sh/pat ... and ended up putting him in the swing... he hung out till 7 pm for feeding... then promptly slept after the next feed.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on August 30, 2006, 13:26:48 pm: Keep with the nursing. If he stops eating then he has had enough. I use to have a lot of problems with ds falling asleep. I would change his diaper to wake him up (even if it didn't need changing) - that helped him stay up until he was done.

Good luck with the dreamfeed. To start off, ds took a much shorter eating at the df than at any other time, but it got gradually longer so don't be surprised. Anything will help fill his little tummy so you can get more sleep.

On the sleep, try not to let him sleep more than 3 hours consecutively. Any more than that will take away from night time sleep. Beyond that, don't worry about how many naps or how much sleep he gets. Everything I have read and experienced is that if he sleeps well in the day, he will sleep well at night. If you have bad naps during the day - you can expect a bad night. LO's can't "catch up" on sleep like kids and adults can.

The sleep signs will come after you get him on a good routine. Right now, just try to go by the clock. If he doesn't go down, do calm activity time for 15 or 20 minutes and then try again. Some babies need more sleep than others and you are still learning to communicate with each other.

I use the swing too but be careful. One thing I didn't know until recently is that in the swing they hang out in a more restless stage of sleep and don't get as much deep sleep (leading him to be more tired than you think he should be later). I still think it is better than no nap at all, but I try to at least slow down the speed once he falls asleep and I use it as a last resort.

Hope that helps - good luck!!!!! Work will be hard, but after a few weeks you will fall in to a pretty good routine. I went back after 8 weeks also (ds is 4.5 mths now)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on August 30, 2006, 13:44:31 pm: thanks.

i'll keep you posted.
learning as i go.
amy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on August 30, 2006, 15:16:35 pm: Littlebea- how old is your LO?
I returned to work at 6 wks and 8 wks with both of mine. And it seemed that hit "4-6 hours" of sleep just days before I went back to work. They knew how to provoke some serious anxiety! Going back to work is hard...all the way around. It is possible to work, pump, nurse, adn resemble a human being! I think trying to establish a routine is crucial and their is lots of help from Sleep/EASY/Naps mods on other forums...so try those also. I tried EASY from the start but it really takes until 4-6 weeks until is seems to fall into place.
On teh DH matter....he can always help with diaper changes, putting back to sleep, getting you water, etc. My DH and I made a deal. One night was all me, the next night he would help (bring baby to me, change diaper, help put back to sleep etc), next night all me, etc. That worked for him and to be honest 50% of the time on 'his" watch I would just put LO to sleep anyhow- mine seemed fairly easy to settle at night. We have a nice deal of weekend to- Saturday is my day to wake-up with kiddos and he snoozes until 0730-/0800ish and Sunday after nurisng LO, I go back to bed. Its not 50/50, but it does help.
I don't have much time....at work still but will post again later. :P
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on August 30, 2006, 20:28:54 pm: Thank you so much for saying that you went back to work... and nursed, pumped, and it can be done.
very helpful to know that the sleep thing didn't work it's way out till days before...

Today has gone well. My son, Leo, is one month old. He has already gained almost 2 lbs since birth. born 5,12 and now 7lbs 11oz. Now he's a much better nurser than at weeks one / two.
Leo just stayed up between the 12:30pm feed and the 3:30pm feed. I have found that he skips sleeping one or 2 naps during the day. When he doesn't - he's up at night.

Tonight my goal is to try to cluster feed and dreamfeed at 10:30. We'll see.
Last night for the first time - hubby did a bottle feed and didn't wake me. I slept from 8pm til 2 am! glorious!! Leo woke up at 12 midnight and dad gave bottle. then Leo stayed up til 2 when dad woke me desperate. hoping that the dreamfeed helps today.

thanks for your support.
amy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on August 30, 2006, 20:32:06 pm: Congrats on the 6 hours sleep even if it came with dh's help!!!! I think I have only gotten that on a couple of rare occasions :) Good luck on the df tonight - let us know how it goes.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on August 30, 2006, 21:09:50 pm: My DD did wonderful with a dreamfeed- it was so easy- I just "topped her off" before I went to bed. My DS- never worked either with breast or with bottle. But try several times before giving up. DS did well clusterfeeding, so that made up for the missed DF. Kellymom has some wonderful info on working BF moms- http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/index.html and a great forum, http://kellymom.com/smf/index.php?board=15.0. Your LO is still really young at one month- things will be alot better in 2 weeks when he is a little older, your supply is better established, and he is able to stay awake for some A time. It seemed to me that just as my LOs were getting fun to be around, it was time to go back to work!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mchoong on August 31, 2006, 11:53:37 am: I am in my first week back at work and my LO is only 7 weeks old (love the US leave policies). I have been pumping on average 5 oz per session every 3 hours at work which is more than enough for her so far. My main concerns have been that I now only get 2-3 breast sessions with her on a workday, and even that is threatened. We feed DF her a bottle at 11:30 pm so that we know she is getting enough and will sleep through, but she really really sleeps through, sometimes past when I have to leave the house for work (7:15). Don't get me wrong, she'll wake up around 4 am screaming to be changed, but after I change her, she is right back to sleep and not interested in the breast. So I pump before work, put it in a bottle for 'when she wakes up' and go. I've tried putting her to the breast when she is sleepy but she stubbornly won't open her lips (part of the reason we DF her a bottle instead of me). If I am able to DF her by breast, will she really eat enough to sleep 3-4 hours?

Yesterday I got caught in a wicked traffic jam and missed her 5:30 feeding so I only got to do the 8:30 feeding before bed. I am feeling like I have more of a relationship with the pump than my baby and just in general I'm feeling out of the loop with her and fear she'll relate more to her grandmother (our child care provider) than me. Last night was the first night she really let us sleep, she finally took to the swaddle, so hopefully it will get better from here but until last night, she was fussy (not hungry) so much at night I was exhausted by mid day, so I found myself going to bed around 9:30 pm, waking to pump while they DF and going back to sleep as much as she lets me. So this week at work, my awake time with her has been very brief.

I know it will get better but it's hard to keep my chin up between missing her, feeling guilty about being back at work etc etc. Hormones don't help either. I guess this was more of a vent session than anything else and I apologize for that. I really enjoy reading these posts as they are very helpful.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on August 31, 2006, 12:55:08 pm: I just typed all kinds of info and poof...its gone! :P
I completely understand about missing your LO- I average just over an hour with my one year old! But I have a 2-2 1/2 hours with my DD- so it does get better. Remember going back to work is an adjustment for you and your LO, so give it some time.
Pumping every 3 hours is great for maintaining your supply and nurse whenever possible as that will help also. On the weekends, avoid the bottle as much as possible. Those weekend nursings really help re-inforce your supply.
At 4am, your LO isn't interested in nursing at all? It would be nice if she was! How about waking LO for a nursing prior to leaving? I routinely wake my LO up in the am I work and then take him to school.
DF from breast or bottle should yield same amount of sleep...its just a matter of getting her to take the breast. Have you tried un-swaddling her for DF with breast?
Hang in there-- you are being a terrific mom for your LO! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on August 31, 2006, 12:59:26 pm: echoing what jbepko said, I do the df from breast and ds gets plenty (at first he took only a small amount but the more often we did it the more he got used to it and started taking more). Once he is used to bfing for the df I think night feedings will get easier. I do another df type feed at 6:00am right before I leave for work (even if he woke at 4am for a feeding). The 6 am starts his schedule for the day and keeps him on track. Good luck!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: tisdallmcphee on September 01, 2006, 03:58:34 am: Hi! I was so happy to see this strand! My DD is 4.5 mths and I will be returning to work in 3 1/2 weeks. I figure that this should give me enough time to get a solid routine down for her. We had one before the summer, but we have been travelling and now we are all out of whack. I think we'll get into her routine again now that we're home, but I do have a few concerns:

She was waking at 7am and feeding every 3.5-4 hours...going to bed at 7pm and waking for a 3 am feed and back to sleep until 7. It was wonderful! Now she is waking at 5:40. She is wide awake and wants to play. What should I do? Do I get her up? I have tried putting on the mobile and she usually will hang out with that for 10-15 minutes then wants up and cries. I would like to get her up at 6:30, so I can feed her before I go to work at 7am. How can I get her to sleep until then?

My other problem is with breastfeeding. She is really fussy on my breast now and I am worried that she is beginning to like the bottle better (pumped b.milk). She feeds fine for 5 minutes then bobs on and off and won't take anymore. If I switch her to the other side she will drink another 5 minutes. I think she doesn't want to work to get the milk and is only taking the fore milk. What can I do to get her to stay on one boob and take more? Has this ever happened to anyone else?

Thanks! Cindy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Raff on September 01, 2006, 12:57:02 pm: Hi all
I am a working mum and have an almost 8-month boy, Thomas. I have breastfed 100% until end of 5th month, and then introduced formula for two daily feeds. However, I am still breastfeeding in the morning (at 7am) and in the evening (7pm and dreamfeed). I do enjoy breastfeeding very much and would like to continue. I still don't feel guilty for going back to work (for now!), but I will soon need to start travelling for business so I need some advice.
I am organising a 2-day business trip for mid oct. Has anyone replaced breastfeeds with formula feeds for just a couple of days? how did it work for them?

I am trying to wean DS from dreamfeed. I followed Tracy's system in the book (I have taken it from 11pm to 830pm) but it has been difficult to reduce liquid intake because he is breastfed and formula fed. He has not woken up during the night so far, so I guess all is proceeding well. I also have the impression that - with both evening feeds, he is doing a bit of "mummy dummy" and just sucking to soothe himself. Last night I didn't give him the dreamfeed because it took him a long time to get asleep and felt it was a bit cruel to wake him. Anyway he slept thru until 6am.
Do you think I should resume the dreamfeed and continue antiicipating it as Tracy recommends, or try to see what happens without resuming it ? I am not sure what to do!
Would be great to have suggestions for both issues!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on September 01, 2006, 18:38:54 pm: I would suppose that your LO is having his special bonding time while nursing and that's the comfort part. I would enjoy it while it lasts! Babies tend to use nursing as a way to reconnect with their working moms. Since you are nursing twice a day you will likely need to pump at least twice a day to maintain your supply while on your trip. I would think that LO would go back to breast since its just 2 days- but you never know. I've never supplemented. How soon is your business trip? The Df might help maintain/re-gain supply while on your trip. I wouldn't want you to drop the feed, then leave for 2 days and have problems with supply. Maybe wait until after your trip.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Raff on September 02, 2006, 15:40:48 pm: thanks for reply! My trip is mid October. Yes, you are right, it is a special time for both of us, and I have noticed that my LO has started prolonging the feed and use it as a relaxing time! I guess I am in two minds, the desire of getting my life back and the desire of extending the bonding time for another couple of months... Difficult decision. I guess I could pump on the trip in the morning and in the evening. and see what happens.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mchoong on September 02, 2006, 15:47:55 pm: Thanks for the advice. I hadn't unswaddled her which is probably why she didn't want the breast at 4 am. She likes to grab my nightgown, bra, shirt - whatever is closest - when she is feeding, it's a comfort thing, so being unable to probably confused her.

We tried a DF from the breast last night but I think it was too early (only around 10) because when she finished she was wide awake. She ate really well though so when she did drop off to sleep we only got her to eat an ounce during the df at 12. So she woke at 3 am hungry. Ah well - we tried it on a weekend so we can recover with naps. I will certainly try the DF more from the breast, I like the time with her and besides, we have so much stored milk now we don't know where to put it (I panicked before I went to work and froze a lot!). I know which side produces more so I'll use that one to really top her off at night. We had thought the bottle feeding would be faster and would give me some extra sleep because dad could do it, but she has gotten good at breastfeeding and by the time the bottle is warm she and I could be done. I need to pump so I dont' burst by AM so that wakes me up and I can't sleep through her cries anyway. Lesson learned :) It will take a few more tries to master the BF method of DF but I really want to move that direction.

There is also some nipple confusion when I first come home but not so bad that she doesn't eventually settle down and really eat. I call it her 'kissy kissy' suck. It's funny because she gets used to the bottle moving with her head as she looks around, but my breast isn't quite as mobile so she drops the nipple, gets annoyed, finds it then starts the routine again. Thankfully she's not annoyed enough to stop feeding.

The other day she did have a good AM feeding before I had to leave for work and put me in such a good mood as I had to go. Again something I will work on more is waking her up just before I need to go to make sure she eats. Plus it keeps her on schedule, as Lynda Manus said.

In response to Raff- totally understand the prolonged nursing. I think my LO is doing that now as well and I love it because it is just our time. Grandma is so helpful she is almost too helpful and I sometimes feel like she is in control. Nursing is something only I can do and we go off on our own to do it and I find I don't mind that my LO wants to spend a little longer with me even if she isn't eating as efficiently. Good luck on your trip - I am putting off my work travel as long as I can but would love to know how your trip goes.

I am sure I'll be online again! Thank you!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on September 03, 2006, 12:06:20 pm: Hopeful....
I had a better night last night. Nursed around 9:30 and topped off with bottle...sort of dreamfeeding... let ds fall asleep nursing and gave bottle while swaddled in crib...
slept til 12:30 bottle and then slept til 4:30 am .. at which point I help off til 5 and nursed.

Question: How do you follow easy routine when you are out doing errands or visiting? I schedule errands around nursing times... but find that I usually go in the car and count on him falling asleep on the way somewhere. is this horrible? how do others handle the idea of falling asleep for the nap... when out and about?

amy in ct - darling son is 5 weeks.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 04, 2006, 01:35:49 am: littlebea, soon he will be able to stay awake longer in the car. I try to either start running errands at the beginning of ds's activity time so he will stay awake the whole time, or at the end of his activity time so he will stay asleep the whole time. We are on 4 hour easy so that works pretty will for us. Ideally you want ds to sleep in his cribs, but that cannot happen all the time as busy as we are.

Congrats ont things working better for you.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: littlebea on September 04, 2006, 11:39:58 am: thanks for the suggestions. wow, totally different perspective from most moms i know = who plan outings specifically so the kid will fall asleep in the car... i know people who have to take a drive around the block to get their babe to nap. going to really try and not have that be me.

today's project is to raise the matress a little. i think my ds has a bit of reflux. he is often very cranky after nursing and i have been seeing cottage cheese - looking spit up... could be sign of reflux, right???
really trying to rub - not pat for burping.

looking for any elementary teachers who have gone back to work with newborn... interested in emailing support of managing work load and pumping issues in school environment.
amy in ct
son is 5 weeks
going back to work at 8 weeks = sept 25
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 07, 2006, 15:56:25 pm: littlebea - I needed to raise ds a bit to sleep better to (gas - not reflux). I found that if I used a wedge or lifted the mattress that he just scooted to the bottom of the crib through the night. Finally after lots of things, what worked best for us was folding up a blanket or mattress pad and putting it under his sheet to raise his head like a pillow. No suffocation hazard because it is under the fitted sheet. He seems to really like it.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on September 08, 2006, 02:56:30 am: i work full time now- dd is 6 mo- i've been back to work for 3 mo. i pump constantly and am just getting over thrush (ouch!). my job is super stressful and busy and this past weekend i had non stop clients- and was only able to pump 4 ounces. i gave in a just gave her formula today (for the sitter to bottle feed her)- like 12 ounces total!. i've been trying so hard to keep up with all of the pumping and the feedings and the eating all the time and the drinking fluids constantly and i'm just worn out from it all. i can't help but feel like a "quitter." you know? but i just couldn't bear the thought of using my pump on my only two days off during the week. (i could have pumped randomly between bfings to catch up on the additional supply) BUT - i need a vacation from that machine! it's such a relief to just have to bf and not pump! i love those two days that i'm home with her and can feed her myself.- oh well- it's not such a big deal i guess....
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on September 09, 2006, 00:02:31 am: Bethann- I certainly understand needing a break from the pump! I pumped for 11 months! Have you decided to stop pumping all together? or just on the weekends? Not pumping will definitely impact your supply. But every mom and LO is different, and you have to decide what is best for the two of you. I also have a very chaotic, time intensive job. I found that pumping before work (before my stock became HUGE) and before bedtime allowed me to pump only twice during the day- once mid-morning and then again at lunch. I am away for LO almost 12 hours a day ( :'(). Also some women are talented enough to use hands-free device and pump while driving. I am the queen of multitask and would manage to eat lunch, computer work, and telephone work while pumping hands-free at lunch. Somehow, the pumping became easier as time goes by.
;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on September 09, 2006, 03:26:56 am: no- i'm still a pump-a-holic. i love bfing too much to just give up entirely. i'm just not going to strain myself to get 12-14 ounces a day. i can usually only pump twice at work. the first session i get 6-8 ounces and the second i get 2-4. so- if i don't have enough for the next day- i have to pump again at night (which usually means to forget the dreamfeed and just expect her to wake at night)- or try to get a pump in before i head off to work- but that lessens my first sessions ounces...it's all a cycle. i've been keeping up until now, but my job is just too busy and i've been non-stop pumping. -i've been pumping and pumping all these extra sessions a day and on my days off just to have enough. it's so demanding! but- i love bfing and am not about to give it up at all. i just can't seem to keep up with it all. i'll continue to do my best, but i can't beat myself up for not having a full 14 ounces each day.

i think my biggest problem may actually be my supply. when i started- i had TONS of milk- like 16 ounces in just two sessions! i have a hard time remembering to eat when i'm as busy as i am right now- so i've been watching my supply slowly dwindle, making me have to work extra hard to collect enough milk, hence my weariness in the pumping department. :P
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 12, 2006, 19:15:26 pm: bethann, sorry to hear about your supply issues. It might not be just food. I find that my supply is lower if I don't get enough water. If I drink lots of water, I can normally get around 18 ounces in two sessions. I get engorged on the weekends because of the extra I am pumping, but I am SO scared and nervous to bring down my supply (worried that when ds reduces the # of feedings per day, I won't be able to get my supply back up). I am definitely a pump a holic too.

I know a lot of people talk about herble supplements. Well, I was at the grocery store and found some hot tea called Mother's Milk. It is an herble mix that is suppose to promote healthy lactation. I bought and am kind of excited about it but have not been drinking it yet. Might help with your issue. Good luck!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on September 12, 2006, 20:53:04 pm: alright, so scratch what i said about not trying to pump as much. DD got sick (fever, cold, etc) and I swear it was because I gave in and gave her formula- thus making her more vulnerable to sickness. So, now I am back to pumping constantly. i need to get my supply up though! no matter how often i pump, it doesn't seem to want to stay strong. it's frustrating. it was always so good until lately. (i think it's just the stress of work!). but- anyway, she needs the bmilk, so i have to make it work!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 12, 2006, 20:59:31 pm: I think you are making the right decision. Supplimenting with formula is a downward spiral for a lot of women.

What is your schedule? My ds is eating 6 times a day on 4 hour easy - ds is 5 mths today. 6am, 10am, 2pm, 6pm 8pm-cluster, 10pm df. He only needs bottles at the 10am and the 2pm at daycare. Each bottle should be 5 ounces according to http://www.kellymom.com. As we get rid of the df, we will need to up daytime feedings to 6 ounces.

If you are pumping 6 to 8 in the first session and then 2 to 4 in the second, you should be right where you need to be.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on September 12, 2006, 21:42:48 pm: really? the sitters just tell me that she'll down 7.5 oz per feeding, so i've been going nuts trying to keep up with this. she's also on a 4 hour easy with feeds at 7, 11, 3, 7 and 11. (her 11 and 3 feeds are at the sitters). I'll try tomorrow to give her 5 oz. per bottle. (actualy it's all i have anyway!). i'll let you know how it goes.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on September 13, 2006, 02:06:17 am: I just discovered Super Suppers (not a plug for this company- there are several like companies and I have no financial connection). But 1 1/2 hours of my time and I went home with 6 meals (each serving 4-6 adults--- which means 12 meals for me, DH, LO) for the freezer! It satisifies my need for "homecooked healthy" meals and saves me TIME! Well worth the money!
Bethann- Definitely check out the milk calculators. Remembers babies instinctively "suck" when bottle inserted- so most will 'overfeed". I agree with PP that 7.5 oz is a large feeding. For awhile I knew the bottles were too large (almost 7 oz) and I slowly backed off and was able to get the bottles to 5 oz and he was never hungry/fussy/sleep changes by my account or daycare. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: tisdallmcphee on September 13, 2006, 07:13:26 am: Hi,
I'm just wondering how many bottles I should have stocked in the freezer. I currently have 9, 6oz bottles. I will miss 3 feedings/day and will be pumping at work these times. I am worried that I may not be able to get 6 oz when I'm pumping during the day, as usually my supply is lower then. If this happens, I worry that I may not have enough bmilk for my dd when I am away.

Also, I will be leaving at 6:30am. This means if I want to bf in the morning I will have to wake her before 6am. I am thinking that I will let her sleep and pump (my supply is always good first thing in the morning). That way she can keep her schedule of waking at 7am..activity, naps, etc. Do you think this is a good idea, or should I wake her? If I do wake her, should I treat it as a night feed?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 13, 2006, 16:24:28 pm: Bethann, I think that you could really cut back. My lo did this too and the lactation consultant I went to said that he was over-eating to compensate for the lost suckling time at the breast. There are some tips on kellymom for over-eating, but below are the things I do and have recommended to daycare and they work for me.

1. Slowest flow nipple possible (stage 1 if he will take it - longer the feed, the more suckling time with less milk)
2. The bottle needs to be horizontal when feeding. This is important for a bf baby. She is use to being able to regulate flow which she cannot do from the bottle. The horizontal bottle makes it easier for him. This does mean that she will get more air, but she will burp it up.
3. After she is done with what the chart says she should have, have them offer alternative means of soothing. Have them hold her tight to their body, offer a paci and rocking are all suggestions I have seen work.
4. Never encourage a bf baby to finish a bottle. Once the baby indicates they are done - they are done (given they have had at least 3 ounces - doesn't sound like that is a problem for us though)

I am also going to start trying to use a sippy as soon as possible. Tracy says that sippys are good for bf babies that over-eat b/c they can regulate the flow so over-eating is not an issue. She says that they can start using one as early as 6 months.

My ds is fine with 5 to 6 ounces at a feeding during the day. I think he gets more from me at night, but that is how it should be. My husband thought I was nuts for going over all this stuff with daycare b/c the are "professionals" but I think that a lot of daycares are not familiar with bf babies and need to be told how you want things done. Maybe dh could give her a bottle this weekend with onely 5 or 6 ounces in it and see how she reacts. I have no doubt that my ds would guzzle down double this if I provided it, but at 5mths and 19lbs it is clear that he certainly isn't missing any meals ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on September 14, 2006, 14:40:59 pm: Alright, so yesterday I gave her two 6.5 oz bottles, and today, two 6 oz. I'm just gonna keep dwindling it until she's @ 5 oz bottles. It sure makes it easier. And I think I just got my first period since who know's when, and doesn't that make you drop your supply? which would explain my only getting 6.5 oz total yesterday! (i was able to pump 5 this morning so she's all set for today at the sitters.) I also changed her nipple to a slower flow. she was using a fast flow nipple so she was just chugging her bottles!

anyway, thanks!

Quote from: tisdallmcphee on September 13, 2006, 07:13:26 am
I'm just wondering how many bottles I should have stocked in the freezer. I currently have 9, 6oz bottles. I will miss 3 feedings/day and will be pumping at work these times. I am worried that I may not be able to get 6 oz when I'm pumping during the day, as usually my supply is lower then. If this happens, I worry that I may not have enough bmilk for my dd when I am away.

Also, I will be leaving at 6:30am. This means if I want to bf in the morning I will have to wake her before 6am. I am thinking that I will let her sleep and pump (my supply is always good first thing in the morning). That way she can keep her schedule of waking at 7am..activity, naps, etc. Do you think this is a good idea, or should I wake her? If I do wake her, should I treat it as a night feed?

how old is your lo? is she on a 3 hr or 4 hr easy? - because if she's over 4 months, you could drop one of her daytime feeds and would only need 2 5-6 oz bottles for her during the day. this is what I do, and as you can see from the pp, it can be a bit of a struggle- but there are ways of making it work.

I always like to bf my lo whenever I'm with her- I'm only with her 2 days a week so any special time I can get with her is important to me- but your situation is a little different. if you did wake her @ 6- would she go back to sleep? it may be easier for you to just pump before you leave.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 14, 2006, 15:16:05 pm: tisdallmcphee,
You have pretty much the same schedule as me. I have to leave at 6:30/6:45ish. I treat the feed right before I leave as a night feed. This puts me off easy a little bit. Below is my schedule:

6:15 Feed, put back to sleep
7:30 DH takes DS to daycare (consider this activity time)
??? He normally takes another nap in here
10:15 Eat (expressed bottle)
Activity
Sleep
2:15 Eat
Activity
Sleep (cat nap) DH picks up from daycare around 5:00 so he wakes up for a while after his nap
6:15 Eat
8:00 cluster feed put to bed
10:00 df and cross our fingers until morning.

This is 4-hour easy. When we were on three hour it was the same thing but he ate at 6:15, 9:15, 12:15, 3:15, 6:15 - it is perfect because I got the 6am and 6pm feeds.

As for the freezer stash. I pump as much as I can at each session and don't throw anything away. I have a lot stored and figure that it is always better to have too much than to little. Here is the problem. You want to avoid supplimenting with your freezer stash as much as possible - it is downward slope. The stash should be used for if you have to miss a feeding you didn't intend to miss. If you suppliment with the stash then your LO will not be able to tell your body that it needs to produce more milk and you will keep under producing. I haven't really had a problem in this area, but I would say if you are within an ounce of what your lo would normally eat then just give that amount.

