Pumping at Work - Production Has Stopped!

Well, try not to stress....because stress can cause a reduction in milk...also if you can nurse her as late as you can before you leave and try to plan it (if you can) to return when she needs to nurse....pump the other breast while she is nursing during these and all feedings( that you can) to help keep up your milk supply...I don't know how often you can pump at work but if you can keep on track with her regular schedule even if you are getting less you should be okay...pretty soon she'll be adding solids and not solely depending on breastmilk...and remember it's okay if you supplement with formula...it might not be your plan,but it's okay...we can only try our best...there are homeopathic options, if you need...check a local store or online...just don't stress, most of the time your body will make enough and if not, you can supplement...motherhood is never black and white...you'll always need a back up plan(or2)...You're not doing anything wrong, your body is adjusting to a change...keep trying! Good luck!

C.,

Reading your question took me back to the days when I was a working mom. I pumped at work for two babies for a year each. Boy was that a hard time! My first question would be to ask what kind of pump you are using. You need a high quality like the Medela Pump In Style. I couldn't have done it without it.

Second, where are you doing your pumping? It is important that you are able to be in a place that you are not worried about someone walking in or something like that. Sometimes it is better to just use the backseat of your car/van than try to get privacy at work!

Third, how much time are you using to pump? I was able to pump at my desk while making calls and it wasn't uncommon for me to use the machine for 30-40 minutes, getting a total of 12-16 ounces. I would do this three times a day. You may not have a job that would make that possible, but it definitely takes longer pumping than actual nursing to maintain supply. I remember that after 15 or 20 minutes of pumping, the milk would stop, but I would keep the pump on and after 5 minutes or so I would get what I used to call a "secondary letdown" and would always get another 2-4 ounces of milk at that time...so longer is better. Don't assume because the milk stops that your supply has gone down, you just need to give yourself enough time to access it all!

After doing that for two babies, I was glad that I was a stay at home mom for the rest. If you are finding it is just too much for you...like I did...you could always look for a way to work from home. I am now working from home and am much happier than when I went to my "fulfilling job" that I went to college for.

You can do it...don't get too stressed out or that will affect your supply as well. Going back to work and leaving your baby is extremely stressful as it is. You did great freezing so much milk. I'm sure everything will work out just fine!

D.
An experienced nursing mom of 5, still nursing #5 at 15 months old

Oh mama. I am a nurse who works on a Women and Children's unit which very breastfeeding proactive. Stress plays a huge part in milk production while pumping. You need to get 'let down' and if you are in an uncomfortable position, ie work, you just won't get as much. I suggest that you pump more frequently at work, like every 3 hours, and bring a picture of your baby. Sometimes seeing your little one, imagining that you are actually nursing her, can help with let down. Give youself some time to adjust to going back to work and try to find a place where you are away from the action, a place where you can lock the door, and just relax. If you would like to speak to a lactation consultant, for free, call my hospital unit. They would LOVE to help you through this.
###-###-#### Southwestern Vermont Medical Center and ask for a lactation consultant. Or 1-800-286-8668 ask for Women and Children's and then ask for a lactation consultant. Good Luck!!

My money's on nerves. Bring a picture of your daughter to work with you and look at it while you pump, visualizing her nursing to get your hormones flowing. Drink a TON of fluids. And nurse as much as you possibly can when you're with her. Your production should step back up shortly.

good luck.

Two things come to mind. Stress and timing. Returning to work and just being away from your baby will stress you out, and stress will affect your "production level". This paired with the fact that you may or may not be pumping as often as if you would be nursing at home. As you already know, its supply and demand. If you happen to skip a "session" and wait till after that 2 hour dept meeting, you may be bursting out of your bra and leaking, but ultimately, the delay will signal to your body that it needs to slow down production, and naturally your next pump with have smaller volume.

You can pump up the volume by pumping more frequently in the following weeks but most importantly, just RELAX. Relax while pumping, and relax while working. Don't worry so much about being away from baby but focus on all the good you are doing by going the extra mile to get her that extra oz while you are apart. And then go home to nurse her and rekindle the bond you missed during the day.

