https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 20 May 2026 08:53:20 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/low-supply-when-lo-sick#post-2419959 Wed, 13 Jan 2016 09:58:15 +0000 nanilani 2419959@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone experienced a dip in supply when their LO is sick?</p> <p>I'm currently exclusively breastfeeding/pumping for my 12 week old who has a terrible cold. I've noticed this week that my pump output is significantly lower than it typically is even though I pump for every missed feeding while I'm at work and my son has been nursing a lot when I'm home. He seems to be eating well enough, but does struggle to keep a good latch when he has to cough :( I plan to keep on doing what I'm doing, maybe adding an extra pump session in the evenings if things keep decreasing, but I'd like to know if this is normal! I guess I could be coming down with his bug, but I feel pretty normal myself.</p> <p>The only other contributing factor I can think of is that I started Weight Watchers last week, BUT I get so many points that I feel like I am eating MORE than I had been! I haven't been reducing my meal portion sizes at all, just cutting out sugary snacks/fast food and adding healthy snacks instead (e.g. apple w/ pb instead of a candy bar). I definitely feel like I've been eating better, so I'd be surprised if that's the culprit. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207403 Sat, 13 Jun 2015 09:42:34 +0000 mrsrugbee 2207403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've heard of moms putting small portions like that into ice cube trays and then in a big freezer bag. It's probably the best way to keep it fresh, as opposed to combining multiple pump sessions together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207377 Sat, 13 Jun 2015 08:30:06 +0000 Mama Bird 2207377@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes, you can mix milk from several pumping sessions in one bottle. It saves time too, you end up with fewer bottles to wash every day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207222 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:43:21 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2207222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: just keep in mind that whatever you de thaw you have to use within 24 hours. I liked to have smaller 2 oz portions frozen to just too him off or for a single feeding. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207220 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:41:11 +0000 delight 2207220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can mix stored milk from fridge. I tried to freeze mine in 3-4oz bags and would sometimes take a few sessions to make that much. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207210 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 20:18:25 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2207210@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have any of the snappy bottles from the hospital? If not, do you want some? If you want to wall me I can send some to you. We have tons! They are long and skinny like the ones @T.H.O.U.: is talking about and they have a snap on lid. </p> <p>For us, we just add warm milk to the cold. I don't keep milk in the fridge more than a day or two, and I have never had any spoil doing it that way. When I have 5 oz above what I will use within 24 hours I freeze it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207192 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 19:28:27 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2207192@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I usually tried to freeze within 24 hours of pumping. But I think you can go up to 2-3 days with it refrigerated before it has to be frozen. So totally doable to combine a few days worth. </p> <p>If you pump small amounts I would recommend getting. The small skinny Medela bottles. They only hold like 2 oz. it's just easier to measure small amounts and not so depressing as barely filling the bottoms of the larger bottles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207132 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:24:46 +0000 ChiCalGoBee 2207132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@macintosh: Like @autumnlove said, I often combine chilled milk from the same day in the fridge, and then freeze when it's a big enough portion. I did want to add that we were recently gifted some frozen milk from a friend with an oversupply, and she froze in 1-2 oz portions in addition to 3 and 4 ounces. While I thought it seemed annoying to freeze so little, sometimes all you need is a couple of ounces to make a bottle complete, and I've totally loved having those smaller portions! Nothing is worse than freezing bigger portions of milk and not needing all of it when defrosting. I hate wasting any milk! I've started freezing a combo of 4+ ozs and 2 ozs here and there:-). Good luck back at work! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207128 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:18:50 +0000 Cole 2207128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another option for you might be the sensible lines tray, it lets you freeze one ounce portions sort of like ice cubes.