With the above schedule my ds has adapted and seems to take less during the day. The 6pm feeding is the longest of the day. I think mainly because of the missed suckling time. When we started daycare, the only word I could use to discribe this feeding was "ravenous" - I felt like I was starving him during the day. Within a week he totally calmed down - this is how I realized it was a suckling issue and not a hunger issue. Once he was comfortable with the change in his lifestyle all was good.

Good luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mchoong on September 15, 2006, 16:25:53 pm: So what is considered normal amounts for various ages. I've been checking all over the place for information and haven't found any. I returned to work about 3 weeks ago and my LO is just over 2 mos. She eats every three hours and I miss the 9, 12, 3 feedings so she gets bottled BM. She usually eats 4 oz easily. My care provider says that if she doesn't want more, she is definate about it so there are times she won't finish the 4 oz but that is very rare. There are also times she'll eat more (usually in the AM because she's missed a night feeding - I feed her when she wakes at 4 AM and try to wake her to eat at 6 but she only nibbles and I don't think she gets much - too eager to go back to sleep and it's too soon since her last feeding)

Is 4 oz too much for her age? Are there any references I can find on this?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 15, 2006, 16:52:42 pm: I have been using this link:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html#calculator

I have heard some people say that the amounts are a little conservative, but it serves as a great guideline.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: tisdallmcphee on September 18, 2006, 01:53:51 am: Hi Lynda,

Thanks for posting your schedule and for the feedback. I was just wondering a few things. When you feed your DS at 6:15, is it like a DF? Do you do this on your days off as well or do you just let him wake up and go 4 hour EASY from there?

Thanks!

Cindy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on September 18, 2006, 16:08:30 pm: the 6:15am feed is like a df. I will often change his diaper before feeding though so dh will not have to change him before leaving for daycare (I go to work earlier for dh). It is also nice because ds will stay asleep while dh is getting ready for work.

I do it on off days as a df too just for consistency (I just set the alarm, feed him and then go back to bed for some extra sleep). He will then wake around 7:30 or 8:00 and will start showing signs he is tired again around 9:00. Then, we can get on easy. It really works great for us and allows me to maximize the number of times I feed him per day.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on September 28, 2006, 23:37:21 pm: I am going out of town next month for 2 days and am wondering how I can make this work. I am not worried about having enough for her as my freezer is pretty full, but I am worried about pumping/keeping up my supply. I believe there is a fridge in the hotel, so I can actually save what I pump, but it's a conference, so I can't exactly leave when I want. My LO is 5 mo old and has 6 feedings/day, including a DF and her night feeding. I know I won't pump in the middle of the night, so that's down to 5 times. Should I be trying to pump more? I know that when I pump at work (2x) I get a decent amnt (8-9 oz) in one sitting, but the 2nd time I get maybe 5 oz. She eats 5-6 oz for her 2 feedings I miss and then I BF the other times, so I'm not sure how much she's taking. Since it will only be 2 days should I just not worry and assume it'll pick up when I return? Should I aim to pump more frequently while I'm gone? Thanks!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on September 29, 2006, 03:23:09 am: Ideally you want to mimic what your LO will be doing, but its not always possible. If you have freezer packs adn can keep the milk cool enough, you might be able to cool milk. Are you flying? or driving? Anyhow...for the pumping. I would defnitely suggest pumping in the morning before leaving for the conference, at lunch, at the end of the day (before dinner) and before bedtime- that is four times. Depending on your engorgement/supply/access to privacy you could add a session mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Drink lots, lots, lots of water and plan on lots of "reconnect" time when you come down. Good luck! I am currently on a trip away from LO....I appreciate the "me" time, but miss my LO's!! :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mgillard on September 29, 2006, 12:23:09 pm: I'm driving, it's only 2 hrs away. My LO eats, typically around 7,1030,230,630,930(DF). Nights are chaotic, but typically 1x, between 3-4. I should be able to get in the am, lunch,pm, DF times. I am hoping to get another one during the day, but it depends on the workshops. Yes, I am looking forward to the time away, but I know I will be missing them terribly. I'm hoping it will be enough of a vacation to at least return somewhat refreshed!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on October 02, 2006, 14:59:55 pm: Question for those of you who have introduced solids. We will be introducing rice cereal for the first time this Friday :) DS will be 6 mths on 10/12/06. When you send you lo's to daycare do you have the provider make the cereal with breastmilk??? If so, do you premix it and send it in a container, or do they prepare it? If not, do you use formula or water? DS has never had formula so I would probably opt for water. Wondering if the people at daycare would be wierded out dealing with my breastmilk so much. Thanks!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: clh on October 03, 2006, 17:58:59 pm: Lynda--Folks at my daycare would mix with either water or breastmilk. I just sent in the box of cereal & they made what they needed.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on October 04, 2006, 21:20:03 pm: I've tried all three- h20, formula, and BM. Baby doesn't like any, so I guess whatever your lo ends up liking. They shouldn't be wierded out by BM. ::)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LyndaManus on October 05, 2006, 11:53:39 am: Thanks to all. I think I will try to go with the bm.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jbepko on October 07, 2006, 16:56:36 pm: When LO was on cereal, I would send a couple of ounces in a separate bottle labeled "cereal" so the daycare wouldn't try to feed him another bottle. WIth time, I started to mix his cereal with applesauce (homemade/store bought) and that worked well also.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: SSM on January 11, 2007, 10:17:17 am: Hi,

I will be pumping at work once a week, about three times a day. I will not have access to any sterilizing equipment. How should I clean the pump after each use. Will washing with hot water be sufficient or should I just keep it without washing and hope that the breastmilk will keep it OK, as I will be packing it in a thermal bag with an icepack

Please advice. Thanks
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mchoong on January 25, 2007, 15:11:47 pm: I know that Medela sells wipes for washing your gear on the go but I must admit that I have been simply using hot soapy water at work. I also know some coworkers who are using the 'old fashioned' H20 & soap route and my LO and theirs are all thriving.

Good Luck with the return to work!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on January 26, 2007, 17:36:33 pm: Soap and hot water will be fine - I did that too! :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on February 10, 2007, 15:53:36 pm: Anyone who is able to take their lo to work? I'm about to get back to work halftime and could use some advice. The hardest part for me is feeling afraid it will be a waste of my time, that I'll be ineffective, that she'll hate it and cry constantly...best case scenario for me will be that she's asleep for most of the afternoon in a playpen and when she awakens, she will feed and play independently for a while before settling herself back to sleep. A girl's gotta dream...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on February 10, 2007, 18:19:50 pm: I've been bringing my lo with me to work on Friday afternoons since she was 3 mo- (she's 11 mo now)... she's also an "easy" baby, so it wasn't too much of a problem. Just try to keep her on your routine, and she'll be fine!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: softcheeks on February 19, 2007, 21:12:30 pm: Hi I'm new to this board, but thankfully found the Baby Whisperer book in my local library when my babs was a couple of weeks old and we are very happy to be in the EASY routine!! I just need some advice, my babs is 5mo and i am returning to work next week, the problem is that she is refusing a bottle - both breast & formula milk. She was taking breastmilk from a bottle a few weeks ago - but now refuses if i try or even is someone else tries...

What can i do??

We have been this routine
E - 8am
A - play/dress
S - 9.30am
Y -
E - 10.30 / 11am
A - play
S - 12.30 / 1pm
Y -
E - 2pm
A - play
S - 4pm
Y -
E - 5pm
A - bathtime
S - 7/7.30pm
Y -
DF - 10.30/11pm
night feeds were 2am & 4am ish - but last week or so has woken refused breast at 2am - this morning wasn't interested until 5.30 - I'm hoping she'll learning to go through the night!!

Back to going to work - I don't want to leave her but it has to be done!! :-\ Also I don't think I'll have time to pump whilst at work as I'm already doing a short day 8.30 - 3pm to start ...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on February 20, 2007, 02:37:29 am: First off, I would try to lengthen her feeding "gaps" during the day- try to go 4 hours between feeds, that way her last bottle should be at around 7-8, which might fill her belly a little more before bed and may help her to last longer through the night (you're going to want all the sleep you can get when you go back!).... about the bottles- there a a bunch of threads with tips on getting your lo to take a bottle. I will try to find one for you and post the link. check in breastfeeding and bottle feeding forums....
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on February 20, 2007, 02:38:42 am: found it!

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=67401.0
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on February 20, 2007, 17:58:39 pm: You might consider going straight to a sippy cup and giving up the bottle -some lo's actually do better with a straw too. I pumped for a few months when I went back to work too - it's very do-able!

Just keep in mind too that around 6 months many babies have a growth spurt, so it could shake things up a bit - don't be surprised if she starts waking at night again for a little while...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: softcheeks on February 22, 2007, 21:40:04 pm: Thanks for your advice!

Without prompting my little lo has been for three nights on the run:

7pm feed & bed
10pm waking for feed
1am waking - fed to comfort after 30mins
6am - waking for big feed

That is 5 hours sleep for me - yippee!! The most I've had in a trot so far... Although i think it was prob more like 3hrs as I'm struggling to sleep & waking just before lo does..?? I'm not banking on it lasting though, but it's a step in the right direction!!

Anyway, I have cut the 5pm feed & in light of our hours changing next week have tried:
E - 6am plus a nap.. (I need it at the mo!)
A - 7am
S - 9am
E - 10am
A -
S - 12pm
E - 1pm
A -
S - 3pm
E - 4pm
A - bathtime
E/S - 7pm

I am waiting for the Baby Whisperer book to come back into our library... I'm not sure about her sleeping times, it can be 40mins - 2hrs... but mostly 40mins/1hr - I'm sure it should be 2 big sleeps at 5mo??

I'm sorry to go on about our routine but going back to work next week and handing her over to a stranger i would really like to know that we have her routine right - ish at least....

I have thought about trying the 4hour routine, but she's on the 3hr dot at the mo, although my supply would certainly improve..I'll keep trying!

My mother-in-law tried her with a bottle yesterday and she wouldn't take it, it might have been because i was in the house, but it seemed like she was having difficulty with the hard Avent teat, it is a new one so maybe we'll try again with the older one.

The idea about the cup was interesting - I actually brought one last night, well it said from 4months so I thought we'd give it a go...

I'm starting to panic about going back to work now - although I am happy with my childcare arrangements.... Being up and out the house, lo ready for nursery & me for the office by 8am is a scary thought - we're normally having pj cuddles & play time until at least mid morning - I'm going to miss it loads!! :(

I think being a mummy is the most rewarding job in the world..... :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: softcheeks on February 22, 2007, 21:56:59 pm: Thank you for the link Beth, lots of great tips! :)

The funniest was jam on the teat! Or maybe I should try a Mars Bar - my lo was jumping out my arms for my naughty bit of choc the other day! Starting early!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on February 23, 2007, 18:15:28 pm: BTW, Erin, I just love the photo of Samantha in the tub! SOOO cute!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on February 24, 2007, 04:48:54 am: Anita--my mom is an attorney and a mom of 5, and she took me and my sisters to work with her when we were very little. I think it's possible to do. She said that baby swing and playpen were vital, as well as supportive coworkers. :) A lady in my office often brought her son in a few years back when he was young. She had a little pack and play set up and he did fine.

My office is full of women and they would LOVE for me to bring dd in with me. Not sure they would get any work done though. :)

Softcheeks--I am going back to work next week and my lo chose now to refuse the bottle. They love to stress mom out don't they! She has been getting a couple of bottles a week now since 4 weeks old, so I could not figure it out. After several tries with the babysitter, we had success. She just had to get used to the sitter I think. We also experimented and found a new nipple that she likes better--playtex orthodontic med. flow, which has a similar shape to the Avent pacis she likes.

I didn't really bother trying to get her to take a bottle from me. That wasn't the goal anyway--it was to get her to take one from the sitter. So we just had the sitter keep coming over to "practice". She will NOT take one if she sees me right beforehand, or if she knows I'm home. I had to hide out in my bedroom for it to work!

Erin, I also love that pic of Samantha. What a cute baby smile! Love it.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: M2L on March 17, 2007, 12:59:00 pm: I skimmed through the posts and it is nice to read about other moms who are feeling the same way about having to go back to work and trying to breastfeed at the same time.

I had asked to be off until September, until DD was 18 months old, but two weeks before my year's maternity leave (Canada) was over, my boss called me and told me to come back. :o Well, you can imagine the problems that created with child care, etc. as I didn't have anything set up! Anyway, I requested a three day work week with one day working from the house and they agreed, thankfully, or I really don't know what I would have done. My mother looks after DD for the other two days while I am at the office.

I breastfeed two or three times a day, depending on whether I am at home or not, of course. DD is a boob-lover, I don't know if she would ever wean on her own. LOL
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on March 18, 2007, 13:11:02 pm: We've been at work from about 10:45 to 2:00 for two weeks now. Last week was the worst...had me crying two days it was so rough! She was so needy and I think she also had a tummyache.....I accidentally had some dairy!!!

I'm trying to get the routine going, and now I am transitioning to a 4hr easy. I plan to rearrange the back room to get a quieter place for Claribel, but I have one problem. She gets so distracted that she can't eat well. I took a bottle Friday and she ate well when someone else gave it to her, but I'm not sure how easy it will be to get a bottle together every day! I'm hoping that the transition to a 4hr easy will improve her appetite. But I doubt it will improve her powers of concentration!

Thanks for the encouragement, I will try to keep it up. The manager, a mother of six, is my biggest cheerleader. She tries to keep me from getting discouraged, even on the really screamy days.....but she's also an advocate of CIO, and I'm decidedly NOT, so there are times when I have to tend to her and I get frustrated because it affects my to-do-list....Some mental rearranging still to be done!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: daisymelan on March 19, 2007, 13:50:34 pm: Hugs Anita.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: cookster9 on April 10, 2007, 02:54:17 am: I was lucky enough to have maternity leave for one year and when I went back to work I pumped during my lunch break at home. For those Moms who go back much sooner, you have my total respect for pumping at work. It was hard enough to do at home once a day, so I cannot imagine trying to do it at work during breaks. During those difficult days, try to remember you are giving your child a wonderful gift and your dedication is something you can be very proud of.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on April 17, 2007, 20:42:26 pm: Hey all working moms outside the US--what are maternity leave options like for you?

Here in the US most employers are legally required to offer 12 weeks unpaid. >:( After our next child (yes, we're planning ahead :) ) I would like to take at least a year off. If you take a year off, how does that work? Does your employer hire a temporary replacement?

Just thinking about options, and since I know many outside of the states are able to take a year or so, just wondering what the common practices are...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on April 18, 2007, 12:40:21 pm: Here's an interesting thread on the subject:
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=61882.0
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: debetha on May 16, 2007, 09:31:36 am: dd is 4 months, and on 4 hour EASY. I am working 2 mornings a week, leaving the house 7am, returning about 1.30pm. Soon to be 3 morning s a week. We are doing pretty well on 4 hour EASY, but it all seems to fall apart on the 2 consecutive days when i work - a combination of dd taking the bottle erratically, and routine sabotage by carers (mainly my MIL) - who will not try to resettle her for long enough when she wakes, and gives her a bottle whenever she fusses, whether it is feed time or not. So quite often she is getting a bottle at 2.5 hours post feed, taking only a couple of ounces, then sleeping less, then another small feed. When i walk through the door she then wants to feed again, a variable amount, and the routine is all out of the window. I guess we will try getting her to take more, which is difficult as she seems to be waking overnight later and later, with a knock-on effect with the 7am feed (which i have to do at 6.45 on the days I work), and downward spiral from there.
Has anyone else had similar difficulty maintaining EASY when at work?
Cheers
deb
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on May 16, 2007, 14:34:55 pm: Hugs Deb. It's hard enough being at work without knowing that your routine is going haywire at home. :P

If anything a routine is MORE important for working moms, to provide consistency for your lo when she has multiple caretakers. Perhaps you could appeal to your MIL and let her know that you really appreciate knowing what DD's doing at any given time when you're away, and knowing what to expect when you walk in the door.

Maybe you could agree on a time limit for resettling--your MIL will try to resettle for up to 20 minutes, and if that doesn't work she'll keep dd in her room doing quiet activity like reading books for another 20 minutes. That brings you almost up to your next feed time. Have her stay in the room a couple of times with you when you resettle so she sees how it's done and that it does work (she probably has doubts and gives up after a minute or two if she does try.)

I pretty much laid down the law with my nanny. Of course, it's easier because I'm paying her. :) I said dd is going to eat within these time frames and not at other times, so it's either extend the nap or entertain her until the next feed. It's easy to see which is the more appealing option.

Fortunately naps will probably extend on their own and things will get a whole lot more consistent soon, but you need to "retrain" your MIL so that she doesn't see every fuss or cry as hunger and do the ounce or two here, ounce or two there thing.

More hugs! We have great success staying on EASY (like I said, strict with the nanny) and it has made things a WHOLE lot easier for everyone.

Malia
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: debetha on May 17, 2007, 23:29:05 pm: Thanks! will give it a try. I start with a nanny in June, but MIL will babysit 1-2 times per week for a couple of hours. Hopefully the nights will also sort themselves out so that she at least takes a decent feed first thing, as otherwise it seems to have a knock on effect, making it hard for everyone
deb
PS your bub is CUTE!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on May 17, 2007, 23:57:57 pm: Thanks! :)

With MIL or other family I realize it's tough to be so bossy sometimes. You could pick one issue, either naps or feeds, and say that you're willing to compromise on the other. I.e. "I'm willing to relax a bit on the feeding schedule, but I really ask that you respect my wishes and do your best to extend naps", or the other way around. It's kind of sneaky because it looks like you're bending a little but in reality you're still getting what you want with her routine. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on May 18, 2007, 13:17:06 pm: The biggest part of back-to-work for me has been the loyal support of my coworkers, friends, and clientele. It's hard for me to get used to a baby screaming in my workplace, even though it's MY baby and MY shop!

The hard part has been:
1. Getting out of the huose every day with (almost) everything I need/intend to bring.
2. Spending all day juggling being the designer, owner, accounts payable, AND head Mommy.
3. Getting home AFTER dh, preparing dinner for us all, bfing dd, preparing bath for dd, bedtime, then dinner with dh, occasionally I do the dishes, too. Sometimes I get a little help, but only when I'm specific (Please keep an eye on the skillet and flip things, OK?....only to find he heard "Turn off the skillet and let it go cold while I tend to our daughter.")

But when it's all said and done, I get my shower and get into a bed with clean sheets (also my job), and feel like Wonder Woman!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: rayray on June 09, 2007, 14:38:12 pm: can i join?

i am from ireland, dd is 7 months and back at work for 3 months. exclusively breastfed her till 6months and now she has started solids but only takes one teaspoon a day :(

i am 22 and a single mum, i am finding bfing tough going and am considering weaning...just to get some me time back. she is a terrible sleeper too and i am so tired.

scared if i wean i will regret it
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on June 09, 2007, 17:08:34 pm: Hi there rayray. Wow, you have my admiration as a single, working, bfing mum!!!!! Congrats on making it 7 months bfing!

I've also had moments where I think bf is just too tough. However a lot of the fab women on this board have reminded me that quitting bf doesn't make tough parenting stuff go away, you might be just trading current problems for new ones. You still need to feed your baby, so you'll be dealing with buying, mixing, storing formula, cleaning and sterilizing bottles, and if your baby has sensitivities it might take awhile to find the right formula, etc. You may not end up with any more time for yourself.

No matter what, you've made it 7 months which is something to be really proud of. We'll be here to support you whatever you decide!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: rayray on June 09, 2007, 18:21:28 pm: oh what a lovely thing to say, thank you. i think my main reason for wanting to wean, is so she could stay with my mum one night and i could get some sleep. i get about 4-5 hours broken sleep a night. i think at this stage i have given her a great start and just dropping the day feeds, would be the sane as introducing any food at this stage right? however i have heard that some woman's supply can drop quickly if they drop the day feeds, anyone know if this is true?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethann on June 09, 2007, 21:19:53 pm: Working and breastfeeding is definately a challenge. I was able to do it until dd was 9 months (I became pregnant again). If you feel like you're not quite ready to give it up I would suggest posting this question on the main breastfeeding board, so you can get all the support you'll need! Also- do you work with any of the EASY routine? I used the dreamfeed and sleep training and dd was a great night sleeper! It may take a little time, but it would be worth it for you to get your sleep! And yes, dropping day feeds will cause a dip in supply. Let us know how you get on!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on June 10, 2007, 12:12:46 pm: I have found that "partial" weaning is working out for us right now. I bf in the am, pump what's leftover, feed her some solids for breakfast, she gets bottles of formula for 11 and 3, another solid feed for 6pm dinner, then I feed a bottle of ebm and some bf for bedtime, then the 11pm feed is all bf. It was easier for me emotionally to do this in stages.

As for our routine, I find that the two days her routine is in the hands of a caregiver, she's a little off, but not so bad that when dh gets her on Saturday, he can get her back on track pretty easily. And then there are four days where I have more control, and things "normalize". Most important for me in this process is to remember that overall, the months I have spent setting up the routine have given her a sense of stability, and I can see that in her happy face, no matter now long/short her naps are. And there will always be off days, no matter how perfectly someone else tries to follow a plan.

I had to learn how to relax about it all and realize that most of us were never on that kind of schedule, and we turned out alright...It's a coping machanism for US (big people) now, and just use it to your benefit, don't stress over the inconsistencies, because there will ALWAYS be inconsistencies!!!

Since Claribel is now 6mos old, and beginning to roll everywhere, crawling isn't too far behind, she doesn't make it to work with me much. It's just not fun for her. So there's a sitter on Thurs and Fri, and dh on Saturday. Then I mostly spend my days with her the first four days of the week. It's a real luxury for me to be able to spend this time with her.

Embrace the pleasures of the day, ladies, and don't forget: They will grow up FAST, and little details like naps and bfing will be a thing of the past!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on June 21, 2007, 14:27:34 pm: Hey ladies! Can I join in???
I'm 27 and DS is 16 weeks old. I am back working from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. every weekday. It is very hard but we have managed with pumping twice a day so far. My boss is very supportive, his wife works for WIC (that's a government infant nutrition program here in the US). DS is on a 4hrs routine already. He naps great and sleeps throught the night with one df at 11:00 p.m. DH is off for the summer and stays home with DS. He is great about the routine and actually he taught DS to go to sleep on his own. Sometimes we still have some crying but most of the times he goes down just like an angel. Can you tell I am blessed!!??
I plan to bf for the first year. What is your goal?

rayray - wow, you have my whole respect. I couldn't do it alone for 7 months. I am not against weaning at all, but I don't think that formula feeding will solve your time problems. Try to keep your LO on a 4 hour schedule and try some sleep training like PU/PD. Also you can try introducing solids. I hope things will get better for you soon. I know how important a good night sleep is for the both of you. 8)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on June 24, 2007, 13:09:58 pm: My original goal was to bf for a YEAR. Claribel may have other plans. She was refusing the breast for a few weeks. I kept offering, got bit a few times (still do, a little), but just kept trying. She's not as resistant now, but we're on the wening rod, anyhow.

This girl LOVES solids, and at almost 7 mos, she's finally beginning to sleep through with some regularity. I agree that it's not the formula or the solids doing it, it's just a stage of development that (THANK GOODNESS) they all seem to reach sooner or later.

ESPECIALLY if they can fall asleep on their own! Congratulations on that Marcello!

And, IMO, time was a BIG reason I switched to formula for a couple of feeds per day. It helped me a LOT. I was able to get away from the pump and onto other tasks. I totally understand wanting to exclusively breast feed, but in the scheme of things, a well-adjusted Mom who has achieved a sense of balance is better for a baby than just breastmilk. If you think that will help, there's no reason you can't try it out for a couple of days with no ill effects. Change back if it doesn't work for you. But just keep looking for balance, because there are bigger fish to fry. Besides, as I have quoted my SIL before, "Formula isn't rat poison, you know."

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Elvira on June 25, 2007, 19:20:14 pm: I would think that ideally, at least the first three months should be available to any woman with a small baby, preferably the first four. I had three months, and after that I could take on hour off for nursing. My baby only needed one bottle in between, so expressing was not a hugue issue, that was for her lunch. Because our working hours in Spain have a 2 hour interval for lunch and it was possible for me to rush home for lunch at 14.00, I had a bit more than an hour with her and nursed her at the end of the period. Her lunch was then 12.00. When she started taking solids (she loved them), at 6 months, I substituted that bottle by a cereal even though that was not what they had told me to do (first breakfast, they said, I think it does not really matter). Then I substituted afternoon meal, as sometimes it was stressful to get there on time, and when I started breakfast I substituted cereal for pureed protein together with carrots, potatoes or rice, and a green veggie (one at a time, if there,s an allergy you can detect it).

I was the only working mom in my building (eight of us had had children at the same time more or less, and all were girls) and the only one nursing. So I did not really feel like a "bad mother", just took it easy. I think the unspoken message I put across to my daughter was more or less : yes, you can have it all. No need to sacrifice yourself, no need to sacrifice your children, it is compatible.

