https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:58:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/epers-what-was-weaning-from-the-pump-like#post-2918065 Sat, 08 Aug 2020 09:58:00 +0000 karenbme 2918065@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi, I’ve been EPing for my daughter, who is 9mos but was 5 weeks early. I have a significant oversupply and have ~3500 oz of frozen milk and am still making extra milk every day with four 30 minute pumps per day. I’ve donated milk and was thinking about starting to taper this month, but then I got my period back last week and my supply crashed. It’s mostly back, but it spooked me in the sense that I feel like I’m going to have less control over my supply as I taper. If you EPed how did you decide it was time to stop and what was your experience dropping pumps like? Did you feel like your supply dropped in a predictable way? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/milk-stash-tracking-app#post-2908637 Sun, 19 Jan 2020 16:05:39 +0000 Clementine12 2908637@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have any recommendations for a good free milk stash/pumping tracking app? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/travel-away-from-bf-toddler-okay-to-just-bring-a-manual-pump#post-2882505 Mon, 29 Apr 2019 13:35:18 +0000 periwinklebee 2882505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to be away for work for two days later this week. Currently I am nursing at morning and bedtime, LO otherwise drinks cow milk. He loves to bf but I think he's getting very little milk. I'm currently pregnant (&lt; 6 weeks) and have been limiting his time on the breast since it makes me nervous from a loss perspective, but he loves it so much I just didn't have the heart to take it away for a pregnancy that I have no idea if it's viable anyways. </p> <p>So my question, do you think using a manual pump for a short time on each breast twice/day would be enough to maintain whatever limited supply I have for a couple days away? Or should I bring my double electric? I will be dumping whatever I pump. I have no desire to haul along or use my spectra, and just don't want to completely dry up if it can be avoided... </p> <p>Thank you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/skin-irritation-from-pumpingflanges#post-2878978 Mon, 01 Apr 2019 12:41:39 +0000 lindseykaye 2878978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been back at work for a little while now - part time for about a month, and now full time for two weeks. For a couple weeks now (I can't remember exactly when it started) I noticed some skin irritation on my breasts that I think may be from pumping and my flanges. </p> <p>The skin above my nipple, particularly on one side but it's starting on the other now, is itchy and has a sort-of raised texture along horizontal lines. Cortisone cream helps to calm the itching and redness that is associated with it.<br /> Also, possibly related, I am very easily prone to hives from environmental factors (like vibration, skin scraping, cold temperature, and other fun things like that). This does NOT look like hives, but I figure that it might be why I'm experiencing this irritation. </p> <p>Has anyone experienced something similar? Are my flanges the wrong size? I have smaller breasts (Size A even when BFing) and am using the standard 24mm size that came with my pump - same size I used last time I was pumping several years ago with LO1. I'm using a Spectra 9 pump and am happy with it in general. Throwing this out there to the boards as a long shot that someone has had something similar happen and found a way to relieve it or prevent it. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/back-to-work-tomorrowam-i-remembering-all-my-pump-stuff#post-2876978 Sun, 17 Mar 2019 08:12:33 +0000 lilyofthewest 2876978@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I go back to work tomorrow and I'm trying to pack my pumping stuff for tomorrow. I keep feeling like I'm missing something. Can someone give me a checklist, please? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastmilk-transit-time#post-2875307 Thu, 07 Mar 2019 11:20:47 +0000 bhbee 2875307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m not sure how to interpret the guidelines for this ...</p> <p>I pumped this last night and refrigerated immediately. I took out of the fridge around 7am and have it in my (slightly insulated) backpack pocket with two rectangular ice packs. It doesn’t seem like it stays super cold but must be better than nothing. </p> <p>How long do you think i can use it safely? I can’t refrigerate again until maybe 3pm but was hoping to save some of it beyond that. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-for-weekend-away-at-12m#post-2870574 Tue, 05 Feb 2019 21:20:07 +0000 bhbee 2870574@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are considering a weekend away for our 10th anniversary, which is right around LO3’s 1st bday. I’m hesitant to leave her because she’s our last baby and I don’t want nursing to accidentally end. It ended unexpectedly with my second and I wasn’t really ready. </p> <p>But she’s only just 6m now (still all BF) so I can’t even remember how much she may be nursing at 12m. I’m worried pumping may not be enough to keep up supply if we’re gone 3 days and she’s down to a couple feedings. </p> <p>Any experiences would be great! Generally I have a good supply, this time around I just pump one bottle most weeks (haaka style) and she loves that bottle but also nurses way more than needed since she just loves food and comfort :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastmilk-cookies-brownies-and-tea#post-2869716 Wed, 30 Jan 2019 14:08:39 +0000 Mrsbells 2869716@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I currently pump exclusively and have what I think is a good supply. I pump more than my almost 4 month old needs so I have a good amount in the freezer. I keep seeing all these reviews for teas, cookies ' brownies etc that really boost supply. I see bottles full of milk in these reviews and I wonder if I am missing out on pumping even more.