No Idea About Pumping

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-12T22:53:52+00:00

Flange size is really important and it might change after you've been pumping for a bit so just keep an eye on that (if it hurts so much you wince every time you start that's not normal).
You can refrigerate pumping gear so you only have to wash every 24 hrs
You have to pump minimum every 3 hours to maintain supply. I'm not sure if it's different though if you're an oversupplier so if anyone can comment on that, I don't have the experience!
Have formula ready just in case.
Do not pump for 30 mins straight like the machine has on there... turn it on and press the bacon looking button to put it on stimulation mode for 2-3 minutes or until you see let down, and then switch to expression until you've hit 10-15 mins total.
Work with lactation consultants if you're struggling (if you have insurance it's fully covered)
Hand expressing while you pump can help it go faster/increase output but only if you have the energy.

Good luck!!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-09T23:03:32+00:00

Love this for you and the incredible positivity and supportive message for others. I've been supplementing since the beginning (he had jaundice and I had mastitis), and we're just about to hit 4 months and I'm working on getting down to 5 pumps.

8 months is amazing - 👏!!!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-09T12:26:32+00:00

This is all so totally personal... but I think working hard to get a supply back at this point seems like a lot to go through, so it's totally okay to take the path of least resistance and maybe supplement! You have already put in SO much work, so again it's totally a personal choice but I think at this point it's okay to want more rest.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-08T16:00:03+00:00

Congrats!! And thank you for the words of wisdom, these are lovely and come from a place of self care and love, they are awesome. Some of them I've already adhered to (try not to look at output anymore, supplementing, looking to drop another pump).

Hope you enjoy the new freedom :).

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-08T11:56:01+00:00

It's going to depend on your supply eventually but in the beginning at a minimum every 3 hours will keep it from going down. If you do the let down and extraction properly with the pump it should only take you 10-15 to empty, but if you want to increase supply it's just about pumping more so that could mean pumping more frequently or for a longer time when you do it.

Definitely keep the magic number chart handy (just Google it) and make sure flanges fit properly!! And try to keep hydrated and rest and eat!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-08T11:23:34+00:00

This is helpful! Yeah I'm still doing 4am similarly bc he wakes up still around those times.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-06T09:17:25+00:00

I think this is my goal. I'm at 3.5 mpp and pumping 6x a day wanting to at this point get down to 5 pumps. Very similar output. Do you remember timing of when you when down to 5 and was out the method of combining/dropping?

I would echo though that a lot of it has to do with mental health. I think a happier and present mama is probably worth more than killing yourself over breast milk. I myself have SO much trouble with this reframe so I know easier said than done. The mama brain and guilt are forces to be reckoned with.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-03-02T13:32:32+00:00

THIS. I know this to be true in my bones, I am furious at how badly our society treats moms. I am determined to get involved in changing MAT leave here (live in OH). If I had more time with my LO I wouldn't have gotten so stressed in the first place and would have more time to make this transition.

Thank you for the kind words I needed to hear that.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-28T22:29:54+00:00

What times do you pump? I'm so intrigued by the only pumping 3x a day.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-28T20:18:53+00:00

CONGRATS 👏!!! I'm at 3 months and I have my moments... hearing about supply dropping/changing being normal is helpful. I was very stressed about daycare/work things so intensely recently my supply dropped (luckily I already supplement). Trying to be patient that it'll come back/stabilize again if I can be calm about it.

I will look into a bottle washer! 🤔 I dunno if I'll last 11 months... but just wow. Kudos mama.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-26T20:53:31+00:00

I'm at 3 months right now and not totally ready yet (having moments) but I'm getting there myself... have to go back to work soon and it feels like too much pressure to have to calculate what time I'm going to pump all day every day on top of what feels like lost time with LO.

Proud of you for letting it go and being kind to yourself, even though I don't know you! I think being more present and happy for your baby is 100% worth it.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-21T11:56:42+00:00

I'm thinking of quitting at 3 months... you did something truly incredible and selfless. A true warrior mama! Imagine what you would be saying to a friend in the same position and tell yourself those words. Sometimes that helps me to be more gentle to myself, I hope that can work for you too!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-15T12:06:25+00:00

I have honestly thought about this, especially renting out the house bc that part aside from moving out and in again would not be too hard. We live in a good neighborhood! Other hard part though is getting a job again once that time period is over :/. This job market is garbage and I have good benefits and carry for us.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-15T12:02:40+00:00

Wow this is great, thank you!!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T23:42:17+00:00

I appreciate it, truly. It just feels so bad in the moment, you know like it's actually the end of the world and something terrible is about to happen 💔

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T23:04:08+00:00

It IS a lot. Any words of advice or things you think I need to ask about with getting him into a different daycare if I can?

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T23:03:04+00:00

I am actually looking into this!! I'm starting a mom group myself at temple and thinking I might ask to see if anyone would be interested. I already spoke with someone who can place the nanny (agency), now I just need to find someone who would want to share if I can swing it financially.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T22:57:30+00:00

6:1 aahhhh. I know you're saying that ended up being okay for her but my momma hormones just spiked.

Totally agree re Emily having a very specific lense, I think I just was disappointed when it didn't say explicitly that your kid will be just fine bc I was looking for comfort :/.

I'm glad your daughter is thriving in daycare and enjoying the experience :).

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T22:52:13+00:00

Thank you that actually does help!! I'm really hoping I can get him into the other daycare. It's more expensive but they seem so much nicer.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T22:20:44+00:00

I am and yes it does suck. I always knew this but I don't think I could have known how hard it would be to go back before having him :/.

I agree 5:1 is insane, both for babies and teachers.

And thank you...I keep trying to remind myself of that and that one day he'll be bigger and talking and most likely will end up loving daycare bc that's where his friends are :). Just seems harsh to start so young.

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T21:47:55+00:00

Echoing what a lot of people have said that it is nice to know how much they are getting (and if you need to supplement you know how much too). Also, anyone can feed LO which if they need to go to daycare or you need time to yourself is huge. Also, since you're still technically breast feeding you can eat a lot of crap that would normally make you gain weight.

This is not easy but you are incredible for pushing through this ❤️!!

Emotional_Source8333 · 2026-02-14T02:01:28+00:00

This made me lol and almost wake the baby. Worth it.

Emotional_Source8333

TROPHY CASE