It was compatible for thousands of years, when women worked in the fields with their nursing baby nearby, or at home (do not forget, spinning and weaving were the textile industry, preserving food the food industry, etc). Only industrialization changed that and generated a difficult challenge for us women. Adapting to the situation, being flexible, was the key for me. It is true that I also felt some relief in getting back my own personal life, and that made me stronger to cope with tantrums, bad nights, etc. But I only felt that when my dd was about a year, certainly not before when it was hard for me to leave her every morning.

Good luck to all of you, it will get easier, believe me.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: CDKs Mom on July 18, 2007, 21:36:13 pm: :-\ I'm new to the boards and so undecided. I return to work next week. Unfortunately, I was able to be on maternity leave for 6 short weeks. I have been bfing and doing well. The only problem is that I have a hard pumping. I'm only getting about 1 oz per pumping session. ??? Should I think about supplementing with formula. It will be very difficult to pump at work. There's really no private areas to be able to do it.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on July 18, 2007, 23:19:19 pm: NOt everyone is able to get much while pumping. It sounds like you're not getting a letdown when you pump.... What sort of pump is it and what time of day do you pump? Have you checked out the FAQ?
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=63603.0

It is often possible to combine nursing and formula, if you decide to go that route. It can be hard to maintain your supply, but possible - things like continuing to nurse overnight (stimulates certain hormones that help milk production), nursing on weekends, holidays and when you're home, as well as pumping (if you can) can help keep up your supply. Even some breastmilk has a lot of benefits for your lo!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: CDKs Mom on July 19, 2007, 01:50:41 am: thanks for the help. I checked the FAQ. I'm pumping with the after the first feeding in the am and then again in the evening. She's just starting to get on a good routine (about every 4 hours). I am using a Medela pump.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on July 19, 2007, 12:58:29 pm: I'm sorry to butt in, but if your LO is only 6 weeks old a 4 hour routine is not appropriate for her. You might have supply issues if you feed her only every 4 hours. I would change her routine to a 3 hour one. It is really hard to pump especially when there is no quiet, private place to do that. I am very lucky, because I have a nice office and can lock my door. I supplement my LO with formula during the day and BF in the mornings and evenings. I also pump though but mostly to keep up my supply. There is no problem to supplement with formula, it is made carefully for babies you know. Some people, especially lactation consultants like to make think it's "rat poison" and you will harm your baby, but it's not true. Of course breastmilk is the best, but the most important thing is to find a good balance and have a happy pieceful life. You baby will benefit the most if you are happy and well rested! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on July 19, 2007, 15:35:33 pm: I have to agree with marcimommy - 4 hrs between feeds is usually only once the babies are 4 months old - or even older - some bf babies don't get there for longer. At 6 weeks, there's also a growth spurt to expect, so it might be even more often than every 3 hrs. If you're going that long between feeds, I'd definitely worry about maintaining your supply. :-\ How has your lo's weight gain been, and number of wet and dirty diapers?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: CDKs Mom on July 19, 2007, 18:46:08 pm: She's actually gained 2.5 lbs since leaving the hospital. She has wet diapers just about every feeding and a bm 3-4 times in a 24 hour period. They are typical. So I haven't really been concerned about the 4 hour time frame. I'll try to bf every 3 hours today. From what i read in the FAQ, getting 1 oz pumping is pretty normal. I'll keep that up and try pumping more times during the day until I start back to work. I can still pump in the morning and the evening.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on July 19, 2007, 19:39:52 pm: hello ladies! I'd love to join you! I just started working on Monday and am finding out quickly that I am not pumping enough during the day to satisfy my LO!!! Haven't looked at the rest of this thread but would like to.

I know formula isn't rat poison, but I react to it like it's a 4-letter word. It was a forbidden word in my house... but LO had to have some Tues and probably today since I couldn't pump enough. :'(

Anyhow, would love to get more tips on keeping the pumping supply up! I've had oatmeal every day this week for breakfast!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on July 19, 2007, 19:45:33 pm: Drink lots, and you'll probably find you have to pump one extra time for the feeds - so if it's 2 bottles, maybe pump 3 times if you can. There's always fenugreek and blessed thistle to up supply too. Nurse on weekends and holidays when you can too - it builds supply more than pumping.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on July 19, 2007, 20:06:24 pm: Hey MJMom - It's nice to see you on this thread too! ;)

OK I need help, I start to freak out! DS will start day care on 07/30. Now he's home with DH and that is truly a blessing for me. :-*
Ladies please give me advice on this. How can I help the transition? How much cooperation can I expect from the day care lady? (It's a nice licensed in home day care, she has an 8 month old girl a 9 month old girl and a 2 year old boy and my babe will be the youngest with almost 5 months) I have typed up 2 pages of intructions including his daily routine and wind down and feeding instructions etc. I also have prepared a log to track his sleep and feedings. Do you think it's OK to have her keep the log every day? I will meet with her again next week Wednesday and will try to go through the intructions. Give me advice how to deal with this. I know I'm a nut case but I am really freaking out! Tell me how it worked out for you, I'd love to know your success stories!!! THANKS A LOT!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: CDKs Mom on July 19, 2007, 21:04:21 pm: Hi Marcimommy... my daycare actually asked me for all of this information. I guess that may not be the standard for all daycares. They created a log that will show when she has feedings, when she is active and when she has wet and dirty diapers. They also requested that I provide them her current schedule so they could keep her on track.

I guess the thing to remember is that you are paying for their care. I don't think it's too much to ask for this information.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: malialeanne on July 20, 2007, 03:10:05 am: Hi Marcimommy,

You have every right to expect the caretaker to keep the log for you. As a working mom myself, I expect and need to know how well/long dd has slept during the day, how much she has eaten and when, whether she's had a dirty diaper, etc.

As for how receptive she'll be and whether she'll help you stick to EASY--honestly, some people are more willing to do this type of thing than others. Hopefully you established a good rapport with her and she's amenable to a routine (not an anti-routine person as some are). :) If sticking to EASY and a routine are important to you, and she's not willing to do it, then it's not a good fit. Remember that although it seems overwhelming right now, you just take it one day at a time. If this person doesn't end up being a good fit, there ARE other options out there. :)

It's also good to keep in mind that she will be taking care of other kids, so you may not be able to expect her to keep to your routine exactly as you do, but as long as she does the best she can and is respectful of your wishes, you'll be able to navigate any small issues that crop up!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on July 20, 2007, 03:15:34 am: marcimommy~ I ditto Malia's comments. You have every right to request a schedule as well as get Logs. As you know, we just started with a nanny this week and when I was interviewing, that was important to me that they not only follow the prescribed schedule (Or at least try to with the 45 minute nap monster lurking!) but to also do a Log. She's been fantastic and even started reading the BW books as well! But most every one I interviewed said that they would. If they won't follow your schedule, I would move on. It's your good money paying for them. They work for you, you are the employer. You have every right to request that and expect it.

Btw, good to see you here too!

Good luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on July 20, 2007, 19:10:18 pm: Marcimommy- I didn't see...how often will your LO be in her care? I know that my dd is only in a sitter's care for two days per week, and it really doesn't upset the routine if for some reason she is unable to keep to the "perfect" schedule. I just get her back on track when she's with me.

I think it's important to decide on a PRIORITY. I told my sitter, if her naps are off because of extra activity or whatever at the sitter's place, JUST KEEP TO THE FEED SCHEDULE. I found that focusing on one detail as the most important left enough room for error, and still kept a rhythm to her day. The feed is at 11 and 3, no matter what....and now solids at 12:30. It has worked well for dd, even though some days she comes home overtired because of activity around her during naptime, she bounces right back on days she's at home with me.

As important and valuable as a routine is, I found the most important thing for my own peace is that she LOVES her sitter and is HAPPY when she comes home at the end of the day. No matter what else happens (and believe me, I LOVE MY BW!!) as long as my daughter receives TLC and is somewhat held to a flexible schedule, I'm happy. And she's happy.

Don't stress over what hasn't happened yet, either. Our babes are SO ADAPTABLE. Follow your heart and let your lo let you know whether it works for her.

Best of luck, and in the long run, you'll know what's right for her....but sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet and hope for the best! My thoughts are with you.

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on August 16, 2007, 05:06:16 am: Quote from: CDKs Mom on July 18, 2007, 21:36:13 pm
:-\ The only problem is that I have a hard pumping. I'm only getting about 1 oz per pumping session.

CDKs Mom, I'm the same. I can only pump about 1 oz to 2oz per session. Does that mean I should pump ont he other breast everytime I BF my DD and every hour thereafter to get more EBM? That's like me doing nothing but that the whole day.

I am fortunate that I own my own business and can decide when I go back to work. However, if I take too long to go back, I might lose my clients.

Did those of you who pump more than 2oz per session get that from the start or did that build up gradually?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Jacob's Mommy on August 16, 2007, 08:17:11 am: hi - can i find out from anyone how do they maintain their supply when they working. I have been working since June and recently it seems my supply is dropping. I have tried fenugreek and drinking malt but doesn't seem to help. I usually pump twice - once at 10am and 3pm. I use to be able to pump out 360ml in total now i can barely do 300? any ideas

i'm a bit panicky :-\ :-\- i guess i am anxious about introducing formula (i kinda enjoy BF and it seems the only thing I have done successfully without struggling). just for some info, LO is on 4hr EASY and has about 140ml per feed and still has 1 bottle at 4am.

Thanks...sherry
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on August 16, 2007, 12:08:16 pm: hi sherry!

I had the same trouble. I finally gave in when dd decided she didn't want to bf anymore. Fast flow nipples are more her style!

However, when I did work to maintain, I found that Traditional Medicinals makes a Mother's Milk tea that, when I had three or five cups per day, it increased my supply. It's not unpleasant tasting, and it really seemed to do the trick.

My concern (unfounded?) is that without the regular hormonal stimulation of the baby suckling, the quantity dwindles anyhow. I don't KNOW that, but it's what I felt.

Best of luck. And remember that there will always be things you do well as a mother, and things that you aren't yet expert at. Most important is the love and concern you show for your lo. And LOVE is where it's at! Not necessarily just your breast!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 16, 2007, 12:32:25 pm: Quote from: Jacob's Mommy on August 16, 2007, 08:17:11 am
hi - can i find out from anyone how do they maintain their supply when they working. I have been working since June and recently it seems my supply is dropping. I have tried fenugreek and drinking malt but doesn't seem to help. I usually pump twice - once at 10am and 3pm. I use to be able to pump out 360ml in total now i can barely do 300? any ideas

i'm a bit panicky :-\ :-\- i guess i am anxious about introducing formula (i kinda enjoy BF and it seems the only thing I have done successfully without struggling). just for some info, LO is on 4hr EASY and has about 140ml per feed and still has 1 bottle at 4am.

Thanks...sherry

weel I am now stopping to pump at work and only do BF mroning & evenings because I am getting too tired and need time for myself to recuperate, but up to now when I sense that my milk production was getting lower I was drinking fennel tea and it worked like a million! sometimes too good that elisa had trouble keeping up with the flow, then I knew I had to stop the tea!! :D
I hope it helps!
Muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on August 16, 2007, 13:08:57 pm: kris - your LO is very little. It is normal that you can only pump 2-3 oz at the time. It is a demand-supply thing. when she gets older and can eat more at one time your supply will go up. For now you can try to pump on the other side when you BF her or pump right after feeding. How long do you think you will be able to stay home? I think you should wait at least 6 weeks to return because according to my experience that's how much your body will need to establish good breastfeeding. ;)

sherry - I went through the same thing. Fennel tea and Mother's Milk tea has helped me a lot. Also make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and rest enough and take prenatal vitamins. do not stress yourself about it, that will just make it worse. Some days I still can't pump enough and than I have to supplement with formula. No worries, just pump as much as you can and fill up the rest of the bottle with formula. Also if you r LO is on a full 4 hours EASY he should be able to eat more than 140 ml per feed. Perhaps if you up his feedings during the day, he would not have to be fed at 4:00 a.m. anymore. ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Jacob's Mommy on August 16, 2007, 13:26:01 pm: hi all

thanks so much for the advise will definately go out and get some tea.

hi suzanna - what i would give for DS to drink more milk. I just increased his bottle to 140ml and he never finishes it (most of the time he leave about 10 - 20mls). At times he'll only take 80mls and if he's really grouchy less!!! I guess that's y i still DF and keep the 4am feed. DS is a grumpy baby and it's really hard to get him to drink from the bottle but I am open to suggestions on how to get him to drink milk from the bottle - I have literally tried everything even my pead has run out of ideas!!! ;) She says most likely he won't take more cuz he knows he vomit it out so just be patient and he'll take more feeds when he is ready!! sigh sigh
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on August 16, 2007, 14:24:58 pm: Sorry Sherry, I don't have a shot. ??? My LO gulps away 8 oz in 15-20 min , no problem. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 16, 2007, 14:26:33 pm: Hi! I sure agree with suzanna, it also took me 6 weeks to feel like BF was part of normal daily routine! You start to know how your baby reactions are to different situations and so on, also when he/she is taking the BF well or is just playing with your nipple for fun!! ::) So Kris, no worry for the pumping, you will get more and more suprise later of all what finally can come out of your breasts and that the milk keeps on getting more without you doing anything!!!!
;)
Muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 16, 2007, 14:40:24 pm: Quote from: marcimommy on August 16, 2007, 13:08:57 pm
sherry - I went through the same thing. Fennel tea and Mother's Milk tea has helped me a lot. Also make sure you drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and rest enough and take prenatal vitamins. do not stress yourself about it, that will just make it worse.
I'm just tired thinking about it!!!

I echo Suzanna's comments as well re: 1 - 2 oz. I could never get more than that when my LO was little. well, littler. :)

I actually have to work really hard to keep milk supply up. I did read that the sucking action is what keeps the milk prod up and I'm thinking it is dependant on the mom... and for me, I need it! Where I can pump 15 oz during the day on Monday, by Friday I am down to 9. During the work week, I pump 3 times a day, although my LO only eats twice. During the weekends, I pump immediately after each feeding during the day to boost the milk production and to start the week with a little extra milk.

This is after I started taking Fenugreek. Before, I was barely getting 8 oz a day. I'm definitely going to try that Fennel tea. pumping on the weekends is really getting old!

Riddle me this though... when I pump at work, it's 4-6 oz at a time. When I pump immediately after a feeding on the weekends... I get 4 oz... is it me, or is that just WEIRD!!!

And to echo Muriel, it really is amazing what can come out! And if you detach too early from the pump... I'll leave it at that... every one who has done that knows what I'm talking about!!! ;D

Btw Hi suzanna ***waving madly*** good to see you here!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on August 17, 2007, 02:16:30 am: thanks guys for the encouragement. sometimes i feel bad when i hear other people are able to pump so much because i do want to give BF to Isabella for as long as i can, even when i'm back at work.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 17, 2007, 03:34:03 am: Definitely don't feel bad. I'm definitely not a marathon pumper. But I'm also very committed to this. And I remind myself of that when I get irritated at bringing my pump home! And pumping on the weekends. Etc.

On another note... I have never so much just wanted to say forget it and try to be a sahm. I just do not want to go back to work. It's been a month. I'm getting used to it... and I would just rather be at home with my LO. <sigh>
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 17, 2007, 09:50:23 am: hi! sure don't feel bad!!!!
I just also remembered another tip: take a photo of your LO and look at it when pumping!! that also help very much to make your milk come up! I tell you it works too! It help you focus on you and your baby at the time of pumping and make your "love hormones" (oxcytocine if I am correct?) work for you!!
This was a tip I got by the lady who comes at your place few hours per day for 8 days after the birth,. We have a special system here in the netherlands: someone comes to help you in your house and give you an hand to learn how to bath and so on your LO! As we have this sytem, then we also can give birth at home (which I did! and found very nice!! even if I planned to go to the hospital at first with epidural but I did not get the time to get there at the end!! :))
So may be it works for you! I also did some yoga classes as preparation for the birth and I still use some of the excercices when pumping when I see it stresses me up or so!
well, in any case, sure you give a lot of love to you LO and this is even better than BF milk so keep the love that what makes you the real mama on and just relax about the milk! milk is always replacable, the mama love not!! :-*

and sure I also miss my LO when I am at work which make my concentration level very low compared to before!! it is like my all focus is gone (I used to be a harder worker, just because I liked what I did!! now it seems a bit less interesting!!) and i am looking at my watch at the end of the afternoon!! crazy how things shiffted!!
anyone experiencing this??

muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on August 17, 2007, 12:57:39 pm: Oh yeah, same here. I can't wait to get out of the office by the end of the day! DH usually goes to pick the baby up first and then picks me up. So DS is usually right there when I get out, which is good. Least I don't have to wait to get to the day care to see him! :D

kris - don't worry! Everything will fall into place as time goes by. the first few weeks are hectic but it gets better after that! You see, you will be able to pump 6-7 oz by the time your LO is 5 months old ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 17, 2007, 13:30:00 pm: muriel, don't know why I didn't mention that! I have 3 full size pictures of my LO up in the mother's room at work! The mother's room at work is only 2 yrs old, so I'm ring-leading this effort to get an Anne Geddes print in there as well as have all the previous moms who used the room to provide pics of their LOs with other pertinient info, like how long they BF'd to give later moms inspiration!

6-7 oz? Suzanna, when will I get that much!?!? LOL! if I pump when LO eats, I only get 4-5 generally. If I forget and I'm an hour late pumping because I'm caught up at work, then and only then will I get 6. Never more than 6 and it's a struggle to get that!

And muriel, yes, I find that I am at work to do a job, and go home. I used to work late, bring my work home. I do NONE of that now. At 5, I get up and leave what ever is there behind. I may check my black berry at home, but I'm not an addict like I used to be. I just find my job pretty darn meaningless these days.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 17, 2007, 13:52:22 pm: Alissa, well I see our little ones have only 3 weeks apart (yours being the oldest!) so may be it comes with the time in which we are in?? I find it somehow difficult to be at the same time a mum, a super working one and thinking I am should still be or feel like a sexy woman in addition!! well managing the three looks to me like a difficult juggling act and at this time I only feel like I want to be a mum!
mmm...he! sorry!! I also feel like having my body and energy back but that always comes 2nd!! ::)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 17, 2007, 14:38:56 pm: Muriel,

You must come join Suzanna and I on the March / April '07 birth chat! It's for all LO's born in oddly enough... March/April '07! Here's a link! I'm quite attached to my birth group! Great group of ladies and we're all going through about the same thing!
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=89114.0

I hear you though... I'm all about 2 out of 3 for now. With work totally being in the back burner. I'll have to admit though (sans the 1/2box of oreos I ate yesterday... yes... a 1/2 box... I ate my days worth of calories in oreos) but besides that, I do feel pretty good most days. DH and I went out for dinner on our anniversary. As I was walking through the bar to the ladies room, I felt a mountain of stares and actually noticed guys turning their heads as I was walking through! BOY DID THAT FEEL GOOD!!!! Heels and a backless dress always help a situation like that, but still! I had to brag to DH when I got back to the table too. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: mj_romo on August 17, 2007, 17:24:53 pm: Hi ladies. I'm hoping to get some advice. I have a 5-mo old daughter and will be returning to work in a couple of weeks. I'm a college professor, and my boss thought he gave me a good schedule for teaching and pumping, but what he gave me ends up with me having to pump at a different time every day. On M/F I'll be home with DD and BFing on demand, with pumping, too. I'm home in the mornings, and can pump at a consistent time then; it's afternoons that are the problem.

On Tues, I can pump at 4:30, on Wed. at 3, and on Thurs. at 5. Then, Saturday's, I teach a 9-5 class where I can probably pump before class and then again at 12. Every night but Tues I'll be home for her 7pm feeding; that night I'm not done until 10.

I'm really afraid I'm going to have problems and not be able to supply enough EBM for her because of this wacky schedule. Does anyone have any experience with this? Will I be more dependent on the morning pumpings to supply her? Are Sun/Mon and Fri of on-demand BFing going to be enough to keep my supply regular?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 17, 2007, 17:37:11 pm: In the mornings, will you be feeding her directly in addition to pumping?
IMO, you will probably be fine if you're only exclusively pumping four afternoons a week. It sounds like you will have a lot more time with your LO directly at your breast than I do which is what stimulates the milk production. I understand the pump doesn't actually stimulate the production, it just extracts whereas the babe will actually stimulate the production.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on August 17, 2007, 18:40:55 pm: Hi Mandy - my DS is just 2 days older than your DD ;)
I have been back in the office and regularly pumping since June so I got a little experience already. I'd say don't worry about the schedule. I almost never pump at the same time. +- 1 hour is OK according my experience. the first weeks will be hard becuase your body will have to adjust but don't get panicked just keep pumping whenever you can. Getting enough milk doen't depend on pumping exactly at the same time every day. You will have to find a quiet place where you will be able to relax and have a pic of your LO with you or just close your eyes and think about her. It will help your let down.

Alissa - I bottle feed my LO 4 times out of the 5 and pump 3 times a day and I don't have any problems maintaining my supply (oooops, I hope I didn't jinx it ;D ) But you're right normally theu recommend to BF whenever you can to keep the supply. I guess I have crazy boobs or a very good pump! LOL ;D ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 17, 2007, 18:51:15 pm: Quote from: marcimommy on August 17, 2007, 18:40:55 pm
I guess I have crazy boobs or a very good pump! LOL ;D ;)
I envy your crazy boobs! :D

Mandy, in other words, you're getting advice from both ends of the spectrum, crazy boob lady and dwindling supply boob lady. Between the two of us, we'll get your milk supply issues sorted out! LOL!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 20, 2007, 10:20:30 am: mm mm - well I think I don't have crazy boobs nor low suplly!! so Mandy here the view of the "boobs of the middle"!! :)
well, i work 4 days a week full time and have meetings scheduled not always by me so I had to be a bit flexible on my pumping times, i was pumping once in the morning and once in the afternoon for four days. I was trying to pump at 11.00 and then at 15.00 but it had to vary sometime of an hour around those times, and still it went fine. The only problem I could see was when i pumped to late afternoon I had one day the impression it was too close to the BF time with my LO then and that I got not enough milk then for her, but she caught up the feed after. And this problem only occurred one and it was also after 4 days pumping already! So in my view with your pumping times, you will be just fine!!!

Alissa - sure I will join your birth group!! sounds cool to have a birth group!! :-*

Muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: gena on August 21, 2007, 00:29:40 am: okay, i skimmed this thread and i think i got the gist. I think you will be fine as long as you get the same amount of pumping or nursing during the day. when i went back to work (I am a middle school teacher) I added an extra pumping at night. I nursed him at 6:30 and then would pump at 9:30. I did this to have enough milk and hopefully make some for his cereal as well. At first i did not make much but overtime with my commitment I starting getting enough to meet his needs and have enough milk for his cereal. I dont know if that helps or if you are already doing this. I sure hope so. Way to be commited. Keep it up. You rock.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 23, 2007, 15:30:50 pm: OK, I could just cry. Tuesday night, I had a work function, so I didn't BF my LO, but I pumped instead. Last night I tried to feed LO before bed, like I always do. And I DIDN'T HAVE enought!!! It took one night. Count it! ONE NIGHT for my supply to dwindle!!! So, I had to feed her a bottle of that precious precious EBM that I barely can pump enough of during the day!!!

I'm not going out again without my LO until I'm done BF'ing.

I did just get approval to work from home on Wednesdays (like, 2 minutes ago!!!) to help keep my production up!! (That was a funny conversation... There was a group of us and he had just said how the hardest conversation he had to have with his kids was the sex conversation... it made it very easy for me to then say I had a supply issue for BF'ing! :D He had also mentioned in the same conversation that his wife BF'd all their kids.)

I also borrowed a co-workers pump so I could have one at home and one at the office so I don't have to keep lugging it back and forth!

I've read about "Baby moons" where you basically spend a weekend letting your LO eat often and plentiful to increase production. Has any one ever done this? MJ is on a solid 4 hr EASY and I don't want to turn her into a snacker or create NW's.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 23, 2007, 18:36:38 pm: Quote from: MJMom on August 23, 2007, 15:30:50 pm
OK, I could just cry. Tuesday night, I had a work function, so I didn't BF my LO, but I pumped instead. Last night I tried to feed LO before bed, like I always do. And I DIDN'T HAVE enought!!! It took one night. Count it! ONE NIGHT for my supply to dwindle!!!

oh dear!! lots of hugs!!! :-* :-* :-*
sure must feel like a rough time but sure your milk production will come up again, jut eat plenty and drink as much as you can that always help! i never did the baby moons but i can imagine that as much your baby is sucking as much it makes milk come. But i would do on last resort, especially if your 4 hrs easy works fine! may be if you think you don't have enough for now, top her with a formula bottle. Just make one before you BF and have it at hand for when you finish BFing and you will see what she takes. May be it is not so much so that makes you feel a little better and not worrying about enough EBM pumped or not! if she already get part as BF she still gets all the good stuff!!
Did you try drinking fennel tea? i know this helps me a lot, may be worth to try also.
did you also had to work a lot the last days? may be stress does not help for the BF?
in any case, think you are doing your best and don't worry too much, may be it comes bcak by itself in a couple of days!!
{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 23, 2007, 19:01:59 pm: Quote from: elisa's mama on August 23, 2007, 18:36:38 pm
Did you try drinking fennel tea?
I have not. I will add that to my shopping list of galactagogues to buy this evening! I'm also going to buy blessed thistle and alfalfa as well as mother's milk tea. I already take fenugreek.