~ from a 1st time mom who went back to work after 3 months and continued nursing for another 5 months until I decided to stop after the teeth started coming in! ouch! =)

Don't be so hard on yourself! You're pumping in a different (and potenially stressful) environment, and are trying to go from employee to a mom and back to a worker again etc.... Looking at a picture of my son while I pumped at work helped me. And just try to relax, I'm sure with time and getting used to pumping at work things will increase again.

Sending support to you, C....I didnt' get through all the previous posts, but as a long-time pumping mama, I can empathize with the stress of worrying about not having enough milk. I'm just going to add one thing...

This is a link to a website that has WONDERFUL products which helped me through my low-milk times of stress....

The MORE MILK PLUS is amazing!!!!

http://www.motherlove.com/products_extracts.php

Also, drink tons of water...

Sending good milk energy...

It's hard going back to work and trying to breastfeed or pump. Remember to drink alot of liquids (water, milk, ect.) I heard that chocolate milk is good for producing. I tried while breastfeeding and it help. I hope everything goes well.

First of all, congratulations on your new baby! It actually makes sense that with the stress of going back to work that your pumping production would slow down...you might want to bring in a onesie or blanket that smells like your baby as well as a favorite picture to look at while you're pumping- that might help. It's one of those vicious circle things where worrying about it actually makes you more stressed, which makes it difficult to pump volume. So as trite as it sounds, try to relax! Good luck!

When I returned to work, I also produced less milk. I think added stress had a big impact. We had been giving him both formula and breast milk since he was born, so when I started producing less milk at work and was only able to pump enough to supplement the formula (instead of the other way around), I wasn't too worried (even though I would like to have had him take more breast milk. I weaned him from the breast completely at 9 months. Be sure to drink as much water as you can and keep up with healthy and frequent snacks which can be harder than you'd think. Just do the best you can and try not to worry!

I am also a mom to a four and a half months old girl. I also pump at work. With my first child when I went back to work I lost my milk within 1 month. I think the key is to drink lot's of fluids and try to pump every 3-4 hours. Also try to rest as much as possible. Exhaustion also has affect on your milk supply. Hope this advice helps.

You've had a lot of responses, so I'm really just reiterating what some other people have said, but really keep your fluid intake up! When I was home and nursing, I constantly had a large drink with me (water mixed with a splash of cranbury juice) - in fact I'd get upset if my husband came by and took a big gulp of my drink, even if he replaced it it wouldn't be the right mix or the right temp, whatever. Anyway, when I went back to work, there was no way to keep up the same fluid intake level, plus I started drinking a little more coffee, both helped decrease production.

My advice is, turn the ringer off on your phone, get as comfortable as possible - listen to music, look at pictures, whatever helps you relax and forget that you're at work strapped to a milking machine, and most importantly stay hydrated, and make sure to eat enough to fuel your body for milk production too. You may want to hang a sign on the door to "come back in 15 minutes" or whatever works so you don't have to stress about interruptions. Oh, and don't forget to turn the ringer back on when you're done ;)

C., you are doing nothing wrong, the same thing happened to me. For some woman pumping is fine but for others like you and I it actually stops our milk production. A pump does not stimulate you like your babies sucking action there for not as much milk flows. Breast feeding is all about supply and demand so now your body doesn't think it has to produce as much as it did when your baby was drawing it out of you. If you want your milk supply to come back you have to just full time nurse, ditch the pump. I came back home after this happened to me. Fortunately my husband and I were in a position where I could, I don't know about you. It was more important for me that my baby have my breast milk and we have that bonding time than it was for me to get back to work. I also took an herbal supplement called Fenugreek. You can get it at GNC or any health food store. Check with your Doc but most OBG's approve. Your next two days off you should put her back on your breast every two hours like you did when she was a newborn and your supply should come back. Good luck.

