Tips for pumping please?!

[FeelingFlat]

Hi,

I've breastfed my 6 month old exclusively and she's an absolute chunk and is always fully satisfied after a feed. I occasionally need to express if I'm away from her for a few hours but never manage more than two ounces! I've tried the hakaa, the Phillips manual and now have the ardo calypso electric pump.

Any pumping pros want to share tips on how to effectively pump? So much j read online is aimed at newborn mothers and increasing supply....

Ideally I'd express once a day or maybe twice with the view of getting a full 5/6 ounces to stock up my freezer!

Thanks

Anyone? So far I'm also trying lactation cookies and herbal teas :)

Try pumping at different times of day. My HV advised mid mornings are the best times. By experimenting I've found the best times for me are early to mid morning as that's when I seem to get the most out.

Also my HV advised to prepare for pumping by massaging boob for a bit and shaking it one or twice and then pump. It sounds funny as I type it but it works for me ha.

If I pump in the afternoon or evening I get hardly anything, not worth bothering at those times for me.

Thanks so much I will try it now after a boob shake!

Not sure if this is helpful as it sounds like you have a pump but I find the mendela swing super good! Could you start your baby on one boob then switch to the other then express from the first? Or does your baby take both boobs in a feed? I find I get the best expression when my baby has started it off if that makes sense?

Yes I will try that thanks!

Hi! I exclusively express for my 11 week old baby and have done since week 7. I express every 3-4 hours and get about 4/5 letdowns with every session which normally equals about 7oz. The amount I express varies a bit throughout the day, I get the most in the morning and the least between about 9pm to midnight amd I think this pattern is roughly similar for all Mums due to our hormone levels.

I find that if I'm stressed it reduces the amount and speed of my letdowns, so make sure you're as relaxed as possible. Looking at a video or picture of my baby (if I'm away from him) also helps with milk expression. I find breast massage very effective whilst pumping too. I know some people swear by oats to increase milk supply, I have no idea if this really works but I have been eating porridge for breakfast everyday just in case!

I have to pump for about 30-45 mins at each session and from what I've read online from US Mums (who tend to exclusively pump more than UK Mums due to maternity leave) this is quite normal. So if you feel like you're not getting any more milk maybe try to do some breathing exercises and look at a picture of your baby and wait a few more minutes to see if you get an extra letdown (often works for me!)

Thanks so much @TheVeryHungryTortoise I admit I express for less than ten minutes and tend to stop when milk all but slowsBecause I'm feeding her too I get worried that she will be left with two empty boob

Marking place!