I started taking more fenugreek this morning and did get an extra 2 ounces from my first pump, so I was a little encouraged. I normally only get 4 oz, but got 6 this morning. Back to 4 for my early afternoon pump, but I'll take what ever the milk gods want to send my way!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on August 23, 2007, 19:25:05 pm: courage alessa!! you are on the good way!! and remember you will always pump less that what your LO takes, pumping is only taking the milk out of the breasts! so this means you have more milk for your LO that what you are pumping in any case!!! and i tell you a bit of fennel tea (it tastes strange but you get used to it!!) and yoiu will soon have too much!!!
lots of hugs! :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on August 23, 2007, 20:07:02 pm: LOL Alissa this should be our new greeting "May the Milk Gods bless your boobs"
I am not doing so great right now either. DS and I both are coming down with a cold and the lack of sleep has taken it's toll on my milk supply. Also I don't drink enough fluids. You ladies seriously will have to scream at me time to time to go and get a bottle of water. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on August 23, 2007, 23:59:55 pm: Quote from: marcimommy on August 23, 2007, 20:07:02 pm
LOL Alissa this should be our new greeting "May the Milk Gods bless your boobs"
I think that's fantastic!

Make the Milk Gods bless all of our boobs!!!

And I will definitely try Fennel tea. My trip to the store is thwarted with a torrential downpour and a tornado warning, but I will definitely go tomorrow and pick some up.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: elliesmama on August 28, 2007, 21:33:29 pm: Maybe you ladies can help me out. I am a musician and have a very weird schedule and sometimes cannot pump at the same time everyday. And sometimes I have to be on stage and miss a feeding (nanny gives her a bottle) and then by the time I'm off stage it's time for the next feeding so I don't have time to pump. I'm only pumping maybe once per day so that I can have a little stockpile since I only need bottles on the weekends really. Is all of this inconsistency going to have an effect on my milk supply, or can I assume that dd will let me know if it's a problem? Lately she's been a little more fussy at the boob, but she always comes away at least looking satisfied.

thanks!
laurie
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on August 28, 2007, 23:33:42 pm: I'd let her be the judge. Breasts can be fairly flexible. If you know you're going to be on stage during a feed, you could always pump just before you go on (or whenever possible!), then feed her after, and if you're still quite full after her feed, pump then too. If she's seeming a bit fussy lately, she could be heading towards the 3 month growth spurt...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: elliesmama on August 30, 2007, 05:11:19 am: you know, i bet you're right. i think she is in a growth spurt because she's been fussy and waking up at weird times and is eating for like 45 minutes at a time instead of her normal 20-30. thanks for reminding me that that was coming up! i will try to pump before going on stage...it just gets so inconvenient because usually i'm setting up my stuff before and then packing up or meeting people afterward, so it never seems like there's enough time and privacy to do that.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 02, 2007, 22:33:37 pm: Hi Ladies, I am joining your group. I also have a weird schedule Laurie. I only work afternoons but not the same hours every day. I teach Ballet. With my First Daughter, I always forgot to pump and it didn't help my supply. So now I try pumping at the same time that LO should have eaten or as Erin said before (a class, in my case).

Suzanna, I am the same way, I always forget to drink water, but never Soda (Coke), I know this is a horrible addiction, I start everyday wanting to drink more water but I end up drinking only Coke.

Ana
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on September 03, 2007, 13:24:16 pm: Hi Ana - welcome!! My concern about the Coke would be the caffeine - do you drink decaf? Caffeine will work against your hydration, remember (and it also gets into the bm and could keep you lo up!)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on September 03, 2007, 14:38:44 pm: Also, the phosphorous in the fizzy beverages can interfere with a person's absorption of CALCIUM!!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 03, 2007, 16:41:24 pm: LADIES, MILK GOD SAYS TO DRINK PLENTY!!!
water is the best or fennel tea works fine too! what i do is that o bought a big 2 litres water bottle that i fill in the morning so i can monitor what i drink, if not it is the last thing i think of and so far it helped keeping the milk supply!
;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: elliesmama on September 03, 2007, 23:15:26 pm: I have a hard time drinking water too, so I went out and got a huge 32oz water bottle that I try to remember to bring with me during the day. Drinking two is my goal...don't often attain it, though.

Pumping has gotten extremely difficult for me the last couple days so I've slacked off, which probably doesn't help. I usually am able to get 2 oz per session (only one session per day)...but yesterday and the day before I could not get one single drop from the right side! :( I know I need to keep pumping, but it's hard to find the motivation with such low output! We don't have a concert for the next couple weeks which makes it even less pressing to me... :P
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 03, 2007, 23:54:13 pm: Thanks ladies, I needed to read that. starting today no more coke. Lots of Water

Gotta Make the Milk Gods Happy ;)

Ana
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 04, 2007, 18:54:47 pm: Quote from: elliesmama on September 03, 2007, 23:15:26 pm
I have a hard time drinking water too, so I went out and got a huge 32oz water bottle that I try to remember to bring with me during the day. Drinking two is my goal...don't often attain it, though.

Pumping has gotten extremely difficult for me the last couple days so I've slacked off, which probably doesn't help. I usually am able to get 2 oz per session (only one session per day)...but yesterday and the day before I could not get one single drop from the right side! :( I know I need to keep pumping, but it's hard to find the motivation with such low output! We don't have a concert for the next couple weeks which makes it even less pressing to me... :P

laurie - keep it up!! courage i know pumping is hard but with time i tell you it gets better!! take some picture with you of your LO it also helps keeping focus and help the milk to come up too!!
muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 05, 2007, 02:22:45 am: Laurie, all I can say is I understand how you feel, but try to extract so you can BF as much as you can it is worth it :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: elliesmama on September 05, 2007, 02:55:59 am: Thanks, ladies, for the encouragement! I'm going to try to get up the energy to pump tonight--I hope it gets better!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on September 05, 2007, 11:44:21 am: I remember that when I would pump one hour AFTER a feed, it really increased my supply. And seriously, the Mother's Milk tea is VERY effective, esp. taken "as directed" (4-5cups per day).

Best wishes, and power to the tatas!

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 05, 2007, 15:43:31 pm: Anita, when you drank the mother's milk tea, did you also take fenugreek or "more milk" or fennel tea?

I bought all of the above. Yes... all of the above, but then didn't want to over kill so I've been doing half of the recommended of all of them. Not sure if it's helping, but at least my supply hasn't continued it's dip and it's remained steady for a whole week and a half now. That at least is progress. :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on September 05, 2007, 16:36:04 pm: I only used Traditional Medicinals Mother's Milk tea. Sometimes I would have about 2 or 3 cups of chamomile tea, as well.

I was off dairy, suspicious that it was cuasing my dd some digestive trouble, but I kept up my calcium supplements. Being a (slightly) older Mom, I was concerned about calcium, esp after dropping dairy.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 05, 2007, 17:15:55 pm: Thanks. I have that brand as well.

What ethnic background is your LO? Looks like a bit of Asian? Just curious. Our Lo is 1/4 Japanese, 1/4 Irish and 1/2 polish.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on September 05, 2007, 17:52:34 pm: alissa - Is your DH polish?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 05, 2007, 18:06:48 pm: Yup! 100%. Not from the motherland, but both his parents are off the boat. My mom is off the boat Japanese.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on September 05, 2007, 18:15:36 pm: Cool! I'm 100% hungarian, First generation or off the boat as you call it (allthough we flew here ;D )

So how's pumping today everybody. I am struggling for some reason. It has gotten better for a couple days but now I am back to being short 2-3 ozs per day. Oh well, I have learnt to relax about it :)

MAY THE MILK GODS BLESS EVERYBODY'S BOOBS ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 05, 2007, 18:29:22 pm: ;) Yeah. Grandparents flew over too. But "off the boat" is just so colorful! :) Been saying it for years!! Cool. Hungary. Almost went to Budapest. Went to Prague instead. Sorry. Isn't the hungarian language similar to polish?

I've always been short what I pump at work for weeks. After I dropped the dream feed though, I started pumping before I go to bed. That makes up for the deficit at work.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 05, 2007, 19:26:32 pm: This is so cool you all have great backgrounds. Well I am from the other side of the globe (for some) Ecuador/South America. Probably there's a lot of Spanish blood in my background and a tiny bit of Italian.

Ana
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: carolynq on September 12, 2007, 20:36:20 pm: I need some help/advice! I have a 6.5 month old who started daycare about a month ago. I've been pumping and would prefer to avoid formula if possible (he has a possible milk and/or soy allergy). My first question is how much is a normal amount of milk to send to daycare. He is separated from me from 7:30am until 3:30pm. I usually nurse him around 6am and then again when we get home (so around 3:45pm). I've been sending 11 ounces, but his provider asked for more since he isn't satisfied with his afternoon 6 ounce bottle. He is also polishing off a size 3 fruit at breakfast and another one at lunch. He weighs over 22 lbs.

My next question is how to get more milk!? I teach and only have one opportunity to pump at work. I pump at 11am since I have access to a private office and don't teach at that time. I then pump again at night before going to bed after the lo's (I have 3 total) are asleep. I'm not sure what I can do - or if I even need to do something.

Thanks for any replies. I feel a bit overwhelmed right now.
Carrie
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on September 12, 2007, 22:10:59 pm: One option is at that age to up the solids a little. He sounds like a big boy and can probably handle some grain or veggies, which might provide him a "Stick to his ribs effect". Good luck! Of course, now that my lo is 9.5mo, I send some grain, yogurt, fruit and veggie, PLUS 16oz formula.

When I first sent my dd, she was a little younger, but was bf AND formula fed, so I sent two 8oz bottles for the day. Sometimes she didn't finish them, but at least she had and didn't need instead of needed and didn't have...

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 13, 2007, 02:32:15 am: Also, if you want to increase your supply, have you tried Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle or another galactagogue?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: carolynq on September 13, 2007, 02:43:04 am: I am drinking Mother's Milk tea which has fenugreek and blessed thistle as well as several other herbs. It does help. I will try sending more food. Today I sent 7 ounces for lunch and he polished that off plus 14 ounces of milk (plus 6 ounces of bananas for breakfast). I don't think I could pump more than 11 ounces at my one time at work - max!

Thanks for the input. I will keep trying. I don't know how moms manage to pump so much! However, I looked at the hypo-allergenic formula at the store and the price made me gulp. So, I'll keep trying.

Carrie
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 13, 2007, 02:45:49 am: I finally found mothers Milk tea here, I will start tomorrow lets hope it works, I have to travel in 2 weeks and need to leave her with some of my milk. I now she won't be able to just feed BM but at least I would like to leave her enough for 2 feeds. ( I will be away for 2 weeks, any advice on that)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 13, 2007, 02:53:03 am: Carrie, I can actually only pump between 4-7 ounces at a time, so any more that you can get is fantastic! i have to pump at least twice if I have any hope of feeding my LO as well as night once. Any way you can get another pump session in?

Also, are you still taking multi-vitamins or pre-natals? I noticed I get more yield when I take my vitamins. Also, I noticed that depending on what I eat, I get a higher yield. If I eat a balanced meal with a protein, carb, and leafy greens, I can get almost twice as much as if I eat, say, pizza.

have you checked the kellymom.com website? There are lots of tips there as well.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on September 13, 2007, 13:16:58 pm: Yeah, I have to agree with Alissa, 11 oz at one pumping is great, I don't think you can up that! The only way I see is to have another pumping session.
I BF my LO and feed him a jar of stage 1 baby food in the morning. I pack him 2 bottles EBM, each 8 oz (sometimes I can't pump enough so I have to supplement 2-3 oz formula) and a jar of baby food. We will switch to stage 2 foods this weekend.
Also before buying any hypoallergenic baby formula you might want to try the sensitive ones. They are much cheaper. Was he tested for Milk/Soy allergy? A lot of babies are sensitive to dairy first but by 6-7 months they outgrow it. Their digestive system matures around this age. My LO used to be sensitive to dairy protein as well and I just recently started eating some dairy again. I use the Enfamil Gentlease or the Nestle Good Start with the comfort proteins. these have broken down proteins and less lactose than regular formula but are milk based and taste much better than the hypoallergenic ones. I used the Nutramigen but it was nasty and DS wouldn't eat it after a few days.

I hope this helps!

When was your LO born? Alissa and me are on the same birth club, the March/April 2007 babies birth club and it's a great group. ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 13, 2007, 15:19:56 pm: Quote from: marcimommy on September 13, 2007, 13:16:58 pm
My LO used to be sensitive to dairy protein as well and I just recently started eating some dairy again.
Suzanna- OMG! My LO too! I just started eating dairy again 2 weeks ago! Can I tell you Latte's, Cheesecake and pizza have never tasted SOOOOOOO good!!!!
And that half a wheel of brie may have been a bit over board last Sunday, but boy did I miss Brie! The Goat's milk brie is just not the same as double cream cow's milk brie!!!
<bliss!>
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: carolynq on September 14, 2007, 01:08:18 am: My son was born end of February.

How did you know to avoid dairy and what made you try eating it again? The pediatrician told me to eliminate it from my diet since there was mucousy blood in ds's stool. When I stopped eating soy and dairy it went away. That was right around 5 months. We have an appointment with an allergist in November. I'm really hoping it was just coincidence, but the doctor said everything followed the allergy pattern.

I wish I could add another pumping, but my schedule just doesn't allow it. I can't even manage to pump another time after I get home until the kids are asleep (too difficult, and talk about not being able to relax - I tried today and as soon as I was set up my daughter managed to get the can-opener off the counter and started playing with it - followed by climbing into the baby swing - and she's two!).

The kellysmom website is very good. Eating oatmeal for breakfast is something I can do to help.

Thanks for the support. I'm trying to add say to my diet and see if that bothers my son. If he's not allergic to soy, at least there is a more reasonable option.

Carrie
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 14, 2007, 07:45:33 am: hi carolyn!
well here (in the netherlads! ;D) for all babies breastfed, the midwifes advise to give only hypoallergenic baby formula, not even try any other milk until real solids are introduced! so you see, things vary a bit everywhere.
I have to say i buy the hypoallergenic of nutrilon and never got any problem when completing the BF with bottles. especially i am now giving 3 BF and 2 bottles and it seems to work out without allergy. I am quite glad because we have a lot of allergy in the familly so may be it works for you too!!
and oh my good you lucky woman 11 oz is really a lot!!!!! your LO is already really really lucky to get that much so don't make your life too complicated, especially with 2 kids and working you alreday have a busy life!!! you can already be proud of all your current efforts, not everyone would do so!! ;D ;D
if you don't manage to get more milk pumped just try to find another milk that suits the allergy OK! sure there is many brands around, may be one fit your LO!
in any case you know we are all admiring your 11oz!! ;)

good luck vibes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Anita S. on September 14, 2007, 10:55:55 am: And as I have posted before, my SIL went back to work and was having trouble keeping up with her ds needs....her good friend told her "You know, formula isn't rat poison!"

Keep it in perspective. It's nutritious and good for babies. BF is best, but there are wonderful alternatives in this day and age and we can all be grateful and rest easier knowing our babies will not only not starve, but also thrive with other options. And YOU can stop worrying about it.

I know when I began supplementing with a couple of formula bottles per day, I felt a bit strange about it at first. Claribel had colic and I thought for sure she would react poorly to formula, but a friend suggested I give it a try for a couple of days. You can always change your mind! To my surprise, she had no adverse reaction! I used one for gassy/fussy babies, with 1/4 the lactose of others. It isn't as expensive as hypoallergenic and she still loves it at almost 10mo!

Working moms (by that I mean also working out of the home, because SAHMs are workling, too!) need to strike a balance, and that balance is always changing. Go easy on yourself and remember that you're doing what's best for you and your baby. Everything will work out.

-Anita
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on September 14, 2007, 13:53:21 pm: OK it seems your LO had more serious reaction to milk than mine. My DS was just gassy and his stool turned mucousy from dairy bot no blood. they say either way around 1 year they get better. If he started having these symptomes around 5 months old, than I would still stay away from dairy and soy at least for 2-3 more months. In any case before using hypoallergenic formula, I would try the Enfamil Gentlease or the Nestle Good Start with the comfort proteins. (That's the one in the orange package) These are milk based but the proteins are already predigested (broken down into smaller molecules). they cost the same as regular formula and taste much better than the nasty hypoallergenic ones. Also how many ounces per day do you think you will have to supplement? I have to supplement about 4-5 oz a day and a can of powdered formula lasts for a whole month (sometimes less), so it's not that expensive, only about $15 per month.
I can see how you can't squeeze another pumping into your already busy schedule ;D I'd say don't worry about having to supplement a little bit, he still gets mostly BM and soon his milk intake will probably decrease any way because he will start getting more and more solids. ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 14, 2007, 17:46:50 pm: Quote from: carolynq on September 14, 2007, 01:08:18 am
How did you know to avoid dairy and what made you try eating it again?
When DD was 1.5 weeks old, the colic began. After the 5th night of crying 4 hours straight, I was feeling pretty desperate and read everything I could on colic. When I heard it could be something that mommy was eating, I gave up everything that it could possibly be based on what I read online and in books. Then at 8 weeks, I slowly started re-introducing foods to see if they caused a reaction. The only thing that caused a reaction was milk products. after that, I just would try it once every few weeks. Just 2 weeks ago it didn't cause a reaction.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: carolynq on September 14, 2007, 20:34:01 pm: I certainly appreciate all the support! And I feel pretty good about my 11 ounces (on a good day) now. I don't have a problem with supplementing - with both previous kids I needed to supplement by about 11 months, I just couldn't pump enough. It's more a cost issue for me. I will certainly look into the Enfamil Gentlease or the Nestle Good Start and see how he reacts to those. I would like to avoid supplementing for another couple months, but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. I just wondered if there was information out there to help me keep going.

I'm glad to hear that he might grow out of the diary problems. I had nightmares about having to nurse past a year (I hit a limit around 13 months where I just can't take it anymore).

He's being a good eater, so I hope soon he will be eating enough to not need so much milk. Right now he's teething and so he's decreased his solids intake. I never needed to send more than 9 ounces per day for my daughter. This boy caught me by surprise with how much he needs.

Thanks for all the support. This is a great site. I'm looking forward to trying dairy in my diet - giving up ice cream has been a killer!
Carolyn
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 16, 2007, 15:12:03 pm: Quote from: carolynq on September 14, 2007, 20:34:01 pm
Thanks for all the support. This is a great site. I'm looking forward to trying dairy in my diet - giving up ice cream has been a killer!
Are you kidding me!?!? that was always my "test" dairy substance! And I've had it almost every day for the past 2 weeks!! And none of that grocery store stuff. no way. It's been Ben & Jerry's and Hagan-daaz. And I'm talking from the B&J and H-D stores!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 18, 2007, 20:52:08 pm: Holy boobies Batman!!!!

So, I've been averaging about 11-13 oz a day total with 3 pumpings. 2 during the day at work and one in the evening. My "dream pump". ;D

So, I don't know if it was the chickpea curry I had last night or the beer, but in my first two pumps of the day I totalled 11 oz. Haven't done that in weeks!!!! And I got SOOOO Excited!

Then as I was skipping to my desk, I thought of Carrie... who gets that in one pump session and thought WOW!!!! Power boobs!!!

But I'm very giddy with glee with what I have now!! YAY!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: carolynq on September 18, 2007, 22:59:42 pm: Congrats!

If it makes any difference - I only got 7-9 oz at a time when I was pumping for my daughter. I think this time its mostly my son's demand that has boosted my supply.

Carrie
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on September 23, 2007, 03:36:40 am: Hi all...marking my place as I am going back to work Oct 16. I am going to make it clear to my salesmen that pumping is a "no interruption activity!" I plan to pump at the regular times that I'd feed my LO if I were home...I work some wonky hours, so some nights I won't be able to even tuck her in :'( :'(

Alissa...SOOOO pleased that your yield has increased! You give me hope Girl! I am totally committed to pumping, but was worried that pumping wouldn't stimulate the milk as much as Grae would. I have the mother's milk tea on hand just in case.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 23, 2007, 18:20:21 pm: Lyndsy, if you ever want more hope, I have a thread out there for ALLLL the things I did to finally pump enough in a week to feed LO! Her 6 mo GS helped kick it up too! She increased production, and then we started feeding solids. So she isn't drinking more milk now, but I have higher yield! YAY!!
That has just been the past week! I now have 42 oz frozen in my refrigerator and I already have milk ready for Monday and Tuesday!
Dedication to the end result helps!

I am soooo grateful as I know other moms will try every thing they can and still cannot produce enough :'( :'(

Welcome welcome.

And allow yourself the first month to just randomly cry having to leave Grae. :'( It gets easier.
Although I still find myself practically running home to see Marina!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on September 23, 2007, 19:54:53 pm: Thanks for the tip about the GS.....I have been stocking up the freezer reserves as well, I have 55oz as of today. Hope to get at least 100oz by the 16th ;D

I'm sure I will be a crying mess....behind closed doors though. Manager to a workforce full of men doesn't allow for emotional breakdowns!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 23, 2007, 22:18:05 pm: Yeah... I ran into the VP of my division in one of my crying spells. I'd been back like a week. Luckily, I knew he was a decent caring guy. Asked me later if I was OK. He was also the same guy who approved my working from home on Wednesdays to keep milk production up. :D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 23, 2007, 23:10:34 pm: Does anyone has some advice on how to keep milk supply if I have to go on a trip and can't take LO with me, I'll be gone for 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on September 23, 2007, 23:32:47 pm: YIKES! I would assume you want to pump the whole time you are gone and additionally take fenugreek, but I don't have any real experience.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on September 23, 2007, 23:37:00 pm: Pump, pump, pump, pump, pump! My sister went to Australia when her ds was 7 months old- she pumped for months ahead of time to have mostly EBM to leave for him. When she was away, she pumped pretty much every 3 hrs during the day and a couple of times overnight, and had no trouble maintaining her supply. The night pumping can be especially helpful - but frequent sessions are important. You also will need a really good electric pump - rent if you don't already own one.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on September 25, 2007, 02:03:57 am: Thank you, I'll be taking my mothers milk tea to help with the supply, lets hope I'll get enough time to pump.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 25, 2007, 09:55:17 am: lyndsy & valeamalia - well take pictures of grae with you also at work or in trip.. it sometimes help to pump too!!

lyndsy - well if if pumping does not work too good at work. then don't bit yourself! Just go with the flow and it will work fine!
On my side, after 2 months of pumping twice at work, I got sooo fed up that I am now doing combined feeding: 2 bottles during the days and 3 BFs at home (so one in the morning & 2 in the evenings) so i do not have to pump but still keep the BFs that I can do. It works very fine and my milk supply just adapted, i did not had any low supply moments at all and I do not have pain in the breasts during the day or so. For me it was a very good alternative to pumping that got me crazy and too stressed at work: fitting the pumping in the middle without interruption was difficult!
so you know it is not all or nothing, you can always find a way in the middle that works for you if pumping does not. May be then pumping sounds more relaxed too, no pressure! just try and see how you do!!
now for me my last 3 BFs are even more precious then!! and I feel more relaxed to leave my LO to the creche or other care, they will give formula bottles and that is also easier for me I do not need much planning on this too.
Physically i thought it was too hard to keep BF full time and working during the day, then I would be soooo tired I would not enjoy my time then nor at home nor at work! well and elisa got sick quite a bit and so me too so that also did not help to feel less tired i guess!
well good luck at work and you know where we are if you need to chat the first days to get some support !! I tell you it took me some days to feel I could think of something else than my LO;D ;D
Juts also be carefull around the 4-5 weeks after your return at work, those are generally the hard weeks where the tiredness start to kick in and the routine starts to be in place with the creche and so on, I see around me that this was the hard bit fro all my co-workers and mums, so don't plan too many activities in the week ends around that time and keep them to relax when possible!
muriel
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on September 25, 2007, 22:57:54 pm: Thanks for the advice Muriel....what's "creche"?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 27, 2007, 12:26:28 pm: sorry!! "creche" is the dutch & french word for daycare!! :D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on September 27, 2007, 18:58:04 pm: Thanks Muriel.....oh ya forgot to mention this but DH is dutch, his mother was born in the "Hague". His grandmother was a war bride, during WW 2, Grandfather was a soldier from Canada, didn't speak dutch, Grandma didn't speak English....they communicated through friend who could speak both languages. Then got married and had DH's mom and moved to Canada....cool eh? DH has been there a few times as he still has relatives in Amsterdam.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on September 28, 2007, 20:04:17 pm: Quote from: lyndsy_p on September 27, 2007, 18:58:04 pm
DH is dutch, his mother was born in the "Hague".
Lyndsy
hey that's were i am!! how cool!!!! ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on October 03, 2007, 16:29:12 pm: Hi, thanks for all the advice, I am in the middle of my trip, trying to pump 5 to 7 times a day, sometimes its really hard, since I am on tours and bathrooms are hard to find. But I manage, even had to pump on the bus (hidden by a sweater with DH guarding) but the good thing is that DH is being really supportive.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on October 03, 2007, 16:37:57 pm: Ana- Good job at trying to keep that up!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on October 04, 2007, 13:38:46 pm: well done ana!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on October 21, 2007, 03:34:19 am: Hi ladies, I am back and believe it or not, I am BF my LO again, I was afraid she wasn't going to latch again but it was as if we had never been apart. Thank you all for your support.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on October 21, 2007, 12:47:59 pm: that's great news ;D ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on October 21, 2007, 16:51:53 pm: That is fantastic news! Glad that worked out for you!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on October 21, 2007, 20:41:04 pm: The only bad news is that we have thrush again, anyone has an idea of how to get rid of it for good?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on October 21, 2007, 20:42:47 pm: ;D ;D Great news Ana! Unfortunately I don't know much about thrush......