<br /> I have never taken anyting to boost supply because I always wonder if there are long term side effects associated with any of these herbs and supplements. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/oral-surgery-while-breastfeeding#post-2860820 Fri, 07 Dec 2018 11:04:27 +0000 Mrsbells 2860820@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What was your experience with all the pain meds and antibiotics? How long did you have to wait after surgery to continue breast feeding normally? I am having multiple wisdom teeth removed and One of the meds I have to take right before surgery is triazolam which isn't safe for breastfeeding. The pharmacist said it can take 25 hours to be fully out of the bloodstream. I would hate to have to dump all that pumped milk. What was your experience? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/motivation-to-keep-pumping-at-work#post-2854246 Thu, 01 Nov 2018 12:08:21 +0000 nwm 2854246@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD is 4 months and has been mostly EBF other than a little supplementation early on while establishing my supply, and then a few bottles as i was gearing up to go back to work. now that i've been back to work 2 weeks, i'm pumping 3x/day but just not producing enough to meet her needs (plus, she is growing a little on the slow side of on track, so even though her pediatrician is not worried, i want to be increasing her intake and supplementing more if anything). right now she's getting probably 4-5oz of formula a day, sometimes more.</p> <p>i pumped at work for DS until he was about 10 months; we supplemented with formula from the beginning and the amount per day gradually increased with time. for some reason, the second time around, the prospect of pumping 6 more months seems kind of overwhelming. and, i feel worse about the fact that i am not producing all the milk she needs. (i supplemented basically my son's whole life, whereas with DD we were squeaking by EBF until recently.) </p> <p>i really want to do right by DD and try to give her as much time breastfeeding as DS. i went looking for studies about the benefits of getting any or mostly breastmilk and keep just running into articles about EBF. the pediatrician sort of seemed inclined the same way--like once you change their gut biome by introducing formula, it almost doesn't matter how much BM they get?</p> <p>wondering if anyone has articles, studies, or other words of wisdom that can help me get over the hump. i'm sure some of this is just the pains of readjustment, but i'm looking at all this time strapped to my desk (plus upcoming work travel where it is going to be a reeeeal pain), especially in a male-dominated field, and i could really use a good reminder of why i'm doing all this in the first place! </p> <p>or if anyone has great tips about increasing pumping supply, i'd love to hear that too! (i'm trying with my oatmeal and fenugreek supplements, plus most of the time i pump until i get a second or third letdown...so far no noticeable results.) </p> <p>thanks so much bees! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-struggle-with-flange-sizes#post-2851764 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 08:48:42 +0000 Mrsbells 2851764@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm currently using the Medela Sonata pump its a new closed system pump all the parts and tubing are different from other medela pumps except the flanges. I use the 27mm flange because the 24mm is definitely too small but the 27mm hurts too and it seems like too much areola gets sucked in. There doesnt seem to be a size in between these two. Does anyone else bave issues finding a comfortable flange size? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/exclusive-pumpers-help-me-out#post-2850736 Thu, 11 Oct 2018 16:29:31 +0000 Mrsbells 2850736@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So DS2 is 10 days old and really hates nursing. He cries and cries and gets super mad. He can latch on but doesnt want to. He doesn't have a tongue or lip tie. He just has a strong preference for the bottle. I am still trying to nurse him before each bottle but what I have noticed is that exclusively pumping has actually help me build up a good supply. With my older two kiddos I breastfed more and I ended up pumping a lot less. But this time I already have a decent amount in the freezer. He has already doubled his birth weight and his pediatrician told me that some moms find peace by just being exclusive pumpers. I'm curious for those of you that exclusively pump what made you decide to do that. Any tips, advice or regrets? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/breastmilk-looks-like-theres-sand-at-the-bottom#post-1099432 Thu, 19 Sep 2013 19:25:46 +0000 Beehive 1099432@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone know if this is okay (or what this is)? A couple bottles of refrigerated breastmilk look like they have sediment or sand that has settled at the bottom of the bottle. They have both been refrigerated for 2-3 days, and are both from pumping sessions right before bed. Is the milk still okay? I dumped the bottle that looked like that yesterday, and today another one looked like that too! LO is 11 months old and this is the first time my milk has looked this way - the daytime pumping session milk looks normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/silicone-breast-pumps#post-2819572 Tue, 01 May 2018 10:41:10 +0000 agold 2819572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I remember reading about silicone breast pumps on HB a while ago. Can you girls tell me what you do with them? Do you use one while the baby is nursing on the other side? If so, do you not switch sides with the baby? I'm interested in getting the max benefits of pumping and nursing this next time around so I'd love to know about these little silicone pumps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/quitting-exclusively-pumping#post-2818767 Thu, 26 Apr 2018 21:40:06 +0000 jhd 2818767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been exclusively pumping for our 2nd LO who will be five weeks old tomorrow and I’m going to have to stop soon. My supply is very low and it takes up so much of my day that I need to be spending caring for my baby in other ways. But I’m sad. Just need a safe space to share. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/spectra-pump-bag#post-2253132 Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:07:25 +0000 anbanan15 2253132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What do you use to transport your spectra s1/s2 pump?</p> <p>I found and awesome bag designed to fit a spectra on Etsy but it gots similar to the amount of the actual pump :shocked: so I wanted to see what others are using. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/different-number-of-pump-sessions-during-the-day#post-2806327 Mon, 26 Feb 2018 14:41:13 +0000 Revel 2806327@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Question for pumping moms - any experience switching between 2 and 3 pumping sessions per day a few times a week? My LO is 6 months and I'm pumping pretty much enough for him 3x a day during my workday, and we BF evenings/overnight/weekends. I'm considering dropping a pump maybe 2 days a week to allow me to get back to the gym. My primary concern is maintaining our nursing relationship long term, not precisely the amount that I'm pumping as he's having solids now and I could add formula to make up some ounces if needed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-else-sad-when-it-came-time-to-quit-pumping#post-2803219 Fri, 09 Feb 2018 12:53:53 +0000 josina 2803219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm getting super emotional about nearing the end of pumping! DD turns 1 in just over a week, I'm down to once a day and will be moving towards being done in 2 weeks.<br /> I'm sad!<br /> Sad because I enjoy my 20 minute break during the day to read, sad because I'll have to cut back calories (breastfeeding/pumping is an awesome diet for me), sad because my boobs are going to deflate (lol, I go from a b to an aa), and of course sad because I'll be closer to ending breastfeeding DD. (I went to 14 months with DS).</p> <p>Anyone else? What are your reasons? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/has-anyone-used-a-manual-pump-rather-than-an-electric-at-work#post-2796042 Wed, 10 Jan 2018 10:47:35 +0000 Boopers 2796042@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love my manual Medea hand pump. I’m currently using my old Medela PISA at work, but I have a Spectra S2 that I haven’t used it. I lost the power adapter and need to order another one 😬 I’m not really happy with my PISA this time around, but it could be that it’s an older pump. </p> <p>I feel like it’s faster and less painful to use the manual pump than my Medela PISA when I am at home and need to pump. I’m a teacher so any time away pumping is precious time away from my students or during my lunch time.</p> <p>How efficient in terms of time was using your manual at work?<br /> Did you get a comparable amount of milk during the work week using your hand pump than your electric? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-i-drop-my-last-pump-of-the-night#post-2793288 Fri, 22 Dec 2017 22:49:46 +0000 JennyPenny 2793288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS is 8 months old and sleeps through the night 7pm-7am. I’ve always pumped right before I go to bed at 10pm. It used to go towards a dreamfeed bottle but since we dropped that last month it’s just been extra. I get 2-4 oz so it’s an ok amount but not a lot. I have a good stash and no current supply issues so it’s just extra. I’m thinking of dropping it but I don’t want to be 1) super engorged every morning or 2) wreck my supply by having a 12 hour stretch with no nursing. Anyone have experience with this? Will I be okay dropping it? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/wwyd-pumping-and-traveling-abroad#post-2792363 Sun, 17 Dec 2017 19:38:54 +0000 annem1990 2792363@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are traveling abroad right after New Years. I pump (almost) exclusively. I do supplement with formula occasionally so I will definitely bring formula as back-up. DS will be 4 months. </p> <p>I plan on bringing my pump and everything along with it (Yay to airports having pumping rooms!!!) and keeping my pumping schedule fairly consistent. I only pump 3x/day. </p> <p>So my question: would you bring an extra set of all of the parts? I don't have extras of everything on hand. I've had to replace tubing once, but I just did free One-Day Amazon Prime. I don't really want to pack all of the extra stuff (let alone pay for it). I'm normally not a worrier, but I just thought what would happen if something broke or was lost. </p> <p>And then I think what would happen if the pump itself broke...but I'm just not going to go there :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-nothing#post-2791122 Sun, 10 Dec 2017 13:00:58 +0000 MsBAM 2791122@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi,</p> <p>So I exclusively pumped for the first 6 weeks of LO’s life then started breastfeeding. I had no problems pumping at all. LO is 6mo now and in preparation for a night out, I’ve been trying to pump and literally getting NOTHING... I tried to pump two different days. I’m going to have to give him formula when I’m out. Anyone know why I’m literally pumping nothing? Not even a drop! I know some people don’t respond well to pumps but I expected something. My supply is fine and LO breastfeeds well. Flang size is fine, I’m using the same size flang as I was when I pumped the first 6 weeks, so I can’t see that that would be an issue. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anybody-used-a-breast-pump-purchased-in-the-us-in-europe#post-2788746 Mon, 27 Nov 2017 23:10:27 +0000 periwinklebee 2788746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have to go on a work trip to Europe when my LO will be between 4 and 5 months old. It will be 5 days, counting travel. I'm afraid it's going to be a bit of a nightmare if I'm still breastfeeding by then, which I really hope will be the case. I know you can buy adapters to convert 110 volts to 220, but I've heard that can really lower the power that the device puts out - just curious if anyone here has experience using their 110 volt pump with 220 volt power and an adapter? I should be able to pump regularly, but my biggest concern is that if the pump power is sufficiently weaker, it could lead supply to plummet... This makes me think that maybe I should just see if my MIL can come to watch the baby while I'm working and bring him along, but that also seems like a big hassle/expense... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-i-stop-pumping-at-105-months-but-keep-breastfeeding#post-2788409 Sat, 25 Nov 2017 10:35:45 +0000 babypugs 2788409@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Can I stop pumping at 10.5 months but keep breastfeeding? I am just DONE pumping for 1.5 hours a day to get 4 or 5 measly ounces. I'd love to keep up our regular nursing sessions until she's a year old, but am not sure how badly ditching the pump would affect my supply. Has anyone had success with this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suggestions-for-increasing-pumping-output#post-2786610 Wed, 15 Nov 2017 14:09:37 +0000 MommySLP 2786610@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I went back to work last week and am struggling to pump enough to leave for baby. My pump is in great condition, I’ve checked all the parts and I’m still coming up a few ounces short each day. My supply seems good and baby is EBF when we’re together. I started taking Fenugeek yesterday so that will hopefully help. I’m pumping every 3 hours and trying to increase my food and water intake. Any other suggestions?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-to-find-flange-size#post-2785085 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 13:04:16 +0000 pmerr 2785085@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've recently been having trouble with having one of my breasts pumping enough milk out while at work. I can tell there's still milk, but it's not coming out. I currently am using pumping pals biggest flange size (which I used for my oldest). Only one stream comes out while pumping, too. I think my nipple/areola is kinda big still for this? I'm using the middle sizes pumping pals flange for the other side. What can I do to help pumping it out? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-i-upgrade-to-the-freestyle#post-2779242 Thu, 12 Oct 2017 11:55:12 +0000 Jennibenni 2779242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I’m ordering a pump through my insurance and I’m trying to decide if I should get another Medela PISA or spend $195 extra to upgrade to the freestyle. </p> <p>My first son never took a bottle so I didn’t pump a lot until he was past seven months and would drink from a sippy cup. However when I did pump it was kind of a PITA and I can see how the freestyle would be much more convenient. </p> <p>If you have experience with both, what do you think? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/clogged-duct-help#post-2779582 Fri, 13 Oct 2017 20:23:54 +0000 annem1990 2779582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm 5 weeks postpartum me EPing. LO has a hard time latching.<br /> I think I've developed a clogged duct in the past few hours. The entire top of my breast is really painful. No milk blister. I can't feel a specific lump. Just like one horrible bruise. All day my supply on that side has decreased to about half of normal.<br /> I pump every 3-4 hours normally. Should I be pumping that side more? Less to stall production? I sat in the shower for 45mins and massaged/hand expressed and cried from the pain. </p> <p>How do I know when it's clear? Will it immediately feel better? Or will it still be sore for a couple days? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bottlepumping-amounts-for-7-month-old#post-2774170 Tue, 19 Sep 2017 14:36:11 +0000 nana87 2774170@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Lo2 just started daycare today at 7 months (cue sobbing for the end of my lovely maternity leave!). I broke out my electric pump for the first time today and am a little overwhelmed about figuring out how many bottles, and what size, to send her with (she's there ~9-5), as well as my pumping schedule. I'm worried about not producing enough since I struggled with supply w lo1, even though lo2 is ebf with no issues!</p> <p>Today I sent lo2 in with 4 4oz bottles, so about 16 oz, but I've pumped 3 times and gotten about 11 oz. It's more than I ever got per day with lo1 but I'm worried!</p> <p>How much do you usually send for a 7 month old, and do you get enough from pumping? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/new-cdc-recommendations-for-pumping#post-2760838 Sat, 22 Jul 2017 12:42:10 +0000 winniebee 2760838@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know many of us have stashed pump parts in the fridge in between pumps. Apparently CDC now advises against!</p> <p><a href="http://spr.ly/61818s8EL" rel="nofollow">http://spr.ly/61818s8EL</a> </p>