C. R

Ditto! I read the below comments. Force yourself to relax, drink and eat regularly, take time, and do it more frequently. Don't be embarrassed to take the time and "mark your territory", its a huge investment that is extremely worthwhile!;-) The sign thing works too!As does a photo of your little one...
Also, there are some safe herbal supplements that work wonderfully and quickly. Check with your healthcare provider but Fenugreek capsules (at GNC or health food stores)were recommended to me and helped me immensely when I had the same issue. You may then smell maple syrupy- or maybe even like Indian food (yummy), but it is nice and goes away when youstop taking it.Do some online research of your own too. good luck to you and don't give up!;-)

Don't fret. Contact your local La Leche League to get advice, there is bound to be someone with good experience on this issue, that is what they are there for, contact them! Keep in mind you have just left your child to go to work, you're probably feeling stress, guilt, pressure, experiencing time constraints, etc. This has the distinct potential to affect your milk flow in a negative way. Also being physically present with your child enhances the physiological response to produce milk/keep the milk flowing. Give yourself a few days to adjust to your new reality. You may also never produce as much milk as you once did, for all the reasons explained above. We think we can have it all, work full-time and be milk machines, it is not realistic plain and simple, so don't be so hard on yourself. You've made a decision to go back to work, either because you need to and/or want to, there are always consequences/compromises we AND our precious child must deal with in doing so.
N.

Hi C.. I too went back to work after having 2months off and my production also went down. I consulted my mid-wife and she explained that the breast pumps are great but they certainly don't empty you like your baby can. She also explained that my supply would not go down, it's just that I would not get as much pumping as I would when my son ate from me. Hope this helps and enjoy every minute of nursing. My son is 22 months old now and if there's one thing that I miss, it's the closeness and the knowing that he relied on me solely for nutrition and food.

H. M

How long, and how many times a day do you pump?

Hang in there and drink loads of water. I went back to work 2 days a week (Fri & Sat) when my daughter was 2 months old. Fortunately, my husband got permission to work from home on Fridays and took care of her. What would help a lot was to call home and listen to her coo or even cry, I would feel the let down of my milk and run to the private room to pump. I also would read parenting magazines to keep my mind focused on the task at hand and not stress about what I was missing by leaving the action of work for 20-30 minutes. I nursed her until she was 13 months old.

Once you get a routine down, it'll be more comfortable.

Try to relax when you are pumping at work. Tune them out. And try to invision, you nursing your baby in the comforts of home. While pumping try not to think about how little your getting instead try to think about holding and nursing her.

Hi, My daughter just went back to work also and she said that when she pumps it is the weirdest thing. She may pump only a few ounces and when she gets home she'll ask her husband how much milk the baby had and it will be the same amount that he ate. She has a lot frozen also.

See if this is what you are experiencing. J.

Stress as mentioned is a big one. Pump as often as you can. Some days you will pump less than the child ate and sometimes more. It is great that you have stores.

Try to visualize your child when you pump or have a picture nearby so that you convince yourself it is the child not the pump at your breast, this helps me get more milk.

About me: Mothers to two boys 2.5 and 7 months old for both pumped and breastfed

It's crazy, but not having her there can change alot- you're in a different environmnet, and have more things to think about. That's why you hear about people taking pictures of their baby to look at while pumping, recording baby's voice, etc. Good Luck.
(I should have maybe read other posts first- I hope I am not repeating too much.)

first thing you need to do is relax about it. stressing about pumping will decrease your milk. if you can, just pump every two hours while at work and eventually your milk supply will come back to what it was. most importantly, DONT STRESS! relax about it - my milk went down a bit as well when i went back to work part time after 4 months but i pumped and pumped and it came back. dont worry yourself! good luck and congratulations! im still nursing my 9 month old!!

Don't stree out!! Going back to work is stressful enough! Your milk supply reacts to stress. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and try to relax as mush as possible when you pump! Bring an album of your baby to look at! You can do this, Just keep at it and relax!!!!