Well week one of work is over, and my boobies are adjusting well to the pumping mania. On Friday (including the Dreampump) I pumped 4 times ::). I realized on Tues that my little mini electric would not hold out so I ordered a Pump In Style Advanced...hoping it will be here sometime next week. I can't wait, as a bottle leaked in my cooler and I lost 3oz >:(. I had the throw out the cooler too (it was insulated cloth). Everyone at work is great about the pumping, and the men are the most supportive believe it or not. I actually like the fact that I can lock the door and have me time NO interruptions!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on October 22, 2007, 01:03:05 am: oh no! A bottle leaked!?!! I could cry every time I lose milk. White gold that it is. The Pump In Style is nice. I find it pretty efficient
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on October 22, 2007, 13:01:26 pm: Quote from: valeamalia on October 21, 2007, 20:41:04 pm
The only bad news is that we have thrush again, anyone has an idea of how to get rid of it for good?

UH! Thrush!! :( You've got to make sure you're both treated for it - there's some great info in the FAQs....

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=65738.0

And great job getting her back on!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on October 22, 2007, 13:38:19 pm: Oh, no! I hate to loose milk too. We work sooo hard for it! LOL :D

I'm glad it works good for you Lynds! I love the me time too. I just lock my office doorand even the CEO respects that. If he sees my door closed he just writes me an e-mail instead of popping in. Great!
My supervisors are very supportive too. the CEO's wife actually works for WIC so no wonder. she goes to local companies and promotes BF-ing and helps larger companies to set up a pumping room and facilities for BF-ing moms. ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on October 22, 2007, 15:03:27 pm: What is WIC?

So my boss just returned from mat leave a couple weeks ago. We have a pumping room at our office. I love my boss and have no problem talking about BFing pumping et al, but it's a little different when it's my boss! It's a bit weird. She is really open about it though, so I'm trying not to let it weird me out so much! Because I'm the only one being weirded out by it! :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on October 22, 2007, 17:19:59 pm: Thank you Erin
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on October 22, 2007, 18:15:18 pm: WIC stands for Women, Infants and Children. It's a federal government program to ensure nutrition and helathy eating habits to umm.... well women, infants and children LOL They promote BF-ing and also help low income families.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Rosymom on October 22, 2007, 20:15:13 pm: Any advice for me? Also having a supply decrease. My LO eats 3 - 5-6 oz bottles at daycare. I'm gone about 9 hours. I checked the calculator and she's eating within the amounts they said but today I'm only pumping 3-4 oz and I pump 3 x's so I'm short. I had a stock in the freezer but it's all been used up. She's 5 mo today. Do you recommend giving her cereal or formula to make up the difference? We've been trying to wait until 6 mo for cereal. Or should I cut back her intake?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on October 22, 2007, 20:37:03 pm: Is there any way that you can adjust when your LO eats so she is only being fed twice a day instead of 3 times at Day Care? If she is on 4 hr EASY, you should be able to make that work. Also, have you tried taking Fenugreek, mother's milk tea, or Fennel tea?
Also, is there another pump time that you can add at home? Such as after the DF and your DD goes to bed or after you feed her first thing in the a.m.? I find that I cannot pump enough in the day either, but with an extra pump at night and a couple extra on the weekend, I have enough for the week. Also, key is having caregivers only give 2 feeds a day rather than 3. Once our DD was on 4 hr EASY and she was getting only 2, the pressure was a bit off for pumping.

HTH!

Suzanna- thanks for the info on WIC!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on October 22, 2007, 20:43:43 pm: Same advice! Try to put your LO on a 4 hours EASY that way you will only miss 2 feedings. She might eat more at a feeding but it should work out better. Fenugreek and mother's milk tea are good. I also need to supplement some formula almost every day. I just mix it in with the milk and DS can't even taste the difference. Just relax about it! HTH
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on October 22, 2007, 23:31:06 pm: I was finding my pumping was decreasing, so I just started taking Fenugreek and Blessed thistle - seems to have made a difference so far, but I haven't started pumping (it's the weekend!) - I'll let you know how it goes!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on October 23, 2007, 09:48:10 am: hi erin, well for me fennel tea gave me even too much milk so I had to stop it then! so it works somehoW!
I also have my LO on 4 hours easy so:
7.00 BF
11.00 bottle at the day care, me I do combined fooding, so as from 6mo I stoppped pumping, so here she gets formula but it could be EBM then for you
15.00 bottle at the day care, formula
19.00 BF
22.30 DF
and this worked well as soon as she past 4.5 mo, so may be you can try to adapt that to your hours of work so she only gets 2 bottles.
I woudl advise you to wait with solids also until 6mo, my LOs gets a lot of allergies now with fruits, or others when I started around 5.5mo and now startinga gain at 6.5 mo it seems that she does not have some of those allergies any longer, so wait and see at 6 mo how it goes!
I do now 3 BF & 2 formulas and my supply just adapted without porblem and I did not get once a supply problem of having the combination which was one of my doubts when I first started, but it works just fine for us!
I am no looking at taking the DF slowly out and re-introduce solids in the morning those days so my DF is now about 21.30.
well i hope this helps you by giving possible examples!
let us know how you do!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 10, 2007, 15:33:33 pm: Hi there!

I'm not going back to work until after Christmas, when Katie will be coming up to a year old, but would really love to be able to continue BF if possible... will be going back 3 days a week.

Currently we are on 4 BF a day (7am, 11:30am, 4:00pm and bed time) so would have to provide EBM for two feeds a day x 3 days a week.

Are we likely to have dropped to three BF a day by then, does anyone know?

I struggle to pump, but am hoping if I pump at least once a day in work, then also on weekends then I might be able to supply enough for her to have EBM at nursery. I had an all day meeting last week (I am currently working part time from home but have the occasional meeting) and DH looked after her and gave her a bottle of EBM - and I had to express in the meeting (in front of all my colleagues and my boss - cringe). I did eventually manage to get let down and it was all fine except that my breast pump makes squeaky noises which was a bit embarrassing....

Does anyone have any hints or tips? I know it's a while away yet, but I would like to have a bit of a plan :)

The odd time I have tried her on formula, she has spat it out in disgust so I am not sure that we have many options :-\

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 10, 2007, 16:01:48 pm: Hi ladies!! I keep saying to myself that I am going to join, but of course I forget everytime I log on! SO HERE I AM! I've been working full time since October 4th. I pump twice a day - sometimes it is hard to find a place as I travel a lot for work and have to request a "private" spot wherever I go. FUN FUN!! Even the janitor at the school I am currently at knows I pump. LOL. I think he's scared!! ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 10, 2007, 16:14:31 pm: Wow, Bryony - I'm really impressed you were able to pump in front of all those people....I would have been so uncomfortable! I always found that I needed to pump extra when I was pumping at work or my supply would go down. So for 2 feeds, I did best when pumping 3 times a day. It's hard to find the time and places though. Then after a year, once I didn't have enough for 2 bottles, I'd send along what I could and tell them they could use cow's milk for any other milk feeds.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 10, 2007, 16:28:12 pm: Anne - I am impressed!

So in terms of logistics - do you mind me asking? Do you take a hand pump, and store it in bottles in a fridge? Any hints for logistics? Are you able to express enough milk to keep your LO going?

Erin - I was very discreet! Except for the squeaking... ;D Yikes, pumping three times a day. That makes sense though as I can never get much at once. So much of my day is in meetings though... and travelling around London... I guess I will need to get used to doing it in semi-public places and wearing voluminous tops that I can hide the pump under :o

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 10, 2007, 17:18:26 pm: Bryony - it's amazing the things we do for our lo's isn't it!?

I have the PIS Advanced that comes in a backpack. It also comes with a car adapter and a battery pack too. My pump came with an insulated bag and a freezer pack (which works REALLY well, BTW - it stays frozen the entire day and I am gone from 6:45am until 5 pm some days). I also bought those Medela wipes for the times I am unable to get to a sink to clean everything off.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 10, 2007, 17:31:24 pm: Doh! Anne you stole my post. I too have a PISA, I am in love with it. I have yielded 10oz in one session. :o. Sometimes I have to pump 3 x day too (12hr workday). I was using a minielectric but it was just about done. I had been using it 2x day for 6 months...it was supposed to be for occasional use after all.

The insulated bag with the freezer pack is a lifesaver. I hate putting milk in the "community fridge". One time I brought a yobaby yogurt to work and someone ate it. Duh, baby yogurt people, clearly it was not yours!

Byrony, I can't imagine pumping in front of all those people. With the LO in my lap I'm a bit more brave, but the pump does make me feel a bit like a cow. :( The PISA is a double pump too, so the shirt has to be up, and both hands are full!

In terms of pumping tips I would say be consistant. I pump as close to the same time each day as I can. I really just laid down the law about fitting in time for pumping...all the salesmen know what I'm doing and support it, which is good. I really think you will be discouraged with a hand pump. It needs to be quick and relaxing, and trying to get a letdown from a handpump is the farthest thing from relaxing....to me anyway!

Byrony...I'm not chasing you posts, I swear I was here from before!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 10, 2007, 17:51:18 pm: thanks that's really helpful - I think I may have to upgrade from a hand pump :)

Lyndsey - it's nice to "meet" you again :D seems like we have lots in common!

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 10, 2007, 22:14:03 pm: I have the PIS double too and it's really great. Last time around I used the Avent manual and it took FOREVER to pump, and my hands got really sore doing it 3 times a day. Now I can have even 5 - 10 min pumping sessions which are much easier to squeeze in than the 15 min ones.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 11, 2007, 08:10:08 am: does anyone know if you can get it in the uk? I had a look last night but the only suppliers I could find were in the US...

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lisi's mum on November 11, 2007, 11:47:22 am: www.expressyourselfmums.co.uk/product.asp?group_id=226&country_id=0

this was the cheapest I found, but only did a quick look. On google you can ask for results just from the uk, there seemed to be a few suppliers there.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 11, 2007, 14:42:14 pm: Great thanks Katie! I did Google UK only - must have been having a bad evening :-[

Bryony x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 12, 2007, 04:58:52 am: Bryony- you're my hero!!! I could not have pumped in front of all those people. I've had a couple of all day training sessions and I have just excused myself to pump! There was one pump I heard of, called the whisper-something-or another... I'm useless... It was in the book baby Bargains, but i've loaned my copy off so can't look it up for you. maybe another mom here can? Any way, it's a hands free one that is supposed to be REALLY quiet and perfect for travellers. It even said something about good for driving too, as it's hands free. Seemed weird to me, but then I don't drive.

I have both the PISA and the Ameda Purely Yours. I prefer each one for different reasons. The letdown function of the PISA just annoys me. I have the back pack model, and I like how the motor is part of the backpack for easy packing and storing. The APY has these nice little "cupholders" to put the bottles in when you're done so they are more stable. The extra bit of safety for that precious white gold!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 12, 2007, 08:48:47 am: Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! I will look into the various options a bit nearer the time when we know how many daytime feeds we are on then and whether or not formula for some feeds becomes an option....

Know what you mean about the white gold - that time I was pumping in our meeting, I was doing so mainly to ease discomfort and maintain my supply - but obviously also wanted to keep the milk for future use. Sadly it all leaked out of the bottle on the way home and went all over my handbag :'( :'(

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 12, 2007, 14:10:56 pm: Well, I just sent my last bag of frozen EBM to daycare today. :'( I'm only pumping enough for one daytime bottle right now so I guess tomorrow she'll have cow's milk for her afternoon milk feed.... (I'm not feeling guilty....I'm not feeling guilty....I'm not feeling guilty....trying to convince myself...) Even though the herbs are helping, I just can't find enough times in the day to pump at work to get more than about 4 oz.

Did I mention I'm really not feeling guilty about this? Really? OK. I am. Well, on the positive side, she turns one today, so at least I got to one year, right?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on November 12, 2007, 14:24:13 pm: Hi erin, CONGRATULATIONS for reaching ONE YEAR!!!! come on, this is fantastic and you should be sooooo proud of yourself!! i had to stop this week on doctor advice.....i was getting jaudnice ! so I went up to 7mo and then did not manage any longer!! enjoy the one-year party!!!!! :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 12, 2007, 15:07:11 pm: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 12, 2007, 15:51:26 pm: Happy birthday Samantha!!!

Don't forget to pat yourself on the back for the 1 year mark!!! That is awesome! I just had to come to terms yesterday that at the current rate of pumping and EBM consumption, I'll run out of EBM at 10 months. I'm upping my efforts again, but yesterday I had a bit of my own pity party on the whole thing. Any way ((HUGS)) and a big ole ((pat)) on the back for getting to 1 year!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 12, 2007, 16:02:55 pm: Happy Birthday Samantha, and well done Erin! I am impressed.

Alissa - sounds like you are doing great - and 10 months is a long way off so try not to worry yet (easier said than done, right!). And even if you have to stop then - 10 months is an impressive achievement!

Bx
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 12, 2007, 17:39:28 pm: Happy Birthday Samantha

Erin, just the fact that you are so worried about it makes you a superb mom. 1 year is fantastic! ;D

Alissa...don't you dare give up on me girl. I KNOW the word defeat is not in your dictionary! Determination, though, is on every page! You are the one who inspired me to make the working and pumping thing happen at all costs. You can do it, I believe in you!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 12, 2007, 19:18:36 pm: We need to have a pumping party.....Guiness, oatmeal, fenugreek all around! ;D

(Hmmmmm....any chance chocolate is a galactogogue too...?) ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 12, 2007, 20:04:22 pm: HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA!!!

Hmmm, I wish chocolate was a galactagogue, than we all wouldn't have so much trouble to keep up! ;D

Erin - you have done a fantastic job. There is no reason to feel guilty. Over one year every feed of BM is a bonus! ;)

Alissa - I hear ya. I do those pity parties sometimes. I am getting some troubles to pump enough too. But I just clench my fist and keep telling myself ".... I'll never give up....." Funny, I even made a little song with that and just sing to myself when I feel like giving in. It works, but make sure nobody hears or sees you or you could end up in a mental care unit LOL ;D

Bryony - I have the Playtex Embrace pump. I love it. I used to have the Evenflo wahtever I can't remember the name :-[ I pump directly into the bottle and put the bottle in the fridge (in an insulated bag of course) I never had any problems. Of course I am very lucky, I can just lock my office door whenever I pump and don't have a lot of meetings to go to and all my supervisers are very supportive about it. the only thing I can recommend to keep up your supply is t be very consistant, pump about the same times every day and keep it up. You will do great! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 12, 2007, 20:48:16 pm: Too bad chocolate isn't a galactagogue! Even I the word nerd just never imagined that word existed!! :)

Quote from: lyndsy_p on November 12, 2007, 17:39:28 pm
Alissa...don't you dare give up on me girl. I KNOW the word defeat is not in your dictionary! Determination, though, is on every page! You are the one who inspired me to make the working and pumping thing happen at all costs. You can do it, I believe in you!
Really? I had no idea I inspired you. Wow! I'm humbled. Well, I've already had 2 cups of Mother's Milk tea and had my oatmeal for breakfast, Fenugreek twice, and a multi-vitamin. You're right. Defeat isn't in my dictionary and after my pity party was over I re-looked at some of the things i've been a little lax on and picked it up today.
Come to think of it... I'm going to go create a daily checklist with every thing I've said I'm going to do...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 12, 2007, 21:15:21 pm: you could post that daily chack list for us too! It would be a great tool for every pumping mom! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 12, 2007, 22:40:08 pm: That's the Alissa I know, chart and conquer!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on November 13, 2007, 07:53:49 am: sorry ladies, but just to read all your posts make my boobs hurt soooo much.. still on ibuprofen to avoid too much pain but I tell you.... you think of your LO.... hearabout pumping or so and it makes the stopping really really painfull so I am afarid i have to skip this tread until my boobs are back to normal or i will have to shout at my boobs to stop hurting in 2minutes while at work on teh back of my PC.. then i really go to a mental insitute too!! ;D
kisses to all :-* :-* and count your blessings.. you can pump!!! while i try not to!!!;D ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 13, 2007, 16:28:27 pm: Sorry Elisa- I PM'd you with some support for the sisters!

So... you know how it takes 30 days to make a habit? Yeah... well, I don't like waiting 30 days per habit. So I've used this checklist format before, for other habits I want to add in to my life.

I can't attach Excel spreadsheets, so if you're interested, PM me your email address and off it will go to you with an explanation of my madness. It's really simple, but only if you understand what the heck I mean. :D

Suzanna & Lyndsy - I just sent it to you gals since I had your email address already.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 13, 2007, 18:34:51 pm: Alissa - I got it, thanks! It's awsome!!! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 13, 2007, 19:24:44 pm: Thanks Alissa! :-* :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 13, 2007, 19:46:07 pm: My pleasure!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 13, 2007, 21:09:05 pm: Thanks Alissa, I got it.

Pumped 9.5oz for the 11am pumping session. Not bragging, just letting you know it can happen.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 13, 2007, 21:31:35 pm: OK - for ONCE I can brag ;) My 11 am pump I get at least 16 ounces... ;D I think I will start selling the stuff on e-bay! Unfortunately I do not have such luck at the 3 pm session as I will only get about 6 ounces total, but that's OK.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 13, 2007, 21:34:12 pm: WHAT!!!!!!

I get about 4oz max. Even at 11am. :'( :'(

Does it get better with practice???
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 13, 2007, 21:36:58 pm: Anne....great work! ;D

Byrony...nice pics, is that your acrobatics we see?

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 13, 2007, 21:42:02 pm: What!!! I was trying to post those in the picture gallery weddings thread. Ahem, I will take them out of here

:-[ :-[

That will teach me to have two windows open at the same time :D

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 13, 2007, 22:11:32 pm: Very cute....multitasking were you!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on November 14, 2007, 02:16:57 am: i've just been lurking here but anne, 6 oz at 3pm? i would be ecstatic! the most i've pumped is 11oz but that was because i missed 2 feedings!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 14, 2007, 15:32:07 pm: I dont' know how I get so much in the morning. It could be because I have been pumping immediately after the first feed for a few months and have always managed to get a decent amount. I am usually very full in the morning and ds only feeds on one side. I am very thankful I have been able to pump as much as I do. I feel horrible for those of you who can't get enough! Pumping just sucks and having to worry about getting enough for the day makes it that much more stressful!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 14, 2007, 15:39:03 pm: Can we buy any you have spare ;D ;D ;D

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 14, 2007, 17:08:56 pm: Ok- for any of you who are worried...

Just think... you could be.... MMMMEEEE!!!

I got 8 oz. Total. For the day. FOUR FLIPPING PUMPING SESSIONS AND I GOT EIGHT FREAKING OUNCES!!!!!!

so, yes, I would be ecstatic with 6 oz, 9 oz, i'd probably die of shock if I got 16... and I just pray and pray to even get 4 per session.

Yesterday at my evening feed... I had to top her off with 3 ounces. I was NOT a happy camper. That's the most I've ever had to pump. I REALLY hope I'm getting my period this weekend and that is why I'm at record lows. Or at least record lows since the last time I got my period. <sigh>

Hey Bryony- there is a woman in Iowa trying to sell 100 oz for $200.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 14, 2007, 17:33:04 pm: Yeah, I think it gets worse with the time. I just realised that Alissa and me have been pumping for 5 months now. :o I want to keep it up till 1 year and have about 3.5 months left to go. That's not too bad. At the beginning I used to be able to pump 24 oz per day, now I'm down to 16-18 oz which means I have to supplement about 4-6 oz per day. :( Is there any BF count-down ticker? ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 14, 2007, 17:38:07 pm: I've got 150oz in my freezer...where should I list it....Alissa do you want it? I'll give it to you for free. I don't eat dairy, and only eat organic! :P

Suzanna...there are BF tickers out there....keep going,you can do it. 16-18 oz is still good. I got 27oz in 4 pumping sessions.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 14, 2007, 18:57:49 pm: Wow, someone selling it?! Very resourceful. Katie is so fussy though I am sure she would only want mine ::) And she downright refuses formula (spits it out and looks at me in disgust) so we don't have that option either....

... and now you tell me it gets worse with time rather than better. Sob!

Am trying to pump a few extra oz each day and bunging them in the freezer so that we have a bit of a buffer zone at the start...

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 14, 2007, 19:53:56 pm: 24 oz!??!?! I have never ever ever been able to pump more than 14 until I instituted the Dream Pump at night when I stopped DF'ing Marina. And even then I can't. <sigh>

Lyndsy- Are you saying your EBM is not organic?

Bryony- it's gotten worse from me. But I am clearly the lowest producer of the group. And I still manage to pump enough for the week. well... except the last two. But never mind that. I was also more stressed at work and honestly, missed a few pump sessions.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 14, 2007, 22:32:45 pm: Of course for you ladies my excess is free :) Sorry you are still having a hard time Alissa - I wish I could help. Maybe I will start up my own BM business and I could work from home ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 15, 2007, 00:52:02 am: No Alissa, it IS organic.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 15, 2007, 02:34:00 am: DUH! OK, Lyndsy... I just re-read your post.... I'm a dope. That's what I get for trying to work and BW at the same time!

I am very flattered by your offer. You should hang onto it for now though. You never know if you may need it.

I wonder how much it would cost to dry ice ship something? Much less where does one get dry ice?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 15, 2007, 03:33:49 am: It's the little things in life....

I was just starting to stress thinking I need to pump 4 oz tonight so I have enough for Marina tomorrow without having to dip into stash... And then I found another 2 oz! YAY! DISASTER AVERTED!!! Now I only need to pump 2! Would prefer the 4 so I'm 2 ahead for Friday!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 15, 2007, 04:56:46 am: SSSOOOOOOO.... I was thinking about my recent posts on this board....

And realized, I'm really grateful for what I CAN pump. Because the fact is, I am pumping enough. I only need to pump 56 oz a week as I only miss 2 BF's a day and my boss is so gracious as to let me work from home one day a week to keep my supply up. (it helps that she is also trying to BF her son for a year too!!)

So that means, I need to pump 4 oz the days that I don't go to the office, and 11 ounces the days that I do to pump 56 ounces a week.

In other words, I pump enough and I have a 49 oz stash.

I'm grateful that I pump enough to feed my daughter.

I have a friend who couldn't BF at all as her son never latched, and another friend who might have Breast Cancer, but can't get tested because she is pregnant. (go figure that one!) And yet me with my itty bitty boobies can feed my daughter.

For this, I am thankful.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 15, 2007, 09:20:05 am: Alissa - what an inspiring post! You are right - we have so much to be thankful for :)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts

Bryony x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 15, 2007, 19:29:39 pm: You're right Alissa. I was saying to my co-worker the other day that I love pumping. She's like, "you do?". I explained that the act of pumping itself is awkward, but what it represents is fantastic. I can sustain the life of my baby while I'm away from her.

I was so worried that my supply would take a serious nose dive, or that I would have a hard time finding the time to pump due to lack of support. But both have left my mind now. I may even try to go past 1 year if I can. How many milkfeeds a day are they on at that point?

PS...Alissa, you can get dry ice from most hardware stores, we travelled 15hrs by car with some fresh salmon, so been there done that!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 15, 2007, 19:48:32 pm: Quote from: lyndsy_p on November 15, 2007, 19:29:39 pm
You're right Alissa. I was saying to my co-worker the other day that I love pumping. She's like, "you do?". I explained that the act of pumping itself is awkward, but what it represents is fantastic. I can sustain the life of my baby while I'm away from her.

I was so worried that my supply would take a serious nose dive, or that I would have a hard time finding the time to pump due to lack of support. But both have left my mind now. I may even try to go past 1 year if I can. How many milkfeeds a day are they on at that point?

PS...Alissa, you can get dry ice from most hardware stores, we travelled 15hrs by car with some fresh salmon, so been there done that!

Lyndsy

I knew I liked you for a reason. :D :D :-* :-*

I think they are down to two at that point, but I have no idea really...

Dry ice - hardware stores? no kidding! I clearly have never had a reason to look!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 15, 2007, 21:37:13 pm: I think around that age the main source of nutrition is solid food and they drink milk just to supplement that. they should have 3 solid meals and a few oz milk to wash it down. that's just waht I think but of course I have no experience LOL
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 16, 2007, 01:05:04 am: Maybe Byrony will chime in. I guess I'll have to find it on the solid food boards.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 16, 2007, 07:53:11 am: I'm afraid I don't know - I was hoping one of you might :D :D

I was hoping we would be down to one daytime feed by then instead of two - but Katie still isn't that into solids so it may be a false hope...!

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on November 16, 2007, 12:57:46 pm: From 12 months you are looking at approximately 12-18oz of milk (whatever kind of milk you are giving). But some of that could be replaced by a dairy serving.
Usually if a baby is still bfing you'll get 2 feeds (as a feed is going to be approximately 5-6 oz) plus a couple of dairy servings.
Only 1 feed at 12 months would be technically possible but you'd have to work hard on the dairy, calcium sources and possibly give cow's milk as drink as well.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 16, 2007, 13:57:52 pm: thanks, that means that we actually could stop pumping just keept the first feeding in the morning and the last in the evening. YAY
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on November 16, 2007, 14:50:53 pm: Yes, that would be fine. Of course some people may not use any dairy and do more feeds out of choice. But in your situation morning and evening works out well.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 16, 2007, 16:18:40 pm: Thanks Emma for chiming in! I can't wait! I love feeding my daughter... the pump... is definitely a love hate relationship depending on what I'm focused on. (I try to focus on it as my method of feeding my daughter, not as the contraption of torture that it sometimes can be...)

