Recently Developed Pumping Problems - Baby 9 mths

[Molly2]

Hi Ladies

I can't seem to pump anymore.  I pumped a lot for the first 3/4 months as DD was slow to gain weight and I was constantly trying to increase supply.  I  pumped religously if I missed a feed (restaurant loos/department store loos/in the car - you name it).  I could never pump buckets but always managed a let down and a few ounces at least.  When DD was about 6 months I was so sick of pumping that I stopped. During the day, I only left her between feeds and at night I would come home a little later than the normal dream feed and feed DD late.

DD is now 9 months and I really want to be able to leave for longer than a 3/4 hour period.  I feel like I need this time to myself occasionally if I am to continue breastfeeding.  Today I went out for the first time, planning to pump.  All you English girls will get a giggle from this.  So I'm under massive pressure to buy an outfit for DD's christening but just can't seem to shop (after all, its been at least 18 months since I've bought anything dressy), at feed time, I go into the disabled loo in Harvey Nicks (smart department store for the internationals) thinking I'd have more space to spread out my bits. Turns out there is no loo seat, so I'm sitting on the floor with my top off and my pump/battery pack/picture of DD on my phone at the ready.  Tried for about 20mins and absolutely nothing!!!! I couldn't get a let down. 

Has this ever happened to anyone else and did you mange to ever pump again?  I didn't get engorged (I never do) and it worried me a little that when I got home to feed DD at 6.30pm (last bfeed having been at 11am) she didn't seem to take a bigger feed than usual at that time.  The only thing I'm trying to focus on, is that I never get engorged/hard boobs. A week ago I was feeding 3 times a night for a week/10 days (as DD was sick), then one night she returned to 1 night feed and I woke up the next morning a tiny bit full and that was the only effect.

I'm worried about 2 things, I don't have a stash, I only have enough for 2 more feeds in the freezer and would really like DD to have EBM when I am out but even more importantly I'm worried that if I miss a feed occasionally and can't pump, my supply would suffer.  I have worked SO hard to breastfeed for this long but I really am ready to start having a little me time.

Any advice/experiences would be really appreciated.

Molly

[lyndsy_p]

Molly my dear, you have to set yourself up for success...

at feed time, I go into the disabled loo in Harvey Nicks (smart department store for the internationals) thinking I'd have more space to spread out my bits. Turns out there is no loo seat, so I'm sitting on the floor with my top off and my pump/battery pack/picture of DD on my phone at the ready.  Tried for about 20mins and absolutely nothing!!!! I couldn't get a let down. 

Unfortunately sitting on the floor in the loo is not how to do it!

I have pumped since my LO was 4 weeks old specifically so:
a. I could have a life away from my baby once in a while
b. DH could give her a bottle for her DF
c. I could go back to work full time

I would try pumping in the morning either while, or 1hr after you feed your LO. What kind of pump do you have? An electric one would be the best. After about 3-5 days you may yield a full bottle. It is very normal to pump an oz or 2 at first. Be sure to pump somewhere you are comfortable...it is a very "mental" thing. I was stressed out about going back to work and my output decreased by almost half. In a week or so it rebounded (once I calmed down!). Don't worry about the full or engorged feeling in your breasts...some women's bodies don't do that. It isn't an indication of how much milk you have. Consider yourself lucky! I am trying to wean my morning pump right now and......ouchies, mine ARE engorged!

HTH
Lyndsy

[Molly2]

Lyndsy

Thanks for that.  I used to pump in the morning so I think you are right, had better go back to trying that.  Unfortunately can't pump while she is feeding as she takes both sides, but have a double electric pump so the pump is definately not the problem.

Molly

[lyndsy_p]

Great, you're half way there...just "will" your way into a big yield!