Pumping advice

[nicole1233]

I exclusively pump n get only 2 ounces from each pump m 8 weeks postpartum I'm thinking of now buying a hospital grade pump as it's Black Friday and there is talwaar 25% off I mean still expensive I need to know if anyone has had any expiration switching to a hospital grade pump after 8 weeks and has that help increase supply. I don't want to spend 299 odd quod and then find out the outpouring is still the same

Are you exclusively pumping?

I rent a hospital grade pump. I also have the Elvie stride which goes in my bra and is a lifesaver on days out and means I don’t have to sit.

You probably know this but timing is everything with expressing. I expressed at 4am, got five ounces. I’ll express at 4pm and be lucky to get 2!

Good luck with it. There’s a subreddit and a Facebook group if you use either of those.

Sorry - your first line says you’re exclusively pumping. And I hate it when people do that and I’ve just done it 🤦🏼‍♀️

Honestly no matter the time of the day I constantly only get 2 ounces

I'm going to be nosey and ask why you are pumping? I'm old and never did it much back then.. if your still using breast milk why not feed from the breast? I'm not being adverse .. just wondering why?
I used to send loads of milk to the prem unit ( don't think it's done now). I breast fed but also use to express( not a pump) easiest way was to fill a bowl of really hot water... then get a sterilised jug and gently massage and express the milk out manually and l could easily fill enough for another two premature babies for the day as well as feeding my own.
I once used a pump and " ouch" ..

Some pump so they can rest and let the dad feed. I'll be doing both when my daughter is here

I mean hold your breasts over the hot water.. helps the milk come

I bought an elvie stride when DD was born and struggled to pump 30ml total, I ended up hiring a Medela symphony and in the same length of time was easily pumping 100ml+ so personally I’d always rate hospital grade pumps over the wearables.

Check you have the right flange size first before you spend the money. You can also rent a hospital grade pump which is less commitment.

I was an exclusive pumper as we couldn't get a latch as he was very premature.

Are you topping up with formula?

I started pumping with an electric one but switched to a manual hand pump which I got much more out.

I couldn't keep up with demand and ended up stopping at 8w - it's bloody exhausting.

Ya I have to top up with formula:( I know it's so so hard.

In that case, my advice would be just give it up unless you feel really strongly to keep going.

Honestly, when I eventually made the decision to stop I felt so much relief and wish I'd stopped a lot sooner.

I'd made myself quite ill from the stress of it all.

Don’t make yourself ill but pumping can work well. It’s going OK for us although we combi feed - DD usually has 6/7 feeds a day and 4 are breast milk so I’m happy with that.