I had a similar problem.... I was just SOOO busy at work that I wasn't drinking enough! So I would go all day and drink very little, and my milk production plummeted. Once I realized it and started drinking enough water, my milk production did better.

Don't know if that's what's going on with you, but it was something it took me a few days to realize...

I had the same exact problem. I went back to work when my daughter was 5 months old. I never had a problem with production before and even nursed my son for 12 months, the last 2 mths I was pregnant. However, I noticed a serious decrease in milk production the very first week. It eventually got to the point when I couldn't make enough to give to the daycare so I was doing half breast milk half formula bottles. I completely dried up at 6 months and couldn't even nurse her at night. I don't really know why it happened. I think it might have been a combination of not having enough time to pump (I was only able to pump on my lunch break) and the stress of working full time and trying to raise 2 young children. I also don't think I was eating enough b/c ALL my time was either dealing with the kids, working, or pumping. There was no time for anything else.

I was very sad to end the breastfeeding so soon but found switching to formula much less stressful. I was rushing her feeding in the morning b/c I had to get out the door, then I was rushing to pump enough milk to last a whole day in 30 minutes. Then I was rushing home to feed her right away and wasn't getting dinner started until almost 7pm b/c she would attach herself to me and not let go. I also had a 2 year old to deal with and he wanted my attention, not to mention my husband and my dog.

I'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. I'm sorry I don't have any helpful tips. Just wanted to let you know that I've been there. It's hard to do everything, sometimes we just have to let something go. I would have prefered letting the job go but unfortunately that wasn't an option.

Good luck! I hope someone else can give you some good ideas to keep it going longer.

C., I have two kids and am expecting number 3 in July and i know what your going through. When I went back to work full time after having my first 2 it was in the 4 month of brest feeding and no matter what I did my volume slowed down I was even pumping on the same schedule since my job was very understanding. It was never really explained why except that it could be the little extra activity and stress that work put on my body. Unfortunately I had to start them both on formula to supliment, but I made sure that I fed every morning and evening and just did my best at pumping during the day. I did notice that weekends feeding all day helped to keep it going it never went away completely until I decided to stop brestfeeding and within a week or 2 my milk left. Good Luck!

Read the book "Nursing Mother, Working Mother" by Gale Pryor. A great book and lots of good tips and reassurance. You are not alone!!!! You have gotten great advice here, keep up the good work. I pumped until my son was 1 year old (he's 8 now), my daughter as well (she's 5), and now pumping for my baby (8 months). Can't say I love pumping but I'm keeping it up for now...

you might be about to get your periodafter you do, milk production will return to normal.

Congrats on your girl!!! This happened to me but I was not pumping on a set schedule b/c of meetings etc and I reduced my liquid intake. I found out that I spent my work day either pumping or in the bathroom :o) However make sure you drink plenty of water as you need to liquids for good production and that you actually nurse whenever you can. Nurse in the morning before going to work, once you get home from work and then at night and exclusively nurse during the weekend. Pumping helps but is not as good as nursing for keeping up with milk supply and now that you are working you are pumping more than you are nursing. Also pump on a schedule as much as you can, this was hard for me b/c of my type of work. Also make sure you have a relaxing place where to pump at work and focus on your baby while you pump. Believe it or not Breastmilk production has a psychological component to it and establishing that conection with your baby is very important for milk let down. A lot of people swear by fenugreek to increase milk production, it didn't help me much and everything I read says there is not really much you can do in terms of remedies to increase milk production. Again perhaps it didn't work b/c I wasn't convinced it would. But try it if it doesn't help you, it won't hurt you either.

I went back to work when my daughter was 4-1/2 months and was able to keep it up for about two months after I started working, it just became too frustrating so I stopped. I started supplementing with formula at day care and nursed only mornings before going to work and then at night.

Congratulations on your baby! And I applaud you for breastfeeding and for continuing to supply your Mother's milk even when you can't nurse.

