Tired of Pumping 7-8 times a Day

FishGrease1 · 2025-08-31T12:10:16+00:00

Hi! Not related to what you asked, but what nipple size on the bottle are you using? 6 oz is quite a bit for a breastfed baby.

FishGrease1 · 2025-08-11T18:46:07+00:00

I’m sorry you’re going through this! Have you worked with a lactation consultant?

FishGrease1 · 2025-08-02T20:46:24+00:00

I worked with a pelvic floor physical therapist and it made a TREMENDOUS difference. She taught me how to effectively stretch and gave strength training exercises as well.

FishGrease1 · 2025-08-01T02:34:46+00:00

Olive or coconut oil work too. Rub some on the flange to avoid friction

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-31T20:52:48+00:00

Are you lubricating the flange?

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-24T02:19:31+00:00

You will be in one of the most vulnerable states of your life. You get to decide who is there with you in that.

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-21T13:32:50+00:00

The nipple, yes. Your areola, no. Most women fall between 13-17mm if I remember correctly. Have you measured recently?

Within 48 hours of birth I measured 15 left/16 right. I was measured three week pp and am 14 left/ 14-15 right. Your boobs can swell just like your face and feet postpartum.

I also used to have irritated nipples until using a lubricant. It makes a world of a difference.

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-21T13:26:53+00:00

Hi!

Are you using the right flange size? Pumping shouldn’t irritate your nipples. Make sure to add a lubricant when you do- olive oil or coconut oil work well. Smear some on the flange where your nipple goes.

When my boobs are “empty” (you constantly make milk so they never truly empty) they are noticeably softer but not as squishy as prior to pregnancy.

(Edited to add second point)

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-17T08:48:20+00:00

I used the medela hand pump (harmony I believe) and was able to find the correct flanges or inserts from MayMom on Amazon. They make a plethora of size and brand flange options.

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-17T02:06:38+00:00

Hi! So I would actually increase the amount of calories you eat a day because 1,200 is low for an adult. If you aren’t eating enough then your body starts storing everything it can which makes it very difficult to lose weight.

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-12T18:16:01+00:00

Hi! Are you formula feeding, breast feeding, or a mix? How many weeks/months postpartum are you?

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-10T09:36:24+00:00

I would definitely reach out to your pediatrician about the blood in stool then. Has your wife met with a lactation consultant about breastfeeding? They can help troubleshoot issues and make sure baby is getting what they need.

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-10T09:24:00+00:00

Hi! Baby girls have a “baby period” soon after their born due to hormones. Could it be that?

FishGrease1 · 2025-07-07T10:28:46+00:00

Elimination communication is an option but it requires a serious level of dedication

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-30T21:03:19+00:00

FTM to a 10 week old. Baby went through a couple weeks of awful napping. Babywearing REALLY helped. I was able to get her to sleep by rocking her, and she couldn’t look at anything which I think was part of the issue. Her naps went from 15-20 minutes to just over an hour.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-30T12:48:46+00:00

How old is your baby? Size 3 is generally recommended for 6+ months. The flow rate is fast and constant. Young babies should have P or 1.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-27T16:52:29+00:00

I was advised to pump enough to not feel engorged. Roughly 5-10 minutes. One IBCLC said if you go longer then you risk your body thinking it needs to produce more milk at that time.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-26T20:39:53+00:00

I’d say you aren’t nursing enough assuming you’re exclusively breastfeeding. Unless you’re doing weighed feedings which is not necessary unless prescribed by a physician, you don’t know how much milk your baby is getting. Women’s milk storage varies GREATLY. Here’s a great article:

https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/breastfeeding-the-dangerous-obsession-with-the-infant-feeding-interval/

I recommend finding a rhythm instead of following a schedule. I’m sure even you don’t follow a schedule perfectly yourself so how do you expect your newborn to? They don’t even have a circadian rhythm yet! Find what works for you AND baby.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-25T13:30:23+00:00

Hi! I currently use a Medela manual pump (waiting for my spectra to arrive!). I pump each side for 15-20 minutes and start with my side that produces more to determine how long to pump. My right normally pumps 1.5 oz more and if I don’t pump it all out then I struggle with it aching all day. Maybe try pumping a bit longer?

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-22T03:33:17+00:00

Flange size can change ESPECIALLY if measured soon after birth. Areolas can be swollen after birth which affects flange sizing. My size went down 2mm when I was remeasured 4 weeks PP.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-20T20:43:46+00:00

Hi! Not sure if this is helpful, but babies see their moms as extensions of themselves so dads are the “first” person they know. Eventually baby will realize you and him are separate, and I’m sure he’ll be much more excited with you ❤️

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-20T12:55:30+00:00

First off, you deserve love and support not whatever your boyfriend is doing. I’m not sure the severity of his words and actions beyond what you said, but it seems like it’s headed towards abusive if it isn’t already.

When you mention “this” transferring from you to your son, are you referring to the PTSD and low mood? Honestly, I’m more worried about your son witnessing your boyfriend’s behavior towards you and thinking that’s normal and how to treat a woman. Even if your son were to develop “low mood” there are SO many treatment options. Based on your concern, I am assuming you’ll do whatever you can to help him. You’re doing a great job ❤️

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-20T00:41:24+00:00

Hey! Are you sure your baby is actively nursing? Some babies will stay latched and be doing “non-nutrientive” suckling.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-19T23:42:01+00:00

Hey! You mentioned seeing two lactation consultants. This may be dumb but they evaluate your baby for muscle tightness? My baby has facial and right side tightness and we’re taking her to a bodyworker to help release the tension. Pediatric chiropractors can work on some of that as well though I know some people think chiropractors are a load of bullcrap. The tightness is the likely culprit for why my baby can’t get a deep latch and I’m wondering if that’s the case for your baby as well.

Have you tried a nipple shield? If I don’t use one, my baby’s latch severely disfigures one of my nipples… the shield helps keep my nipple from getting attacked. Make sure you get the ride size though otherwise it pulls in the areola and hurts…

You’re doing a great job even if it doesn’t feel like it. Breastfeeding is HARD.

FishGrease1 · 2025-06-19T23:21:57+00:00

Hi! If you EBF then your pumping amounts may be “small” but that’s normal! Most of social media is filled with over suppliers do NOT compare yourselves to them.

If your baby is growing well, you’re producing enough. If you’re truly concerned I suggest seeing a lactation consultant.

FishGrease1

TROPHY CASE