<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ZK3YBC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1434147390&#038;sr=8-1&#038;pi=AC_SY200_QL40&#038;keywords=sensible+lines+milk+trays&#038;dpPl=1&#038;dpID=41iA6OMoS4L&#038;ref=plSrch" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000ZK3YBC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1434147390&#038;sr=8-1&#038;pi=AC_SY200_QL40&#038;keywords=sensible+lines+milk+trays&#038;dpPl=1&#038;dpID=41iA6OMoS4L&#038;ref=plSrch</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207126 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:09:51 +0000 autumnlove 2207126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ya I always combined (same temp ) milk! Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pumping-and-storing-small-amounts#post-2207125 Fri, 12 Jun 2015 17:08:48 +0000 macintosh 2207125@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi fellow working mamas! I'm back to work next week and I'll be WOH one day a week. I have a low supply so LO gets the majority of his milk from formula, but I nurse him before each feeding with extra sessions for comfort.</p> <p>I figure I'll need to pump 2-3 times per day while I'm at the office for 8 hours. I don't currently pump at home, but when I have I've only ever gotten about half an ounce per session. Can anyone suggest a good method of storage that isn't super wasteful?</p> <p>I'm thinking that storage bags would be a waste because I'm not getting anywhere near a full feeding at each pump. If I pump into the small Medela storage bottles, can I put milk from multiple sessions in the same bottle (assuming I'm storing it in the fridge between sessions)? I'm thinking I'd leave the day's pumped milk in the fridge to be given by the nanny/DH along with formula when I'm away the following week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1220101 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 19:00:11 +0000 googly-eyes 1220101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You did your best and you don't know for certain how long it'll last. It's ok, you're doing great. </p> <p>Enjoy the perks of bottle feeding and pumping less. Your LO is still getting breast milk. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1220031 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:52:58 +0000 doodlepoodle 1220031@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Dude pumping at work sucks. I BARELY made it 4months. It was miserable. J was on 50% formula before I even went back to work. </p> <p>Just look at it this way. You didn't pump in an office for 20 min oblivious that the scarf had fallen off the window. Who did that? Yep. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1220005 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:30:19 +0000 DillonLion 1220005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Nice work, momma! It is so hard to put your all into something and still have to supplement. You are a great mom! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219923 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:34:59 +0000 KT326 1219923@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookish: :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219916 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:30:31 +0000 Bookish 1219916@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@TurtleDoves: I hear ya! I'm trying hard to look at the positives (not chained to my desk at work, no worrying about missing meetings... things like that) but I'm just so hard on myself! </p> <p>@swedishfish: &lt;3 I know you're in the trenches with me! I'll tell you what I can't tell myself... that we are awesome mommies who are doing the best we can!</p> <p>@BlueWolverine: I know! My boss (a friend and female) said 'but your boobs are so big!' Hah! If only that was the indicator of supply...</p> <p>@KT326: That's true!! This will halve my bottle-cleaning time at night! I hadn't thought of that!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219912 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:28:34 +0000 cmomma17 1219912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookish: 5 months is amazing! I think you should celebrate somehow. Mark the end of this 'chapter' in your mommy life :) (pun sort of intended due to your screen name, hehe) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219910 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:27:35 +0000 KT326 1219910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You have to do what is best for you! By the time I stopped pumping I was getting less than 2 oz each time, and I was pumping for 45 minutes! I finally threw in the towel and was so much happier. Washing and sterilizing pump parts all the time sucked! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219909 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:27:23 +0000 BlueWolverine 1219909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm with you. I pump three times a day at work and some days get six, but often only get four. We obviously supplement and I'm fine with it now, but I was so annoyed when we started. It's infuriating. We put in all this time and effort pumping, cleaning parts, etc., and our boobs are not pulling their weight. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219907 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:25:30 +0000 swedishfish 1219907@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Bookish: I got less than 2 oz. during my lunchtime pump today. Total of under 6 oz. for the day...I will commiserate with you. We did our best. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219906 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:25:19 +0000 CupQuakeWalk 1219906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I tried it ALL. Increasing my supply became the bane of my existence. Seriously, pumping for 25mins and getting 2 oz was depressing! I think we made it to 14w? I had some stash so maybe 16w.<br /> I was a mess when it came time to sterilize my pump and put it away. But, my life became so much easier &amp; so pleasant once I came to terms with it and once I have up on a fantasy (6m bf).<br /> Honestly- my son is doing GREAT and I am happy and DH helped more because feeding a bottle was something he could do. Even finding a sitter was easier because I didn't have the 3h limit anymore. So, I guess I decided to look at the positives if my situation rather than the obvious negative aspects of my body "failing" my baby and the "stress of the pump"...blablabla. I shutter to remember those days, TBH.<br /> We gave our all and that's all any mother can give. *hugs* </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219905 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:24:18 +0000 Bookish 1219905@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@cmomma17: Thank you! DH keeps telling me how I didn't expect to make it past 5 weeks (growth spurt that made me nearly lose my mind!) so making it to 5 months is something to be proud of! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219901 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:21:40 +0000 cmomma17 1219901@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You did your best! No advice, just (((HUGS))) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/just-deleted-my-pumping-reminders-off-my-calendar#post-1219896 Fri, 15 Nov 2013 16:19:59 +0000 Bookish 1219896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've posted a couple times about my low supply, and this week I had to bump down to one pump at work that is giving me a measly 2oz. I still pump before work and get about 3...so 5 total.</p> <p>She's already on 50% formula, but only getting 5oz means she will be moving up to 75% after next week when my stash runs out. </p> <p>I know it's not the end of the world, but the way this is going it looks like I won't even make it to 6 months, and that bums me out.</p> <p>Any commiseration from other low-supply WOHMs? Or anyone, really? :)</p> <p>*No advice on upping supply, please. I've tried a variety of things that haven't worked, and am comfortable with using formula, I just feel like my body isn't doing what I want it to, and it makes me sad! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-interesting-article-on-low-milk-supply#post-1030561 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 06:35:02 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1030561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good points here. I think the point about breast surgeries is a good one because more people I know are having augmentations/reductions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-interesting-article-on-low-milk-supply#post-1030523 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 05:45:42 +0000 hellobeeboston 1030523@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Great article!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/an-interesting-article-on-low-milk-supply#post-1030501 Tue, 20 Aug 2013 03:20:28 +0000 Kemma 1030501@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p><a href="http://www.phdinparenting.com/blog/2013/8/19/breastfeeding-and-low-supply-common-and-surprising-causes-an.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.phdinparenting.com/blog/2013/8/19/breastfeeding-and-low-supply-common-and-surprising-causes-an.html</a></p> <p>I thought this was a really interesting article and made a lot of sense! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-can-you-pump-per-session#post-24058 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:35:14 +0000 Green Thumb 24058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sandsandmore: I'm peeing out my ears I'm drinking so much... about 120-150 oz a day... maybe I'll try pumping with blank bottles so I'm not stressing about the amount. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-can-you-pump-per-session#post-23816 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:48:11 +0000 sandsandmore 23816@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>How much water are you drinking? Have you been eating oatmeal (the real stuff, not the instant)?</p> <p>I quit keeping track of how much I was pumping each session and focused on a daily total. It took me several weeks to get up to a full supply.....I eventually had to wean because I got upwards of 40 ounces. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-much-can-you-pump-per-session#post-23776 Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:56:15 +0000 mommacommaphd 23776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was in the exact same situation. I just wound up getting the single-use packets of formula and sending them with my daughter to daycare. If what I pumped wasn't enough, they would just make her a bottle of formula.</p> <p>I tried Fenugreek and pumping more often, but come on- pumping for 20 min every 2 to 3 hours made it impossible to get anything done at work!</p> <p>For me, it wasn't a matter of supply, it was just an issue that the pump was not efficient at getting the milk out of my breasts. As it was, they were never totally empty with pumping. The engorgement would have been worse if I upped my supply and still couldn't get the milk out. </p>