You are doing nothing wrong, I'm sure. I think it's quite likely that your milk production at work is down because you're BACK AT WORK. :) You are probably fighting feelings of guilt for not being home with your baby, sadness because you're not home with your baby, and all kinds of other work-related stress. That will affect your milk supply.

My best advice is for you to try to relax, put a picture of your little one up where you can see it while you're pumping, and know that every little bit you give her counts. She's already getting a much better start than many babies do, so focus on what a good job you're doing as a mommy and give yourself permission to feel whatever emotions you're feeling now. It's OK!

I hope this helps!

T. (mommy to a beautiful 3 year old boy)

Hi C.,

You have already gotten a lot of good advice. One other thing you could try. In Manhatten there is a store called the Upper Breast Side 220 West 71st Street, suite 1, between Broadway and West End Avenue. ###-###-####. You can take your pump there and they will see how you are using it. They could give you tips or at least assure you that the pump is fine. I don't know where you live, but if you could find such a place... I found them helpful when I had a problem, event though things had been going fine for a while. I got different cups, and that was all I needed. I just looked up and found reviews on the place. Some thought they were pushy and expensive, so if you go keep that in mind.

It may just take a little time, stress (your life change and being in a different environment) is very "anti let down"!

Good luck!

C.

MAybe it's just difficult for you to relax at work Ant stress can affect your milk supply. Try relaxing, not rushing (easier said than done) and maybe sipping water or reading while you pump just to take your mind off pumping at work and rushing to get back.

A lot of things can interrupt your milk production....mostly stress! Make sure you are still doing the right things with your diet and fluid intake...but mostly try to relax. I went back to work 6 weeks after my baby was born, but never had more than 3/4 feeds in the freezer at any time, and my daughter weaned herself at about 10 months old. Hang in there!

C., Congratulations on your baby! You've received wonderful advice so I'll try not to be repetitive. I just wanted to say that I've been there too. It's so important to stay hydrated and to eat right. What hasn't been said is beside the pressure of having a baby and returning to work there's so much pressure in today's society to get back into shape quickly. (J-lo has twins and a month later looks amazing! What's up with that?!?!) Please don't make that a priority when you're breastfeeding. Eat well and eat as much as you want. If you're craving it, enjoy it. You need the nutrition for milk production and you need the extra calories to keep you going - breastfeeding, working and taking care of baby all take lots of energy!. Keep taking your prenatals and make sure you get enough fluids - water, juice - nothing caffeinated. SO what if you have to buy an extra pair of "transition pants"!?!?

Also, try using imagery to help. The suggestions to call right before you go in to pump so you can hear her or to bring pics were good. But if you need to you can take it a step further. Videotape her and bring your laptop into the room. Or watch a slideshow of different pictures. It's so easy today with digital cameras. Just take a few pics each evening and then download them on your computer to watch the next day. Within a week or two you'll have a nice slideshow of pictures. Take some while she sleeps, is crying, and have hubby take a few of you breastfeeding her. These all make it easier to imagine that she's there with you. You could even bring the onesie or nightgown she slept in in a plastic bag so when you open it you smell her. I know these seem a bit extreme but they will help you let down easier. The faster you let down the shorter and more efficient each pumping session will be and if each session is quick hopefully you'll either be able to have more of them or you'll at least be less stressed about being away from work for 15 minutes as opposed to 25 or 30 minutes at a stretch and, as was already said, being less stressed will help you pump more! Good luck!

All the advice so far has been right on. One other suggestion i have is try to pump for a longer period of time. I realized that my breasts empty out in about 15 mins, but if at the same sitting i spend another 10-15 mins at the pump, I can ususally get another 2-3 oz. Good luck!

If you were nursing and pumping at home and now you're just pumping at work, it is natural that your production would be reduced. Pump more often at work or for longer periods to build it up again.

Congratulations on keeping it going and storing milk. You should feel really great about what you are doing for your daughter.

I know its hard, but try to relax. Look at a picture of your daughter if that helps you calm down and let your body work. Stressing out about it will not help. I found on days when I was really busy/distracted that I had to pump longer because I would not let down.

