I just can't seem to make pumping work!

[@llli*pizanite]

I also find I pump more when I am not thinking about pumping. The iPod is a good idea. I also had to go back to renting a Symphony. The PISA wasnt getting enough, fast enough. But then I use the PISA in the car. I found when I added a pumping session it would take up to 2 weeks for my body to respond and produce well.

I agree that pumping as much as you can and nursing at home is a great option. It is not all or nothing. You're doing a great job!!

[@llli*aprilsmagic]

There is a podcast that was designed to help moms make more milk,but I can't find if. I'm going to have to go through the computer because I know I downloaded it.

[@llli*mommy2lilah]

How's it going today?

ETA: You know, if you can keep those visits up a bit longer, you may be able to just move into nursing in the middle of the day and then giving high calorie solids (yogurt, avacado, cheese, etc.) for the other two feedings. So then you wouldn't be fighting with your husband over formula and also wouldn't have the pumping struggles.

I'm sorry you're having such a hard time.

[@llli*caustiksgyrl]

I decided I'm too stressed, so first to relax. I used my manual pump today after he nursed and quickly got an ounce out, so maybe I will fair better that way. I'm going to go and feed him twice a day. I didn't realize I had 50 ounces in the freezer, so I'm going to use that for one of the feedings, and I'm going to see how manual pumping/hand expressing goes for my afternoon pump. Then I'll just use the manual pump here and there and that should all take me to the six month point.

Worst case, I'll make it to six months and have to supplement with formula. I'll keep trying to express here and there to give him the most I can. Best case, the manual pumping works out well and I'll just be able to continue doing that, and hope that food starts taking over soon too.

I talked to my husband again and I think he finally got how stressed out this is making me. He agreed we could do formula at six months if I needed, but only if it was organic. Sounds good to me.

I'm going to keep giving it my all and do what I can do and stop stressing about it. Maybe that will work wonders for me.

[@llli*joshuas.mommy]

This may be obvious, but did you try different (larger) size flanges? That made a big difference for me, and does for many women. I have tried Pumpin' Pals, and while I know they work great for many women, they never did the trick for me, I hardly get any milk out using them but I can get plenty using the regular flanges, one size larger than what came with the pump. You may have already tried this, but if not, it's something to think about. Good luck!

[@llli*auderey]

i started having trouble getting as much milk when i went back to work full-time in january. i found that making a little video with slideshow photos of my baby, with a soundtrack of audio recording from him nursing for about 2.5 minutes, worked wonders. REALLY easy to make in picasa. I play that twice through at the beginning of pumping, and it helps my letdown but - honestly i think even more importantly - forces me to stop working for five minutes, relax, and think about nursing. otherwise my head is too much in my work. after the first 5 mins i can go back to my work, but i have to set an alarm or i forget to stop pumping and then 40 mins later am like, wha?!?