Good news! I got my period today! YAY! Which means by tomorrow supply should go back up a bit again! Which MEANS... all of the fenugreek and pumping I did, kept my output STEADY rather than going to previous lows of 1 ounce per pumping session.

That's weird... to have a yay after got my period... THAT never happens! LOL!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 16, 2007, 19:52:37 pm: Thanks for that Emma....I also would be happy with the wake/bed BF! Will supply keep up even after that with 1 feed per day, and when does that happen per chance?

Alissa, good to know that good ol' Aunt Flow is the culprit here!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 16, 2007, 20:00:16 pm: That's great news, thanks Emma! So can I ask.... when do they usually go down from 4 feeds a day to 3? We are still on 4 feeds - it would be so handy if Katie is down to 3 when she starts at nursery as that will be half the number of bottles I have to pump :)

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on November 16, 2007, 20:06:20 pm: There aren't really rules about this TBH. Lots of people who plan on feeding past 12 months do have more than 2 feeds. Lots of people have 4 feeds for a while yet. It's going to be hard to say for sure because nurslings do take a variable amount. How much is in each bottle?
My experience from this boards is that some people do go to 3 feeds from around 10 months but as I say it's not a rule and plenty stay with 4 or even 5 for a while.
As for one feed a day - it's going to depend on whether you introduce cow's milk and how much dairy is in the diet. Not much before 18 months -2 years without really focusing on dairy consumption.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 16, 2007, 20:18:33 pm: Currently Katie rarely has a bottle as I work from home at the moment... on the rare occasion I have to go to a meeting and DH looks after her for half a day, I leave him 5oz and she drains it - I suspect she would drink more but 5oz is about as much as I can manage to pump... ::) ::) My guess is that she currently has about 7oz in the morning, 5-6oz mid morning, 6oz mid afternoon and about 4oz before bed. But that's a massive guess based on how much I can pump, and how much she will drink if it's in a bottle! She considers the bottle a very inferior option so it's really hard to tell what she would take if it was in the boob.

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on November 16, 2007, 20:41:01 pm: It's my understanding (though there is massive variation depending on what you read) is that you are looking at around an intake of 20-24oz at about 10 months and as I say 12-18oz from around 12 months as a minimum. That sounds like quite a sudden drop though :-\ I think the second total really does expect good sources of dairy in the diet.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on November 17, 2007, 01:09:33 am: can those of you moving to lesser feeds donate your excess milk to us with shy boobs? =) evrytime my DD cries early in the morning, I start to leak and I mean really leak! It was like an ounce! Why can't I leak like that when pumping? =)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 17, 2007, 07:52:14 am: Kris - can you collect it in one of those breast shell thingies???

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 17, 2007, 08:14:56 am: Thanks Emma, that's really helpful!

Yes it does sounds like a big drop - I assume they really up their solids intake between 10-12 months? There won't be a problem for us on the diary front - Katie would live on yoghurt, fromage frais and chunks of cheese if I let her!

So Emma - we are expecting some news any day soon ;D ;D Sending you nice labour vibes xxx

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on November 18, 2007, 01:14:12 am: Bryony, I've never heard of those! Will check them out.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 18, 2007, 09:34:52 am: I have some that someone gave me - they can be sterilised so that you can keep the milk and use it or store it. Mine are Avent. I must confess that I have never used them as I don't tend to leak enough to be worth it - but now that I think of it, I might try them for our morning feed as I tend to l leak a fair bit from the other boob - shame to waste it, hey?!

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on November 20, 2007, 03:06:38 am: Hi ladies!
I'm joining your ranks in a week - back to work. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm fortunate to be going back just part time and I have family caring for my son, who just turned 16 weeks today.

I'm having a hard time pumping. I was doing great, 3 to 5 ounces each time and I was doing it daily to get good at it before going back to work. A couple of weeks ago I started to have problems getting even 2 ounces. It coincided with my son finally weaning off those dumb nipple shields and a huge growth spurt. I'm sure the pump is working and feel like I'm trying everything - the warm compresses, the visualizing, the relaxing room, breast massage - the works, but it's still not getting much better. Anyone have any pumping tips? I'm of course totally paranoid that it's not going to get better when I'm back at work and then we're going to have real problems.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 20, 2007, 04:45:31 am: Are you pumping after you feed him? or in lieu of feeding him? 16 weeks-ish is when your breasts start to become more efficient, so out put may appear to go down where it's really just going to the needs. It also may not have picked up yet to compensate for the growth spurt.

I would also recommend looking into galactagogues. Loads on Kellymom.com
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/index.html

I would be the low producer of the group. I mean ridiculously low. If I can somehow eek by with pumping enough milk, we can get you there too! :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 20, 2007, 04:46:49 am: Liacarmen...the same thing happened to me. I was so stressed about going back to work that my output decreased. Here's the link to the thread that I posted at the time:
https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=103891.msg1046647#msg1046647

Everything has gone back to normal now....what kind of pump do you use? The best pumping advice that I can give you is consistancy. Pump at the same times as much as you can.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on November 20, 2007, 13:55:38 pm: my freezer now has 35oz! That's the most I've had in storage ever. I'm worried because I may need to go out of the country for a few days in December and not have enough. I'm also stressing with those dumb (pardon me) travel guidelines for EBM. I'll have to go through that thread again to check.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 20, 2007, 14:10:43 pm: Liacarmen - your LO is sooooo cute :-*

I agree with the PP's the key is consistancy and relaxing. Never skip a pumping session and try to pump about the same time every day. Also if you miss 2 feeding than try to pump 3 times a day as usually the pumping yield is less than what your baby would get if he nursed.We usually make up for it at night right before bed, that's what Alissa named as "dream pump". Also make sure you drink enough during the day. I recently figured out that one of my biggest problem was not drinking enough. Now I use Alissa's checklist and that helps me to remind to drink enough water and my supply went up almost inmediately. :o Just relax about it and remember that some BM is better than no BM. If you have to supplement 2-4-6 oz formula each day but the rest is BM it's still a great advantage for your LO. HTH ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on November 21, 2007, 01:45:34 am: Thank you gals! Great thread. I've got the Medela PIS and I've been pumping at the same time every morning, about an hour after his first feed. Today I pumped an hour after each feed thinking maybe I could stimulate some extra supply. The weird thing is I finally feel like he's getting enough to eat, I stressed about that because of those dumb nipple sheilds and he wanted to nurse inefficiently constantly for the first 10 weeks of life (ugh). I was taking lots of fenegreek, I think that helped get the supply a couple months ago, but I stopped taking it a week ago (about 2 weeks after I noticed I was getting less with the pumping) because he was so gassy and spitting up a lot. I read it can cause gassy baby - I wouldn't mind if he was just gassy, but his stomach seemed to be hurting him too. That's gotten better since I've stopped taking it. I think I'll give it another week and maybe try again and see if the gassy baby rears his head again. I haven't tried giving him a bottle and feeding instead to see if I get a better yield. I'm pretty sure it's mental, since I'm stressing on going back to work. Fortunately I've got a nice freezer stash so hopefully this will sort out. I drink water like crazy and eat oatmeal for breakfast. Isn't it frustrating to be doing everything right and watch those dumb little drips drop into the bottle?!

I appreciate the support - and I'm looking forward to chatting with you all!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on November 21, 2007, 12:17:57 pm: hi liacarmen - did you try also the fennel tea? that worked with me miracles!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 21, 2007, 17:09:10 pm: Yeah, probably the gassy baby is due to the fenugreek. It has that kinda' side effect unfortunately :(
Try fennel tea it works for some women. But I guess you just really have to learn to realx and let it go ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on November 22, 2007, 04:45:00 am: Fennel tea - I'll try it! I have been drinking that Mother's Milk tea which has fennel in it, but probably not enough. Did ok today, pumped three times and have enough for one bottle. I also figured out a new trick, standing up and bending over the darn thing - gravity!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 22, 2007, 05:21:57 am: Suzanna also taught me (i think it was Suzanna...) to hold your boobs while pumping. You can eek out another half an ounce or so.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 22, 2007, 05:45:10 am: Really, I didn't know that about the holding while pumping!

Hey ladies check out my bedtime bottle post, advice is needed....

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=109499.0

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: bethanys mummy on November 22, 2007, 12:34:03 pm: Hi all

time for me to join you......

First of all I really do want to say how fabulous you ladies are who have had to go back to work earlier than me and who are pumping so much during the day, you are really fabulous and much credit and hugs to you all

I go back to work for 2 days a week end of Jan and then 4 (consecutive) days a week from mid Feb, just as she turns 1.... dont remind me, I will cry loads :'(

We are dropping to 3 feeds when she is 10 months old and my aim is to keep my on 3 feeds until she is about 14 months old and then drop to morning and evening until .....whenever

I am very lucky as she will take a bottle and take formula if need be although do want to keep to EBM if possible as thats kind of the point... I can also express quite easily, although not a bottles worth and of course more in the morning than at night. On the down side, I will probably have to keep expressing at work to a minimum. I understand my rights and everything but its just not for me so could not do it long term

So my plan is to stockpile over the next couple of months, especially when we drop to 3 feeds. Also to occasionally feed from the wrong side deliberately to get milk from the other side. And to express at work when I am doing the couple of days a week. Obvisouly also need to keep some milk for if I am ever not there for the am / eve feeds...

This worked for DD1, although I expressed allot more when I had her as donated some for charity (had less time this time round...) so stockpiling was easier. She also had a small appetite so I only ever left about 4 oz for her, which she finished but never looked for more

DD2 is bigger and more hungry so was thinking about 5oz?? She does well with solids and dairy so hoped this would be ok

Does this sound ok as a plan.....
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Muriel - Elisa's mama on November 22, 2007, 17:34:19 pm: hi! courage we are all for sure misisng our LOs at first but somehow with time you get used to work again!! ;)
well your plan sounds OK, if you think later that your milk is too "light"for her need because pupmed weeks in advance then you know you have to compensate a bit then with solids or so, just try it out and adapt I guess!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 22, 2007, 20:07:34 pm: Hi Emma! Sounds like a plan to me. I am also hoping to stockpile... although this week I seem to have had more milk than usual, and Murphy's Law being in operation I am staying with my parents at the moment and so have no breast pump or steriliser here (we come on the train so I am very limited in what I can bring - me, Katie and my boobs!)

So my boss asked me to attend a conference abroad in March, and I have had to say no as I am hoping I will still be BF Katie then - she will be 14 months and I am hoping I will still be doing some BF if she still wants it. I can't decide how I feel about this - it would have been really interesting to go to the conference - plus I feel I "should" go, to get back into the swing of things (I generally go to a lot of conferences - but will be much more difficult now). But I really couldn't manage to express enough milk for 3 days or so, and I am sure it would create havoc with my supply if I went. And I don't want to find that our BF experience ends because I go to a conference....

Has anyone else had this issue, and how have you managed it?

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 23, 2007, 12:35:15 pm: I feel the exact same way Bryony. I had an opportunity to travel for work to attend a conference, but I would have had to stay in a hotel for 3 days....I thought about it then decided not to go. I think it would be way too much work with pumping and all...and not having my baby for 3 days!!! I don't think I could handle that yet!!!! Sorry I can't offer any different advice...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 23, 2007, 21:01:31 pm: Supply keeps dwindling....I'm finding it really hard to pump at the same time every day. I find after the weekend with nursing her more, on Mondays I get about 5 oz and by Friday, I'm lucky to get 2. :( Massaging helps - when it goes down to a trickle, I start massaging, esp the underside of my breast to really empty all those ducts - I can sometimes get another oz or so.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: valeamalia on November 25, 2007, 04:25:39 am: Hi Girls, I am sorry I haven't been able to keep up . This time of year its very hectic for me, especially this year because things are a bit tough.(more on that later) I need some support I am feeling really down, because today I had to made the decision of quit breastfeeding Amalia. Mainly cause I've been having horrible back pain and the medicine I have to take she can't drink my milk with that on it. And also because I ve noticed that her vowel movements are better when she's not BF. I think this could be due to all the stress that I have and I am not eating well. Also I've gain 5 more pounds coming to a total 30 pounds I have to loose now. This doesn't help with the back pain. I own a Dance studio and I don't look much like a Dancer and believe it or not its affecting my business.
For all these reasons I 've decided it's better to stop, but I feel heart broken I really didn't wanted to stop and really I just need a shoulder to cry on, because I feel like no one (where I live) understands what I am going through, most people tell me it's about time, they don't get that I don't want to break that connection with my baby. :'(

So I guess I have to say good bye to this group, I would like to thank you all for all the support that you give.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 25, 2007, 09:10:37 am: Oh Ana, HUGS!! You have done a great job BF your baby until she is 6 months old - you have given her a great start in life :)

More HUGS

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 25, 2007, 12:43:35 pm: Huge hugs Ana! You do what is best for YOU and a healthy happy mommy is the best you can give your LO's!!!! Hope to see you around the other boards!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: joannaw on November 25, 2007, 14:26:41 pm: Hi everyone

Haven't seen this one before. My Lo is now nearly 8 months and i've been back at work since Sept. i was planning to mix feed (i work 4 long days, i.e. 9 1/2 hours each day and i have a another Lo under 3) but my Lo didn't react well to formula. I am quite lucky in that i can normally get a good yeild of about 7-8 ozs per go. My problem is work and juggling meetings and conferences. I don't know about you but you always have to be treated as a special case don't you? I recently went to a conference and asked the organisers for a room i could use in the hotel. This was n't organised and when i eventually sorted it out they gave me a key to a room already being used-imagine! My work have allocated me a special room- i another building 5 mins walk down the road. And i work for a local authority so they are supposed to be good. After all they have a 'policy' which states it supports b/feeding in the workplace

x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 25, 2007, 15:06:28 pm: Welcome joannaw!! Yes I know what you mean feeling like a special case. The things we do for our babies right?? My problem is I travel to different places to work so I always have to talk to whoever is there to see if there is a private place to pump. Surely not fun, but usually they can find a place.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on November 25, 2007, 17:35:08 pm: Hi Joannaw welcome. ;D

It's tough yes, but take comfort knowing that you are not the only one doing this. Maybe we'll pave the way so when our daughters grow up they will have an easier go of it. I work very long stretches (I'm on day 6 of 11 in a row :() so it can be done. One of those days is a 12hr shift too. I am lucky as you are that my yields are large, you just have to make the time, right? Funnily enough all of the salesmen (I am a business mgr for a car dealer) are very supportive, it's the other WOMEN business managers that aren't as nice. I think one is jealous because her milk "dried up" early on. The other 2 don't have kids, so they just don't know I suppose.

Ana...hugs, you did the best you could. Any breastfeeding is a brilliant effort. :-*

Erin....that sucks about your supply. Are you taking any suppliments? Eating right?

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: joannaw on November 25, 2007, 18:27:45 pm: Yes it's really sad that about women usually being the ones to judge. Why? There has been some debate about breast feeding in public places here and the ones complaining are always women. I'm just waiting for the moment someone says something to me and they'll get a great response! It's so sad. We had a woman complain once when i went a restaurant with my Lo. She said ' you shouldn't bring children here' cos he was crying (he was 5 months). All the men in the restauraunt looked at me with sympathy.

Yes i definately think we are paving the way for our children in terms of breastfeeding. Walking out of meetings with my freezer bag in tow...

Ana - i know it's really hard when you give up. When i stopped with Lo 1 a few years ago i remember crying and feeling so sad. He was 8 months at the time and i was only part b/feeding then (started mix fding at 5months). You can't explain to anyone how bad you feel. You will feel better though and you have to remember that you have done your best and 6 months is great!

x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 25, 2007, 20:37:51 pm: Quote from: lyndsy_p on November 25, 2007, 17:35:08 pm
Erin....that sucks about your supply. Are you taking any suppliments? Eating right?

Probably not eating right and probably not drinking enough, and whoops! Just realized I forgot my herbs today. :-[ It's the pumping or lack thereof, I know it!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on November 30, 2007, 05:13:37 am: Well I just finished up my first short week back and am thrilled to report the pumping went really, really well!! I was able to get about 15 ounces each day, just about what Harper is eating and I'm pretty sure I can get a little more with some more practice. I'm doing it in my office and am totally terrified someone is going to bust in and find me even though I check the door lock a million times before I whip out the girls and crack the tunes to drown out the pump. Baby took his bottles well during the day and has nursed great each evening when I'm home. I was really worried about that because he's kind of a fussy eater so I haven't been giving bottles recently till now.

Question for you expert working moms - do you wash all your components each time you pump? I've read you should and I've read it's not necessary if you wipe them out and clean it well each night. I've been using those Medela wipes.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 30, 2007, 15:14:29 pm: Do you have access to a private refrigerator in your office? I just put the whole she-bang in the refrigerator during the day. Then bring it home every night to run through the dish washer. When I'm not at the office, I just wipe them down well, especially behind the little diaphragm thingie as milk likes to hang out there.

Congratulations! So glad you were able to get a good output!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 30, 2007, 15:24:01 pm: Congratulations Liacarmen, that's very impressive!

Yes I was wondering what you do about the breast pump in between feedings - I sterilise mine each night, and when I am at home keep it in the fridge between feedings. However I am often travelling around in work and may not have access to a fridge, so was wondering what to do. Currently I am only away from home for half a day at a time, so keep it in an insulated bag with some freezer blocks, but not sure this will work for a whole day at a time?!

I am also suspecting I will rarely get time on my own to pump, esp if I am trying to stick to fixed times. Yesterday had to do it in a meeting again (with lots of men :P) but fortunately was fairly relaxed about it and got 3oz (which is about my maximum in one go). The day before though I was in a graduation ceremony (I'm a part time professor at London Uni) and didn't dare express during that. Even though it would probably be well hidden under my robes!!! So my boobs were humungous by the time I got home...

I have figured out that I can get 3 oz at 9am, 3oz mid morning and 3 oz mid afternoon, which is just about enough to supply for the three days a week Katie will be in nursery, provided I also pump on non-work days... and provided my supply doesn't drop...

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 30, 2007, 19:12:48 pm: Bryony, All I have to say is you are the most committed BF mom I have ever met. There is no way I would pump in front of all those people. Discreet or not. And I'm curious, how do you remain discreet with a pump?

I did put my pump parts in a freezer blocked insulated bag a couple of different days. The bag seemed to stay cold enough to suffice for a good 10 hours. (at which point I came home)

Anne would probably have better advice on that. I think she does it all the time.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 30, 2007, 19:46:28 pm: Quote from: MJMom on November 30, 2007, 19:12:48 pm
Bryony, All I have to say is you are the most committed BF mom I have ever met. There is no way I would pump in front of all those people. Discreet or not. And I'm curious, how do you remain discreet with a pump?

Well I don't have much choice I guess!! It's quite easy to be discreet - I use a hand pump so I do not have to be plugged in and it's quite quiet. I just have to remember to wear a baggy top preferably with a V neck, so that I can stick the pump up inside my top, and then peek down the V to check I have hit the target 8) If I forget one day and turn up in a dress I will be really stuck though. It helps if it's a meeting around a table as I feel a bit more hidden behind the table. And I have a picture of Katie on my handheld computer which helps to get letdown...

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 30, 2007, 20:26:21 pm: All i can say is WOW
I find hard enough to pump behind closed doors in my office. LOL
Katie is sure one lucky girl!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: joannaw on November 30, 2007, 20:38:43 pm: I thought you were joking too, my God. i have enough trouble leaving a meeting with my freezer bag in tow. When i did this once they asked where i was going (a bunch of new people) and i said ' sorry nature calls' and immediately realised how that sounds.

I also put my breast pump in a freezer bag with a few ice cooler thingys - works for me anyway. I daren't put it in the fridge at work in case someone freeks out. I can't believe how many people ask me about this like i'm the first person in the world to do it. I do get freaked out about doing it on time though (give or take 45 mins) and certainly couldn't miss one cos i'd be in agony.

I am supposed to be moving to mixed feeding at Xmas cos hubby and i are going to France and we'll have the rare occasion of being able to get the grandmother to look after them for the whole day. I won't be able to take any breast milk with me and won't have the chance to express before i'm there. If i stop before Christmas this isn't a prob. If i continue (which i want to) then i wonder how i'll do this, i.e. i will have to give him 2 bottles of formula in one day after him having only breast milk for 9 months. Have you any ideas?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on November 30, 2007, 20:44:18 pm: Are you going to fly? Can't you BF on the plane?
i have BF in public and it feels creepy but it's possible. Just cover that side with a light blanket. HTH
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 30, 2007, 21:11:28 pm: Joanna - have you read the FAQ about traveling with breastmilk? You could probably bring a couple of bottles/bags of milk on the plane if you wanted. However, a couple of feeds of formula should be fine too....the only problems I really forsee is it's possible your lo might not like the taste right away, and you also might get a wee bit engorged that day if you don't pump. The next day or so, your supply might take a dip if you don't pump, but it'll likely come back up again fairly quickly once you're back to nursing.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on November 30, 2007, 21:18:24 pm: Joanna - if you think you are going to need to use formula, I would try and get your LO used to it beforehand.... perhaps mixed with EBM initially to get her used to the taste (not sure if that's sensible but it's what I am going to try next). Katie refuses to drink formula and looks at me in disgust and then spits it out... if you think it might be an issue you might want to test it out beforehand rather than have your grandparents have the problem?

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on November 30, 2007, 21:19:43 pm: The other thing to consider is that at 9 months, solids are fairly well established, so snacks can be an alternative for one day of babysitting too, if he won't take formula...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on November 30, 2007, 22:28:24 pm: You know... I have no problem BF'ing in public places in a big anonymous city. I've BF'd on several buses and most all the train lines in Chicago as well as all the public parks within a 20 minute walk of my condo, not to mention a couple of Borders and Starbucks and the Nordstrom. (well, nordstrom has a FANTASTIC lounge for BF'ing moms). Pumping.... not so much. I have a BF shawl that keeps things very well covered. Well, except for that now Marina is more mobile when BFing and tries to flash me every chance she gets. ::)

As far as travelling? pp gave better advice than I could! Good luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on November 30, 2007, 22:45:21 pm: Bryony - I use the insulated bag with the freezer pack that comes with it. I am out from 6:30 am until about 5 pm and the milk stays really cold :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on December 01, 2007, 00:51:06 am: Lisacarmen...in terms of washing up: I rinse my parts in cold water (as to not boil the milk) and dry with a paper towel after each pumping session. Then hand wash in hot (or put into the dishwasher) when I get home. You don't need to really "wash" them in between, although what Alissa suggests (storing them in the fridge) is good if you feel better doing that. Sounds like you have great output. After 11 days straight my output is down, but not much (14oz total with 2 sessions, usually it's around 16oz). Not that I'm bragging :P

Byrony...hand pump or not, that's still brave. I have to whisper "I'm pumping" to my receptionist in the showroom for fear that customers will hear me.

Quote from: MJMom on November 30, 2007, 22:28:24 pm
You know... I have no problem BF'ing in public places in a big anonymous city. I've BF'd on several buses and most all the train lines in Chicago as well as all the public parks within a 20 minute walk of my condo, not to mention a couple of Borders and Starbucks and the Nordstrom.
When I breastfeed in public I get the feeling that DH is more embaressed than me. ::) He told me to "cover up for godsakes" one time and I totally bit his head off. I told him I could stop BF forever if he'd prefer, so shut the eff up!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on December 01, 2007, 08:10:20 am: thanks for all the tips everyone! Anne that's good to lnow. Do you wash the pump in between or do you store that in the cool bag too?

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on December 01, 2007, 12:28:31 pm: Bryony - I was the parts in between with water. They aren't big enough to fit into the cooling bag. I do what Lyndsy does, rinse them off (then wipe dry with a paper towel) then wash them in hot soapy water when I get home.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on December 01, 2007, 13:54:51 pm: Cool, thanks!

Not sure that I will always have access to water (don't fancy using the stuff in the loos!) but my hand pump does fit into my cooler bag so think I will do that if I can't wash it

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on December 01, 2007, 19:23:21 pm: If I don't have access to water, I use the Medela wipes. Don't know if you have those in the UK but I would think so...but if your parts fit in the bag, that works too!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: joannaw on December 02, 2007, 14:42:32 pm: Hi and thanks for all the replies. No it's not a problem me bfeeding in public - have got used to doing it anywhere. We're going to France by boat anyway. The problem is that i normally express on the days i'm not with Lo and i don't have any reserves (he's a big drinker - 8 ozs per feed with a bottle!). We will have one day in France where my mother in law has said she will mind Lo whilst me and DH have a day out. Only thing is i won't have any reserve milk for him. We go the day after we arrive and so i won't have chance to express. I don't want to stop b feeding though and for the sake of one day i'm questionning it. I know you're right about so much formula at the start in one day - asking for trouble.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on December 03, 2007, 17:41:21 pm: WTF!!! Just pumped a whole whopping 2.25 oz!??!?

Monday morning is almost always my best yield for the week!!!

Does ovulation bring down your output? Never noticed it before, but I'm just looking for something.