I always nursed my kids before I left for work and as soon as I got home so I got as much time with them as possible.

I also noticed I pumped different amounts depending on how rested I was or if it was the time of the month.

Take care.

I think the body is an amazing thing and it might actually sense you're away from your child more now and, therefore, doesn't need to produce as much milk. Although I'm not sure that was the reason, the same thing happened to me after pumping for several months at work. A lactation consultant suggested I try my best to pump every hour (even if just for 5 minutes), which obviously can be difficult at work so you may have to wait for the weekend or for some time off. Are you using a medela breast pump? If so (I can't speak for other pumps) but she suggested I replace the membranes (the little yellow flaps) b/c if they are defective the pump is no longer effective. I did both and after 2 days I was producing more milk than I knew what to do with. Good luck --- I know a reduced supply when you're not ready to quit can be very stressful.

Hi C., I had this problem as well with our son. I ended up taking fenugreek and alphalpha supplements and they seemed to help amp up the supply.

You can contact a lactation consultant, but the same thing happened to me. It could very well just be stress from pumping at work, you are probably much more relaxed pumping at home. I wasn't able to keep it going very long at work but maybe you could try to play soothing music and make sure you have extra time and privacy?

I glanced through the messages and I probably won't say anything different than anyone else, but I wanted to add my response because I have been in your situation too. I went back to work when my daughter was 4 1/2 months old. Pumping is hard! Your body knows that it is different than feeding your baby and your body knows when you get stressed out over the amount of milk. I had to learn when and where to pump. I used to try to pump at home in the morning before leaving for work and then I learned I got more milk if I got myself to work and pumped first thing. I would also suggest that you concentrate on breast feeding your daughter as much as possible/as she wants when you get home from work and on weekends, which will help your supply. Eventually, once she is older and eating more solid foods and you've been working longer, you will pump less milk. I felt horrible around her 7th month when I could not consistently pump the same amount each day and I had to rotate between days when I gave her babysitter more food and less milk and days when I could give more milk and less food. However, my priority was not to have to give her formula, and I didn't have to. It is possible with patience and persistence. Remember too, this trying time of your life will pass. I remember I felt so free after she turned one years old and I no longer had to pump at work - but I was able to continue to nurse her twice a day until she weaned at 18 months. Hang in there. I wish you the best.

WHen I went back to work the law had just passed in CT legislature that the employer HAD to provide a comfortable environment to pump in. I got a private office, my own key and no one else at that time had access. I left a book to read, pictures of my little one - anything that would help me relax in at my work place. Not only that but I had to make sure I was eating and drinking enough fluids to produce the milk. Stress and anxiety can do crazy things to your body. Take a few deep breaths when you get into your secluded location to pump think of why you are doing it - the rest should come. Good luck.

Don't worry. I had the same thing happen. It's stress. Once you become more comfortable with the idea of being away from your baby and returning to work, your milk supply will come back up. In the meantime bring pictures of your baby with you to look at while pumping- this helps!!!!

Good Luck!
S.

First of all, congratulations on continuing b'feeding despite your return to work! I have been pumping 3x/day at work since mid-August. It DOES get easier. Make sure you have a good pump (Medela, Ameda Purely Yours or the Avent Isis Duo). This is KEY to pumping. Also, what everyone else has already said, relax as much as you can. Stick with it. It will get easier. You can also bring baby into bed with you at night so that he can feed off and on throughout the night-this will stimulate milk production and help you get some rest. Best of luck to you!!

Hi C.:

Are you stressed about returning to work? I know that stress will cause a decrease in production. Also are you drinking enough water? Just a thought.

Good Luck and I hope that the production comes back!

K.

i have talked to several lactation consultants including tara who is a member of mamasource, pumps are not nearly as effective as your baby. a hand held pump is about 10% effective where an electric pump is about 40% effective. you may have to pump more often than your baby eats so your body will realize that it still needs to produce milk.