All I gotta say, is if I'm only pumping 2.5 oz at this point, there better be a darn good reason! And I'm OK if it's cause I'm PG and just can't do it any more. >:( >:( >:( >:(
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on December 03, 2007, 17:54:39 pm: I am having supply issues too! :(
Strange thing that for me usually Monday is worse and than as the week progresses it gets better. I think it's b/c I don't pay attention to eat and drink right over the weekend. Also it seems that M eats less than what I would pump b/c if I BF him over the weekend my out put goes down and than it goes back up as I pump more over the week. I wonder why did M cut back on BF-ing ??? He's almost 9 months old. Do you think he is getting ready to go down to 3 feedings? During the week in the daycare he sucks down his 8 oz bottles without any problem :-\ ??? I am confused!

Alissa - I hope you're PG! that'd be AWSOME!!! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on December 06, 2007, 20:54:19 pm: Well I've done it. I have eliminated the morning pump! I have 250oz in the freezer and really, my supply for my pumping sessions is staying constant at 7-10oz when I'm at work. I even got 7.5oz last night at my 7pm pumping session thanks to Emma's help. She advised me to pump the breast after it was dry for another 5 mins and it worked. Thanks Emma! :-*

We are on day 2 of no pumping and I'm a little sore and engorged (one side only, ugghhh). I'm hoping it'll be over soon.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on December 06, 2007, 21:18:22 pm: WOW! I have boobie envy!!!!

I am very proud of my 40 oz in my freezer! I worked hard for that. Out of two pumping sessions today I got 5 oz. :(

How long did you do the extra 5 minutes? Just the one pump session? I tried that for a week straight on all my pumping sessions. All I got was sore nipples. :P :P But REALLY glad it worked for you!

Incidentally, the thought occurred to me the other day.... Our LO's drink a Big Gulp of milk a day. You know, the 7-11 Big Gulps? That's a LOT of liquid!!!

Oh, funny story I meant to tell you ladies. Not sure if I mentioned before, but my boss is also still nursing her LO who is 3.5 months younger than mine. We are the only ones sharing the Mother's Room right now aka. the pump room.
Tuesday we both had really busy days. She ended up walking in on me! We both had a good laugh about it! Knew it had to happen eventually. :D :D :D :D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on December 06, 2007, 21:34:17 pm: Alissa, I pumped on an dry boobie for about 3 pumping sessions, combined with breast compressions. I thought I didn't know how to do them, but apparently they work (I saw more milk going into my bottles). I also used compressions with Grae when I was home with her for that feed time, and I saw her change her sucking pattern as the milk started to flow again. When I did pump "dry" I lowered the suction a tad to compensate...try that. My nipples were a touch sore too! It took about 1 week for me to see results.

Walking in on you...funny! Don't you lock the door? I am paranoid!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on December 06, 2007, 21:37:13 pm: Quote from: lyndsy_p on December 06, 2007, 21:34:17 pm
Alissa, I pumped on an dry boobie for about 3 pumping sessions, combined with breast compressions. I thought I didn't know how to do them, but apparently they work (I saw more milk going into my bottles). I also used compressions with Grae when I was home with her for that feed time, and I saw her change her sucking pattern as the milk started to flow again. When I did pump "dry" I lowered the suction a tad to compensate...try that. My nipples were a touch sore too! It took about 1 week for me to see results.

Walking in on you...funny! Don't you lock the door? I am paranoid!

Lyndsy
Where did you learn breast compressions? I like to think I"m doing them now... but am willing to make sure I'm doing it properly. I really have no idea.

The door is always locked. But we both have an electric pass key that gets us in. No locking from that! :D :D :D At least the only people who have access to the room are other moms who have used it.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on December 06, 2007, 23:39:39 pm: Glad you had a good laugh about it Alissa. The place I am auditing doesn't have a spare room so I have to lock myself in their server/storage room. But hey, at least it has a lock ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on December 07, 2007, 07:54:58 am: Lyndsey - 250 oz!!!!! :o :o :o

I have about 15oz in the freezer and worked really hard for it :P

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on December 07, 2007, 14:00:23 pm: I don't have any stock in the freezer :( :-[ I live from day to day (from pumping to pumping LOL ;D)

WOW Lyndz, very impressive. I had to add the morning pumping session last week to raise my supply a little bit. I have done that for about a week now and just starting to see the result. I still have to supplement about 3-4 oz formula per day though. I am not worried about it, M still gets more than 80% EBM.

I never heard about this "pump for 5 min on the dry boobie thing" Can you explain?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on December 08, 2007, 18:39:56 pm: Suzanna...you just keep pumping past the point that milk comes out. Really it's quite simple. Sometimes when I do this I will get a 2nd letdown, so I keep pumping until the milk stops from that. Then I start counting the 5 mins from when it stops the 2nd time. Maybe that's the secret now that I think about it!

Alissa...Think "squeezing a water bottle with a sport top spout". That's the best way I can describe it. Don't roll your fingers down or anything. Just squeeze, keeping pressure constant until you see the long suck start again (when baby is latched), or until milk starts flowing again (when you are pumping). You can do thumb on top or the underside of the breast, I don't think it matters. I was doing it this way before, but wasn't pressing for long enough...so I didn't see a result.

Thank you all for the comments on my freezer stash ;D <bowing>
Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on December 08, 2007, 20:57:44 pm: Quote from: lyndsy_p on December 08, 2007, 18:39:56 pm
Thank you all for the comments on my freezer stash ;D <bowing>
Lyndsy

Well all I can say - is that you must have a much bigger freezer than we have!!! DH is now having to limit his pizza stash to make room for the MILK!!

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on December 09, 2007, 12:21:06 pm: Quote from: Bryony on December 08, 2007, 20:57:44 pm
Quote from: lyndsy_p on December 08, 2007, 18:39:56 pm
Thank you all for the comments on my freezer stash ;D <bowing>
Lyndsy

Well all I can say - is that you must have a much bigger freezer than we have!!! DH is now having to limit his pizza stash to make room for the MILK!!

B

LOL...we have a deep freezer in the garage that was supposed to be for deer meat....I kinda took it over with all my milk ;D Now dh complains to his friends that there is no room for his meat... LOL
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on December 12, 2007, 22:34:25 pm: Hello all!!! I hope you don't mind me jumping in here! I was reading through some old posts. Here is my problem that I was hoping to get some advice on....

DD is 10 weeks old and I will be going back to work in 3 weeks. I am really nervous about how the pumping thing is going to work out.

I am trying to get the boobs prepared for what is to come and maybe built up a supply to stash along the way. I am a one sider when actually bf the lo. So here is the schedule I was thinking of establishing...

When I go to work and have to pump I will be pumping both breasts. So while I'm here at home should I just pump the other breast that she doesn't feed on at my 6,9,12,3, and 6 feedings?

I am so confused and feel like this is a stupid question.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on December 13, 2007, 03:50:24 am: That is a great plan. You get more when you pump when she is on the other side, and that way you can kick up production on the other side!!

Good luck!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 04, 2008, 17:16:31 pm: Hi there! Not pumping at the moment, but starting with work from home in about a month. Baby is clingy and wants only mommy and sometimes only booby. any ideas?

BTW I was told to pump for an extra 15 min and smell something (baby's onesie or my DD's hair bows) to get a second letdown.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on January 04, 2008, 19:13:53 pm: WOW, you have a big boy!
LOL about smelling his onesie (I hope they ment a clean one ;D ) He might have some SA, he's about the age when it starts. That can cause clingyness. If he wants to nurse frequently he might need some more solids. How many solid feeding does he get now? He is really big so he might need more to sustain him.

I have serious supply issues. I haven't given up yet but sometimes I am so tired of this struggle. Oh well, in about 2 months we will get to the 1 year goal and than I will be FREE! I LOVE BF-ing but sometimes it just wears me out LOL ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 04, 2008, 22:46:12 pm: Su..you've done good girl. I know about your supply issues, and it's okay to count it down :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 06, 2008, 01:57:04 am: I am counting down to even tho I EN with DD. It is just going to be such a relief to know he doesn't need it to sustain him anymore. We are all over with solids. He has some food allergies and refuses spoon feeding. He refuses solids when constipated too, which is often. >:(
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: clugani on January 06, 2008, 22:36:18 pm: Hello - I am about to return to work (next week) and am dreading leaving my 4 month daughter behind. Luckily for at least the first month and half my mother or DH will be watching her but even that isn't that comforting to me as I know how much I will miss her and also, that day care is looming in the future.

I am trying to give her breast milk until she is at least six months so the lactation consultant said I will need to BF as often as possible. I have been trying to get her to consistently sleep until around 5am or 6pm so I can BF, put her back to sleep and then leave for work shortly after...to return by 4pm or 5pm to BF at 7pm. Does anyone know how long supply will last if only BF twice a day and pumping rest of the feedings?

However the last few days have been a mess...her doctor said to stop DF since she should be able to sleep through the night but now she is waking up once an hour from 10pm, 11pm and midnight when we feed her but then she still continues to wake up around 2, 3, 4 and then 5am. I am going to go back to DF her tonight and hopes she gets back into her routine. (8, 12, 4, 7, and 11pm, 5-6).

She also, just learned how to roll over while sleeping so we are trying to slowly get her out of swaddle by leaving one arm out during her naps (today is first day) and she went for 30 min. woke up and then I put her back down holding a thin wash cloth. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make this easier?

Lastly does anyone have any words of wisdom on conquering leaving baby anxiety?

Thanks...
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 06, 2008, 23:35:08 pm: Hugs clugani....

I have been back to work since my LO was 6.5 months old and we are doing great, now at 9months old. I pump 2x day and my supply is still good. I recommend a strong double pump (I have a Medela PISA) and to pump consistantly. The baby anxiety does get better....my favourite time of day is coming home to her after work and seeing that huge smile on her face!

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 07, 2008, 01:35:55 am: Sorry you have to leave your baby so soon. It is heartbreaking for a mommy. :'(

Most doctors know nothing about breastfeeding, so I would not listen to them. Here is a good link about it:

https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=98183.0

and a good one to keep in mind:
http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/4mo-sleep.html

And this may make you feel a little better about your supply:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/weaning/weaning-partial.html

Hugs to you!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 07, 2008, 02:19:55 am: Hi All!!! Just went to work for the first time last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. MAN THAT WAS HARD. I really hate to say it, but I had a harder time figuring out my pumping sessions rather than missing my lo. I feel really bad for saying that.

However, my MIL is taking care of her and is at my house until after lunch. So isn't that better?

Here is a question that I have. I have been feeding and pumping at 6am, pumping at 8:45, feeding and pumping at 12:00, pumping at 3, and then feed at 6,8, and 10.

OK...here is the question....what if I skip the 3:00 pumping and then pump and feed at 6.

Someone at work recommended that to me.

ALSO....will my pumping output eventually increase? Please God, please!!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 07, 2008, 03:09:56 am: Momnew, how old is your LO?

Hey, I was so happy to be away from Jake at first (not saying that's how you feel, just that I understand your not missing her). He was nothing but work.

I don't pump much. Good Luck!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on January 07, 2008, 18:47:48 pm: Momnew - Well your supply will decrease with pumping but if you do it consistantly and every time around the same times than it will last for pretty long. I went back to work in June and did very well pumping up until November. Since than I am having problems with supply but I begin to see that it's b/c DS has decreased his milk intake rather than pumping. How old is your LO? Do you cluster feed and DF too?

Clugani - I wouldn't care too much about what the ped says about BF-ing, they really don't know much. My ped kept recommending that I would stop BF and start hypoallergenic formula :P You have to be careful with the advice of the lactation consultants too as they tend to be into attachment parenting and feeding your baby every 30 min LOL ;D Just use your common sense. If your LO is doing great with DF than do the DF and if you want to wean it than wean it slowly but going cold turkey can actually mess things up pretty bad. According to Tracey it is good to keep the DF until they start eating 3 solid meals. It can never hurt your LO to get more milk. Also rolling over can cause sleep troubles. I would tackle each issue individually, I think you try to do too many things at the same time. I would reintroduce the DF and start weaning the swaddle. HTH ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 07, 2008, 19:39:03 pm: Quote from: marcimommy on January 07, 2008, 18:47:48 pm
:P You have to be careful with the advice of the lactation consultants too as they tend to be into attachment parenting and feeding your baby every 30 min LOL ;D Just use your common sense.
This makes me laugh Su!!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 08, 2008, 00:34:15 am: Lo is 14 weeks old.

I come home at lunch and feed lo and then pump the other side. I do cluster feed at 6p 8p and then DF at 10.
That is why I was a little concerned about skipping the pumping at 3:00.

If I did skip at 3 I would feed lo at 6 and then pump the other side. Right now (without skipping the 3 pm) I pump at 6a(one side 4oz), 845a(bothe sides 5oz), 12p(one side 2oz), and 3p (both sides3/4 oz).

I worry that if a skip at 3 then pump and feed at 6 I might not have enough milk to feed at 6. However, someone told me that is was amazing what your body gets used too and what it realizes that you need.

It is just so hard to get any work done. I feel like I am always leaving to pump. I can't get full concentration on anything.

Lovedtodeath...I appreciate you saying that about Jake. That makes me feel better :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 08, 2008, 00:41:11 am: Whoops, I meant to say, worried about the 8 feeding not 6. Does this make any sense?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on January 08, 2008, 03:19:42 am: Quote from: lyndsy_p on January 04, 2008, 22:46:12 pm
Su..you've done good girl. I know about your supply issues, and it's okay to count it down :-*
Ditto! And I hear you screaming Su on it being frustrating at times with the supply.

clugani- every mom is different. I am definitely a lower producer on this board of EBM. I rejoice when I can pump 4 or 5 ounces but average at 3. Others on this board have produced such crazy amounts in one sitting that I can't even wrap my head around it. I've heard of women exclusively pumping and be able to go long periods of time. If your supply starts dropping, you can always try Fenugreek, Fennel Tea, or More Milk tincture to help you out (among other galactagogues)

As far as baby anxiety... um. yeah. still have it. can't help you there... it does get better. I no longer bawl in my back hall way when MJ is bawling at home.

momnew- not sure what you mean by the 6:00 pump/feed. You mean feed your LO then immediately Pump or vice versa? From my personal experience, I wouldn't recommend it. You want to continue to pump minimally at the times that your LO would be other wise eating other wise your sisters will start producing LESS at that 3:00 feed and that would be not so good. On the other hand, I thikn someone else on this board was only able to pump once during the day and didn't report any issue to us. (sorry, can't remember who that was)

And I ditto what pp has said about the advice of lactation consultants and doctors. They are both well-meaning, but that doesn't necessarily mean you will get the best advice. Trust your instincts above all. They know better than all of the well-meaning advice givers out there. Including US!!!!

And I hear you on not getting any work done! Do you have a private refrigerator to store milk? If so, consider putting your pump parts in the refrigerator between pumpings so you don't have to wash them out every time. it does get easier and more efficient as you get used to it. I used to be gone for 30 minutes at a stretch, now it hardly feels like it's a blip in my day.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on January 08, 2008, 04:20:37 am: On the swaddle weaning - I'm all for keeping the swaddle while it works. My LO is 5 months, and mad did he need that thing - those arms were wild! Funny enough we've been having a hard time getting him down so tonight I didn't swaddle him and he fell fast asleep. I guess it was time!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on January 08, 2008, 06:43:28 am: Sorry, this may be a dumb question but how soon does milk get replenished?

There was this one day that I went out, got home late and pumped about 50min before the next feed (I normally have a 2 hour gap for pumping and feeding). I'm worried she may not have gotten enough.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 08, 2008, 10:41:57 am: I heard it was 1.5hrs to replenish fully - but it's replenishing all the time so after an hour there will be a fair bit there. But there are plenty with more knowledge than me who may well correct me!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 08, 2008, 11:44:41 am: This link may help you somehttp://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/milkproduction.html#autocrinecontrol

and this one http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurt.html

My understanding is that your body has milk when your baby normally nurses, or you normally pump. If you pump at a new time you are unlikely to get much because of this.

And I am not more knowledgable than Bryony, ::) so just keep all of it in mind!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on January 08, 2008, 11:49:22 am: Lovedtodeath, thanks, I learned from that link! That kellymom is a bit of a nerd. =)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on January 08, 2008, 14:29:50 pm: momnew - so you are basically feeding at 6 and than topping off at 8 right before bed, right? I think you should keep the 3 p.m. pumping for now. I know it is very exhausting but soon it will all change. In a month or so when you change to 4 hour EASY you will only need to pump twice during the day and maybe once at night. Just hung in there for now and I promise it will get easier soon! ;)

Kris - your little girl is adoreable!!! I agree with pp it really depends on what your body is used to. That's why it is very important to try to pump and feed about the same time every day. But it was just one feeding so even if you didn't have a lot for her she would make up for it the next feeding ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on January 08, 2008, 16:40:26 pm: And further to what Suzanna is saying, your body will adjust to when you are / are not feeding. Some bodies adjust quicker than others. If I miss a pump cycle, we're talking the very next day, output decreases.
The sisters get much more efficient at about 3-4 months. Too efficient for my liking. They can establish need and adjust accordingly. For us low milk producers, it can be a very frustrating process to rebuild that milk supply. And then there are others, that have no issues.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kzener on January 12, 2008, 04:50:25 am: I love this board! I wish I we had it when I went back to work with my DS in 2005 and was juggling the pumping schedule. Now I feel like a pro with my 8 month old DS. However, I have to say... It's hard! But so worth it! All of you ladies deserve a huge pat on the back for your commitment. So many others don't even try. I went back to work when my son was 12 wks old :( and made it to 12 months without a single ounce of formula. (that got hard when we needed to use my milk for cereal and other food mixtures) This time around I realized that some formula for mixing w/ food is just fine and reduces my production anxiety. I too am one of those lighter producers and struggled a lot with DS. My tips are:

1. If you have a newborn, start pumping and freezing from the very get go. Keep that production high even if that means some milk expires and you have to throw it away. (I've got a 2 month supply in my freezer at this point so I don't stress like I did the first go around) If you didn't do this..don't worry, you'll still be ok. This is just insurance.
2. I've always used a small manual pump for the morning feed. LO feeds on one side (football position on a boppy works best) while I pump off the other side. Then when LO is done I would pump off any extra from that breasts. If you start that from the beginning you'll be amazed how much you can pump. Warning..I have to say that this added an extra 30 minutes to my morning, but was soooo worth it. (also great bonding time)
3. With DS I pumped every 3 hours which was really frustrating but somehow made it through. With DD, I now pump every 4 hours which makes my day a little more sane.
4. Any time I've needed to increase supply, I've focused on drinking tons of water and using my manual pump after feeding LO. (regardless of how little came out)

Its really important to keep up those consistent pumping sessions especially as LO gets older. In my case, both of mine have started to wean themselves. He/she is just too busy and needs to see what's going on. So I find that around 7/8 months my production really starts to drop. Therefore, I have to stay consistent. (even those special times when I get a date night with DH. I still bring the pump in the car if too much time elapses)

I hope this is helpful to anyone starting out. It's a lot of work, but once you figure out your own system (use of mom's rooms, washing pump at work, scheduling meetings, etc.) it starts to fall into place.

Good luck and know you're not alone!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 12, 2008, 04:59:28 am: kzener....sounds like you've got it figured out. Good advice there. I started pumping in the morning and at the DF when my LO was 4 weeks. So worth it.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 12, 2008, 07:54:54 am: Kzener - you are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing that
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on January 12, 2008, 13:38:56 pm: Great tips, Kzener! :)

As for us....I gave up pumping at work this week. It was just getting too hard to coordinate my home visits around it, and discouraging with the little I was producing. :-\ So at 14 months, we're down to 2 nursing sessions a day. I hope we can keep this up for a while longer... :'(
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 12, 2008, 18:05:12 pm: From my understanding some people nurse only twice a day for extended periods...I am talking a year!

I still had milk a year after weaning DD though, so it is easy for me to not worry about it. Hope it works out for you. :-* :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 12, 2008, 18:50:17 pm: Hugs Erin....sending milk vibes to your "girls".

I got AF at the end of December for the 1st time since I had Grae. My output definately dropped. I think it's close to normal now, but we definately put a dent in the freezer stash. We are now dipping into pumped milk from October (FIFO) :P.

I think I've got about 180oz left. Well, I know I do because I counted. :-[

I am thinking that I really want to stop at 1year. Is this bad of me? My time is consumed with pumping and worrying about supply. Weaning to cow's milk would be soooo much better (again with the measuring and counting: am I a nut?) I would be okay with a morning and bedtime feed for awhile longer than that, but by the end of the day I don't have much left. I am supplimenting with 2-3oz of EBM as it is. Could one do a mixture of cow's milk and BF? How long would it take to wean? Thoughts?

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Samuel's mum on January 12, 2008, 18:58:16 pm: Just lurking here.

Lyndsy - it's not bad of you to contemplate giving up at 12 months! Do you know how many nurslings in the 'developed' world make it that far?

Erin - At this point 2 nursing sessions really could be sustained indefinitely. I know people who've maintained one nursing session for YEARS not even months. I'm not saying that's your plan :P but I don't think you should expect any supply issues if that's your concern. Everyone is different but if weaning is gradual statistics really are in your favour.

I totally agree with kzener - you ladies are an inspiration :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 12, 2008, 19:05:34 pm: Thanks for your support Emma. :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on January 12, 2008, 20:07:49 pm: Lyndsy - I second what Emma said - it's AWESOME to get to the year! We did a mix of BF, EBM and cow's milk after a year with no problems. Now we're just without the EBM part and so far so good. I think at this point you can do whatever combination you're both happy with and it could last as long or as little as you both want.

And thanks Emma! :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 12, 2008, 23:25:14 pm: Thanks Erin..I'll probably be in the same boat as you :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on January 13, 2008, 03:22:23 am: Kzener - i know what you mean about stressing out on pumping enough for feed, then to mjix with cereal then in our case, to mix with powdered zantac for reflux. It's like I have to pump another 7 oz a day for the extras. So I decided I will use formula for the cereal now. And of course, I just realized the other day that I don't know how to make formula! Hahaha.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 13, 2008, 04:04:43 am: You can mix cereal with water Kris, as long as your LO is getting enough milk in her bottles, or via boobie.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: kris dg on January 13, 2008, 12:56:13 pm: oh wow, thanks lyndsy_p!! that relieves me of so much pressure.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 13, 2008, 18:35:27 pm: no probs! :-*
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 15, 2008, 16:22:13 pm: Hey guys, sorry that I haven't expressed my thanks for all the feedback a couple posts ago! I am just starting my second full week back at work and it has been HECTIC. This week is better than the last week and I know that it will keep getting better.

Do you ever feel like once you've got something down pat that you start stressing out about something else? I was reading the last post and I am starting to worry about having enough milk for cereal and such now. Plus I am going on a trip for a week in May and am worried about supply then. I have 210oz in the freezer now. So I hope that all will be well with that.

I'll get through it, I think I just need to take Kzener's feedback and just be consistent. Thanks for all the encouraging words. I learn from everything that you guys are going through.

Now...back to work. Have a great day!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on January 15, 2008, 17:56:36 pm: Just for your reality check.... I've somehow been living with a freezer stash of never more than 64 oz and sometimes as low as 21. It has all seemed to work out with having enough for food and milk for cereal even though I feel like I'm always fighting to keep my supply up. So, believe me. If I can do it, you can do it. And I only average 2-4 oz a pump session!!!
Can you pump on your trip as well? That will help not only replenish your freezer stash, but to keep your supply up.

And May is still 4-5 months away. Just breathe, and enjoy this beautiful time with your LO!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 15, 2008, 18:10:08 pm: I've only got about 30 oz in the freezer at any one time as well - what is more worrying is that the freezer seems to be on the blink and so I am constantly monitoring the temperature in there with a plan to ship it all to my neighbour's if the freezer fails. Arrghh!!

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 17, 2008, 00:33:01 am: That does make me feel a little bit better. I will be pumping while I'm there, but it will have to be around meeting times, etc.

I'll get through it. I think that I just like to worry. My new goal is to not worry about things and to just enjoy it, like you said.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: marcimommy on January 17, 2008, 14:05:58 pm: Momnew - it will get easier with the time! I remember having anxiety attacks every day! LOL I used to worry about everything. But now I have more confidence and can relax much better! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on January 20, 2008, 05:47:54 am: You could even skip the cereal all together! A pumping mom I know at work did and all worked out just fine. We're getting ready for food and I think I'm going to skip it. I just can hardly bear to look at that dumb pump when I'm not at work, and I only pump enough for feeds when I'm there.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on January 20, 2008, 12:59:15 pm: You don't need to put EBM in the cereal - you can always mix it with either water or fruit too!! It is important for BFed babies to get that iron :) Just a thought ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 20, 2008, 13:21:23 pm: For cereal, I use a breast shell on the "other" boob when I give Katie her 7am BF. I get about an oz leaking out which I catch in the breast shell. That is enough for her cereal that morning... and on days when I forget or don't manage to catch the leakage :P then I use orange juice, cows milk or she has it dry...

B
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jmaef on January 20, 2008, 22:16:03 pm: Like some of you, I have found that I look forward to going to work, while it is hard to leave my DD somedays, I love what I do and it is helpful that I only work 5 hours 4 days a week. I appreciated the post about how much milk she needs, it confirmed for me what I thought that she is getting enough, even though she seems to want to keep sucking after she finished her bottle. Will give me good info to make my point if daycare brings up the question again. My challenge is that my DD is at the stage where she loves cooing, looking and smiling at mommy making the morning feeding session a challenge. I have tried everything, quiet dark room, covering her head (she just manages to move the cover so she can see me.) I wonder if she really is getting a full feed some days, because we have to leave and she has not nursed for long.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 20, 2008, 22:32:36 pm: How old is your LO and how long does she nurse for?
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: jmaef on January 20, 2008, 23:19:25 pm: She will be 4 mo on the 25th. We generally go as long as 7-10 minutes each side to as short as 3-5 min on one side. She is very fickle. But I also have some other issues with her such as chronic congestion, occasional reflux and we are starting to teeth I do believe. So sometimes "simple" things like bfing and sleeping are not so simple for us and the normal suggestions do not always fit. A bit frustrating for a new mom trying to find her way, especially since we have started going less than 3 hours sometimes between nursing sessions - will go longer between breastmilk bottles at daycare.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 21, 2008, 00:23:36 am: 4 mo is such a distractible age. My LO went through this too. It's very frustrating. Lots of times I was convinced she didn't get enough, but you can't force it IYKWIM? She sounds like an efficient nurser, same times as my LO as well. To this day she nurses for 4-6 mins per side. Offer the breast for as long as you can before she gets too annoyed. Try to stick to your guns about waiting 3 hours so you don't encuorage snacking.

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 21, 2008, 05:07:31 am: www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/bottle-feeding.html

how to bottle feed a breastfed baby, a must for daycares
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 22, 2008, 17:50:13 pm: Quick question - do other people use breast milk storage bags and do you have problems with them leaking?

Out of the last 6 or so bags that I have defrosted, DH has reported leaks in 5 of them - so Katie got a rather unplanned introduction to cows milk today!

Wondered if others have had this problem? what am I doing wrong?

Am really depressed at the idea that my precious freezer stash may not be usable if half of them leak on defrosting... :'(

Although on the bright side Katie didn't seem to notice or care that she was drinking 50-50 mummy milk and cows milk...

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 22, 2008, 18:06:02 pm: Byrony...I use Medela and DrBrown's bags. The ones that stand upright and have a ziplock top. The ones with the twist ties are horrible, I found they leaked too. I thawed those in the fridge in a coffee cup, then any milk that leaked in the coffee cup was saved!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 22, 2008, 18:23:02 pm: Mine are the Boots (large UK chaiin of pharmacies) ones - they also have the ziplock top... but good idea to thaw in a cup. Did you worry about the cup being sterile?

bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 22, 2008, 18:53:54 pm: no...not at Katie's age Byrony. As long as the cup is washed in the dishwasher, or with hot water you're fine.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 22, 2008, 19:27:29 pm: Thanks Lyndsy! Love your avatar BTW ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 22, 2008, 20:07:51 pm: Thanks :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on January 22, 2008, 23:23:47 pm: I have had the same issue with my bags, in fact just last night as I was thawing I noticed a bag leaking so I quickly transferred it into a bottle - only lost 1.5 ounces. I have the Lansinoh double zip top bags. That is a great idea using the coffee mug, Lyndz. You ROCK!! ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 23, 2008, 00:17:09 am: Thanks again Anne;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on January 24, 2008, 04:29:20 am: Do other moms find that their routine goes to pot on the days that they work? I'm struggling a bit - my son usually has a bottle about an hour or hour and a half before I get home at 6. He wants to nurse, and I like to nurse him when I get home, but he goes down around 8 and wants another nursing before bed. I've been concerned about supply, so I've been nursing him twice, or even more on my work days. Not sure I'm doing the right thing or if I should try to hold him off and only offer one feed before bed? He's almost 6 months.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 24, 2008, 04:47:47 am: One schedule in Tracy's book gives an example of cluster feeding done right at 6,8,10 soo sounds fine to me!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 24, 2008, 19:27:56 pm: clustering is fine if he'll do it. Some LO's don't want to.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 25, 2008, 01:41:28 am: You mean you can't force a baby to eat!! ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on January 26, 2008, 00:43:06 am: Thanks gals, I get too hung up on this routine business - not that we have a strict one, we certainly don't and that's what I worry about!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lovedtodeath on January 27, 2008, 17:20:43 pm: I break it down to the purpose of the routines... is my baby cranky and overtired? Am I having trouble reading his cues? Is he waking more frequently at night or naptime? If the answers are no, then you are fine. The schedule isn't meant to be strict, but a loose structure. HTH some more 8)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on January 30, 2008, 05:19:48 am: You're right - he's doing just great with our loose schedule. I'll stop worrying about it.

Tell me this, how often do you working moms pump at work? Does the frequency required decrease as your lo's age? I'm pumping three times in an 8 hour day. It's going fine - he's taking 15 ounces while I'm gone and I've been pumping between 14 and 17 ounces a day (hate those 14 ounce days).
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on January 30, 2008, 15:36:41 pm: I so should be working on a project right now, doing Baby Whisperer at work.....

anyway....

DD is transitioning from 3.5 EASY to 4 Easy. So right now I pump 2xs and get around 5 Oz each time. What has made a world of difference for me is that I got a larger attachment to pump. I use the pump and style medlea. I read somewhere on their website that a little of 70% of women need larger breast shields. So I went up a size and got more, then I went up one more size and got even more milk. There are certain times when I have to get another bottle to get all the milk. (esp if I am drinking my water and oatmeal like I should).
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on January 30, 2008, 22:56:01 pm: I pump as many times as my Lo would eat. So before 2 weeks ago I was pumping every 4-4.5hrs. Now we have switched to 3 feeds, so I pump at 11am and 7pm (depending on the shift I work).

HTH
Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on January 31, 2008, 08:00:42 am: I do the same as Lyndsey. I dont quite get enough this way so I do an extra pumping sometimes on days when I am not working.

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on February 05, 2008, 13:27:53 pm: Going crazy. I just can't seem to get it all done. I've been back to work for about a month now, I don't know how you ladies deal with projects at work, cleaning the house, picking up your kids, exercising, giving your DH attention, pumping, leaving time away from work to pump without every talking about it, etc.

I am about to self destruct in 5....4....3....2...ahhhh
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on February 05, 2008, 16:25:12 pm: I know what you mean!!!

I just pump at my desk or in meetings though - no way I could disappear for 20 mins... I am in an open plan office and no-one has yet noticed (or if they have, they have been too polite to say anything :-[)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on February 05, 2008, 18:25:21 pm: Yes Byrony is a brave mommy, momnew. I close and lock my door, but I am usually done in 8-10mins. Not too much to ask, especially now that we've cut down to 3 feeds. I am looking forward to getting rid of that 11am feed to be honest, it will be much easier. Just to let you know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

I have to say that exercising is last on my list these days...it used to be 1st. My family and I go for walks, but as for weight training, I haven't done that since, well, um, June! I have replaced my yerning for weight training with my yerning for sleep. I go to bed really early now!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on February 05, 2008, 22:08:39 pm: Exercise?? Who has time for exercise?? LOL Seriously, that is last on my list, although it should be much higher. At this point, I'm glad when I make it through the day on the bare minimum :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on February 05, 2008, 23:21:03 pm: I figure exercise is carrying a load of laundry, a toddler and a preschooler up and down the stairs and in and out of the car! ::)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on February 05, 2008, 23:28:56 pm: Works for me ;D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on February 06, 2008, 02:54:45 am: Quote from: momnew on February 05, 2008, 13:27:53 pm
Going crazy. I just can't seem to get it all done. I've been back to work for about a month now, I don't know how you ladies deal with projects at work, cleaning the house, picking up your kids, exercising, giving your DH attention, pumping, leaving time away from work to pump without every talking about it, etc.

I am about to self destruct in 5....4....3....2...ahhhh
Let's see... i have a cleaning lady... nanny picks up after the kiddo, i don't exercise, Dh has been ignored...

that leaves - projects at work, playing with my little chitlin, and pumping...

oh yes... and lots of BW time! :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on February 06, 2008, 13:09:05 pm: That makes me feel a little better. I almost lost it again today. Last night I went to bed and set my alarm clock for a 10:30 DF, but I set it for the morning instead of the evening. I didn't feed my child last night!!!! I am a bad mom.

I also was trying to feed and pump this morning and she kicked the bottle, it fell on the ground and I lost a little over an ounce. It was like it was happening in slow motion and I was thinking nooooooooooo.

What fun days. I suppose I'm just going through a rough patch here. Your comments have made me laugh though. Thanks for making my day a little brighter.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on February 06, 2008, 19:34:06 pm: Quote from: momnew on February 06, 2008, 13:09:05 pm
Last night I went to bed and set my alarm clock for a 10:30 DF, but I set it for the morning instead of the evening. I didn't feed my child last night!!!! I am a bad mom.

I also was trying to feed and pump this morning and she kicked the bottle, it fell on the ground and I lost a little over an ounce. It was like it was happening in slow motion and I was thinking nooooooooooo.

1. Not a bad mom sweetie, just a tired one, join the club. When did he wake to eat?

2. That stuff is liquid gold isn't it? I guess this is where they get the phrase "don't cry over spilled milk."

Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on February 07, 2008, 05:34:50 am: So not a bad mom for not DF'ing. I'm sure he still woke when he was hungry! really the DF is designed so you the mommy can get more night sleep. And it seems you took care of that. :)

Just take care of yourself and your little one right now when you're at home. Ask your DH for some help. And frankly, I'm a firm believer in Double-income-must have cleaning lady. I know it's not always realistic for all families, but even once a month would help you feel better about your home as well as get some rest. And if you can't... just let it go for a bit. It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

Quote from: lyndsy_p on February 06, 2008, 19:34:06 pm
2. That stuff is liquid gold isn't it? I guess this is where they get the phrase "don't cry over spilled milk."
DITTO!!! DH once dared say that to me during a tired state... he never said it again. :D
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on February 07, 2008, 13:00:57 pm: Alissa - you are too funny :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on February 07, 2008, 15:49:58 pm: Quote from: MJMom on February 07, 2008, 05:34:50 am
It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

I look at them as being cheap toys! :-[
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on February 07, 2008, 16:05:20 pm: Quote from: Erin (redstarfalling) on February 07, 2008, 15:49:58 pm
Quote from: MJMom on February 07, 2008, 05:34:50 am
It really won't be the end of the world if there are dust bunnies in the corners for a little bit until you get a rhythm worked out.

I look at them as being cheap toys! :-[
Right!!! Isn't it amazing! hours of fun with dust bunnies! (OK... hours in babies world is like 5 minutes, but still!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on February 07, 2008, 19:23:53 pm: I love the dust bunnies comment! You guys are so funny.

DD woke up at 4:00ish when I didn't DF, which I thought wasn't too bad. I do have a house keeper but she doesn't fold laundry and put dishes away everyday. I just need to learn to let it go.

I called my Dr. yesterday because I cried about 9 different times and couldn't seem to get anything together. I think that I may be having some postpartum depression, I suppose. I feel the jack of all trades master of none mentality. Nothing seems to be right. Logically I know it is OK, I just can't shake it though.

I think that I am putting too much pressure on myself. I finally started DD on a 4 Hour schedule today which should help. I thought about dropping my 3:30 pumping session. I think that I am so obsessive now, I know you're going to think that I am crazy when I say this, but I have 325 oz in the freezer now. So I figure if I drop the 3:30 pumping that I can just use some of that as back up. Worst case scenario---formula??? That isn't bad, right?

I promise I really am a normal person. This just sounds bad.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on February 07, 2008, 19:36:25 pm: Momnew - yes of course you are a normal person - and you are also a mum which is tough sometimes esp when you are trying to work plus do the best for your LO by giving her mummy milk!

And no formula is not so bad - if your LO will drink it....

325 oz sounds like a LOT to me - I reckon you have plenty spare!

We have ordered a new freezer as ours is tiny (two little shelves on top of the fridge) and it is completely full of EBM and there is no room for any food. Also it was very old and I was terrified of it failiing and all my milk going off....doesn't bear thinking about. It arrives tomorrow - woohooo!

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on February 07, 2008, 20:13:59 pm: Ummm... your reality check... you have 40 8oz feeds stored. I somehow have managed with no more than 50 oz at it's peak and as little as 14 over the past 6 months. And if you have to supplement with Formula, there is NO shame in that! You'll be fine! Cut yourself a break! You are a human. Not Superhuman!

HUGS!!! And good call on calling the doc.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on February 07, 2008, 23:14:43 pm: Quote from: momnew on February 07, 2008, 19:23:53 pm
I have 325 oz in the freezer now. So I figure if I drop the 3:30 pumping that I can just use some of that as back up. Worst case scenario---formula??? That isn't bad, right?
Impressive, even to an over-supplier like me. ;)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on February 08, 2008, 04:05:24 am: 325 ounces - that's amazing! I'm thrilled to have about 40. It's frustrating when you feel like you're not doing anything well - I'm a bit of an overachiever myself, so that's a feeling I can relate to. I try and remind myself that I'm the only one that cares what my house looks like. I've also decided to let it go a bit during the week and focus on a good clean on the weekend. That's helped - I've also found that men (I lived with my brother and male cousin before my DH - all of them would be total slobs were it not for my training :)) are much more motivated to clean when they see you doing it. It's real hard to ignore you trying to vacuum behind the couch if they're watching you in action. I look at everything I do in order of importance: baby, me/husband (that's a tie, most of the time), work, dog/house (another tie).
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: momnew on February 08, 2008, 14:24:35 pm: Thank you all, I appreciate your encouragement!!! My Dr. prescribed some good medicine for me, so that should kick in soon.

Liacarmen, you're right, I am a bit of an overachiever, I suppose there are always opportunities for humbleness and to learn what life is truly about. I think the saying of, when I am on my deathbed will I say, I wish I had a cleaner house, been more excellent at my job, etc OR was I a good wife, mother, and did I positively contribute to the world? My hope is the latter.

I did go and get a facial last night, my dh picked up DD, he made dinner, and helped fold clothes. I was on cloud 9 last night.

OK... time to turn this frown upside down (cheesy, yes I know)

All of your words ring true. Thank you!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on February 17, 2008, 04:47:57 am: Do you ladies find that after pumping you get drops of BM all over the front of your pants when removing your pump? You'd think I'd remember and make sure it doesn't happen, but of course I never do. It's not like anyone but me would notice, but man, I hate having to wash those khaki work pants all the time!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on February 17, 2008, 13:12:06 pm: liacarmen, I have the same problem. I try to make sure I have a paper towel with me to catch the drips :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Erin (redstarfalling) on February 17, 2008, 13:54:19 pm: I thought it was just me! I'd bring a puke blanket (most people call them receiving blankets, but they mostly "receive" baby puke, so.... ;)) and drape it over my lap til everything was put away.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on February 17, 2008, 16:02:14 pm: The puke blanket is a great idea :) Never thought about that ::)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on February 17, 2008, 20:08:02 pm: I have the same problem....seems universal. I wear mostly dryclean only suits to work, so it gets expensive if I make a spill. The lint from receiving blankets really messes them up too. I make sure I dip my body forward after I turn off the pump, so all the remnants go down into the bottle. It helps a lot.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on February 18, 2008, 01:33:24 am: I do what Lyndsy does as well. Although, I wear jeans to work and could care less if I have to throw them in the wash except that when I drip, I know what it is. ::)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lilyn22 on March 05, 2008, 02:15:14 am: i'm a recent back to work mum, and expressing milk for my 6 month old LO..its hard finding time to pump at work! and i'm sure my yield isn't great either..i pump at about 12, then another time mid afternoon, and can get 2 6oz feed most of the time from this..how can i increase my supply? :( DS is on one fed of formula and 2 bottles of EBM..
on weekends i latch on directly, and DS seems to have enough?? why is that? i'm so confused! oh btw,i also latch on at 7am, and 6pm, 8pm on weekdays
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: clh on March 06, 2008, 02:27:47 am: Hi, Lilyn--
Do you mean you pump 2 times and get 6 oz each time?! That's actually amazing. I pump twice a day and only get 6 oz TOTAL! So, really, you're doing great, even though it might not feel like it right now.

I know some women have had luck with Mother's Milk Tea and fenugreek capsules for increasing supply. Also, if at all possible, you may want to add one more pump in, maybe in the morning? I find that I maintain my supply best if I'm latching (ds or pump) every 3 hours or so in the day. So my schedule looks like this:
5:30 am - nurse (we've been having lots of early wakings lately ::))
7:00 am - nurse to top off & "reset" the clock
10:00 am - pump
1:00 pm - nurse (I'm lucky enough that I can go to daycare to feed him lunch)
4:00 pm - pump
7:00 pm - nurse
10:00 pm - pump (I find this pumping helps me have more for the next day)

And to answer your other question... If your DS seems satisfied, has plenty of wet diapers on the weekends, then he's fine. He is much more efficient at getting milk out of you than any pump can be. It has to do with both how he physically suckles and the hormones that are released when you have him latched. You don't get that from plastic.

HTH Know that all the breast milk you're giving him is doing great things for him! :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on March 06, 2008, 05:06:01 am: Welcome! I might try adding a pumping session in the morning too - maybe you'd get 6 ounces then too! I know what you mean about finding the time to pump at work. I'm a three time a day work pumper and it's a commitment. It gets faster, but I find it's always in the back of my mind that I've gotta get pumping soon. I'm part time in the office, so the days I'm in are meeting crazy. Today was the first day I missed a pump because a meeting went long--frustrating.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on March 13, 2008, 03:40:45 am: I posted about this in the regular boards too, but am looking for some working mom input. So, my son is up to 6 ounce bottles three times a day when I'm gone, and I'm not able to pump that much at work - argh. I've noticed a bit of a decline in my output over the last few weeks. I'm doing everything I think I can to pump as much as possible and am now pumping like crazy on my days off and hopefully increase supply for better work time pumping sessions. Have others had similar experiences? Did you supplement with formula? I'm trying to avoid that, but I know it's not the end of the world if that's what we end up doing. Anyone tried pumping every 2 hours at work and did that help? Not sure I'd be able to keep that up long term, but I could give it a go!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on March 13, 2008, 11:45:09 am: Hi there! I did notice a decrease in my supply after pumping at work for a bit, however, I thankfully had quite a stash built up so it never has been a problem. You can certainly try pumping every 2 hours at work but as you said that might not be a long term solution. Have you tried taking any galactagogues (Sorry for the misspelling LOL) such as Fenugreek? Here is a great article from kellymom.com about supply decreasing and pumping www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/pumping_decrease.html
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on March 14, 2008, 03:18:09 am: Thanks for the link - yes, I'm taking fenegreek and blessed thistle. I am kicking myself for not having built up a bigger stash. I think I'll try a little smaller bottles next week so I can pump a little less. The trouble I'm finding is with routine, he's used to eating about every three hours when I'm with him, and he likes to do that when I'm not here too - but he's 7.5 months old, if I could get him to 4 hours, I could pump enough for two slightly bigger feeds at say 11 at 3, then he could nurse when I get home at 6.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: LucyA on March 14, 2008, 10:05:02 am: Hi ladies, I'm going back to work week after next, so I'd like to join in here!
I'll be working 3 days a week, Tue, Th and Fri. I'm trying to get my head around the whole pumping thing, I've pumped from time to time in the past, but not regularly. I guess I should have started laying down some supplies a bit earlier, but I've been a bit in denial about going back to work I think!!
So, any advice for me? To start with, should I aim to pump twice a day at work, to make up for the feeds I'm not giving directly? DD usually feeds at 7ish, 11.30, 3.30 and 7.30, with an extra small feed (one side) around 5.30 most days. So 3 days a week I'll be missing the 11.30 and 3.30 feeds.
And with the pumping at work, do you sterilise in between? I need a step by step, idiot's guide to this I think!!
TIA :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Bryony on March 14, 2008, 11:37:15 am: Lucy - welcome!!

I am not the expert on this - but my experience when I was pumping for two feeds a day (I'm down to one now) was that I also had to pump at 9am each day when I had some "spare" milk, seven days a week, to get enough for the two feeds. I could never pump as much in a pumping session as Katie would drink.... however it really varies and some people do fine with just the two pumping sessions. Do you know yet how much you can get each time you pump?

In terms of sterilising - I am out and about most of the day when I am working, so don't have access to a steriliser. I sterilise each evening, and then carry the breast pump in an insulated bag all day with some freezer blocks to keep it cool. the expressed milk goes in there too, in sterilised milk bags sandwiched between the freezer blocks.

HTH!

Bryony
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: clh on March 14, 2008, 13:54:04 pm: Liacarmen--I was about to ask if he'd take 2, say 8 oz bottles instead. I know when ds1 was about that age, he went to 2 larger feedings, while I stayed at 3 pumpings at work to make enough. Then our schedules would mesh back in the evenings. I believe he went back to a 3-hr feeding schedule on the weekends, but I can't remember for certain. I think we're about to make that leap with ds2, too.

Welcome, Lucy! I had the same experience as Bryony: I needed to pump more times than ds (both) have/had bottles, but some women respond better to a pump than others. Regardless of how much you get out at a pumping, remember your lo can get it from you better than a pump can. Given that, I think I'd probably start with 3x/day if possible & see what you get. If you're getting plenty, then you could always drop down to 2x/day. Just my 2 cents, worth what you paid for it. ;) I do similar to Bryony in regards to how to handle the pumping stuff during the day. Medela makes cleaning wipes for pump parts, but that can get kind of expensive. I do carry them for emergencies, like dropping parts or something like that. Here's a link: wipes at Babies R Us I imagine other companies make some, too, but these are what I found.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: shivi on March 14, 2008, 15:26:44 pm: Hi LucyA,

I used Avent electrical pump and brought two whole and sealed (the avent tops and screw bottom) pump tops and the same with bottles every day and then for second pumping could just use the new top and bottle with the electrical head switched over.

Didn't want to have to store pump part in fridge with colleagues sandwiches so just put bottles of milk into paper bags marked with my name on and the pump parts were kept in my pumping bag and then both washed in dishwasher at home and then sterilised for the next day at work. I think I bought one whole electrical set and one whole handheld as the parts are the same and it worked out cheaper...

just a thought on the whole sterilising issue!

Shiv x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on March 14, 2008, 23:57:22 pm: Lucy A my LO was on the same exact routine at that age. I pumped at the same time that she would normally feed, give or take 15mins. I made it very clear to my collegues that it was non-negotiable. I am still bfing 2x a day now. I have a medela pump in style advanced and it really has been great. Fast pumping and really quiet. I believe that it has been the secret to me continuing pumping this long. I work full time (plus a little more).

You might find that after getting a bottle (probably 6oz) at 330 when you are at work, your LO will not need that 530 feed anymore (mine didn't). I would rinse the horn and adaptors between uses at work. The medela PISA has a cold pack and a carrying case so I didn't need to fuss with fridges. Then I would hand wash the horns bottles and adaptors at home with hot soapy water everynight.

HTH
Lyndsy
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on March 19, 2008, 02:18:23 am: liacarmen- are you still doing a DF? Couple suggestions: 1. if you're not doing a DF, pump instead of the DF. Or pump about 20 min. after the a.m. feed. You may be able to get 3-4 oz. extra.

I personally found that no matter how many times I pumped in the day between 2-4 I always yielded aobut the same each time.

I also had the Medela PISA and NEVER pumped as much as Lyndsy. She had super boobs that I was quietly jealous of.

Lucy- I had access to a mother's room that had a refrigerator so I was only sharing with other mommy's. I put my pump parts in there between the pump sessions and only washed at night.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on March 19, 2008, 03:27:50 am: No, we're not doing a df - I'm at work three days a week, so I've been a pumping maniac on the days I don't work - it's starting to work, I'm getting a little ahead of him, yea! Now I have to see if I can concentrate on better pumps at work. As it starts to slow down, I have a hard time staying focused on my pumping when there's lots of work to do! But, I think we're going to be ok, I've got enough stashed now that we can continue like this for at least three more weeks w/o supplementing, and my plan is just to keep up the pumping (I was doing right after feeds to increase supply, but that wasn't working, so today I tried an hour and a half after he ate, and that worked great). Thanks for the advice ladies!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: MJMom on March 20, 2008, 02:04:36 am: Try pumping at what would be the DF time. I always got a good yield then as it was 3 hrs after DD ate.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: NoonieP on April 29, 2008, 18:31:26 pm: Tip for Mothers who express.

Take an old or buy a cheap nursing bra. Put it on and mark with a pen where your nipples are. Cut a slit in each cup big enough for the pump shield to fit through.

Now when you have to pump, put the bra on (over your regular if you wish). Slip the shields in and on your breast. Attach the rest of the pump to the shield and your off. You can now have both hands free to do whatever you want. :)

I put this on in the morning and I'm able to get my hair done while pumping. You'll look funny and feel a bit like Madonna when you have the shields on without the rest of the pump but it's so worth it.

I also use it at work and I'm able to eat my lunch with both hands and pump.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: lyndsy_p on April 29, 2008, 23:51:56 pm: Good tip Noonie P. I find it works really well with old sports bras too, because of the support.
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: ~*~Little Miss Sunshine~*~ on May 01, 2008, 21:33:15 pm: Great tip! I bought a pump holder on the internet for $30 - best $30 I have ever spent!!
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: Mum of 3 + 2 stepkids on May 01, 2008, 22:25:30 pm: Ohh i like that! I have an old sports bra and im doing that in the morning

Kate x
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: liacarmen on May 02, 2008, 18:00:33 pm: I can't believe you gals are that coordinated! Something to aspire to.... :)
Title: Re: Working moms/mums - come and share tips and support!
Post by: RachelC on May 02, 2008, 18:45:33 pm: Locking this thread, as per the 30 page rule.

Continue here: https://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=122472.msg1293433#msg1293433

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