https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 22:15:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851406 Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:03:47 +0000 katsupgirl 1851406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm glad there was a silver lining. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851380 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:23:32 +0000 dcw6411 1851380@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pregnantbee: Thank you, me too. It really rocked me and I am just so very grateful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851378 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:21:38 +0000 pregnantbee 1851378@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: Phew. Really so glad you and LO are ok. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851374 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:13:40 +0000 dcw6411 1851374@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pregnantbee: I am feeling better. At this point just some soreness and some anxiety in the car, but i am ok. Nothing permanent. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851367 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:06:40 +0000 pregnantbee 1851367@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: So happy to hear this. Obviously wish it weren't under these circumstances. How are you feeling? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1851361 Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:54:32 +0000 dcw6411 1851361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok, I have great news. The extra days off, although very unplanned, have totally brought back my supply!! I pumped today for the first time and got six oz. That is more than I got all day a week ago. Just thought I would share the good news. Yay for tons of extra nursing time and snuggles with my sweet boy. ;) hope you all have a great weekend. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1846204 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:46:37 +0000 Mrs. Bee 1846204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh my goodness! hope you are all ok!!!</p> <p>as far as increasing supply, i have had great success with supplements! first try more milk plus. if that doesn't work add fenugreek and mother's milk tea. it made a HUGE difference for me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1846194 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:35:25 +0000 Corduroy 1846194@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: Sorry to hear about your accident. You're such a positive thinker. I hope the extra nursing works for you. I always benefited from that kind of boost. Feel better! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1846184 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 22:23:11 +0000 78h2o 1846184@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: I am so sorry to hear about your accident. How terrifying, especially with your kids in the car. I was rear ended on the freeway a few years ago and remember how awful it was. Day 2 was the worst in terms of soreness. Hopefully you can get a painkiller or muscle relaxer if you need it....I don't remember if any are nursing safe, except I think Oxycodone is ok (pretty sure that's what they gave me in the hospital). Hope you feel better soon. I admire your positive outlook. It is so true that life is fragile and the outcome could have been tragic. Thank God you and your babies are okay...that's all that matters!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1846135 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:36:19 +0000 dcw6411 1846135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@katsupgirl: @pregnantbee: Thank you both! I am sore and very ouchie all over, but otherwise ok. I am determined not to be negative and to rather be grateful that nothing worse happened to myself or my LO's. I have felt myself slipping towards the "why me/us" thinking a few times, but I know that there is a reason this happened and those thoughts won't help me or my family. Life is a gift and if I learned anything today it is that I must be grateful for the things I have. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1845784 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:49:12 +0000 pregnantbee 1845784@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: Oh my goodness. I'm so glad you and your babies are ok. Way to look at the positives -- please keep us posted. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1845768 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:41:48 +0000 katsupgirl 1845768@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: that must've been so scary! I'm glad everyone is okay. You're suchca trooper to keep a positive outlook. I hope the time nursing really helps to boost your supply and your recovery is speedy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1845766 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:39:06 +0000 dcw6411 1845766@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@pregnantbee: thank you for checking on me. I wish I had better news but I actually never made it to work this morning. My kids and I were in an accident on the way. A woman merged into us on the freeway. I am so very thankful to be alive and that my sweet babies were well protected in their carseats. So ill be home for the next few days recovering which means nursing for a few more days. Maybe a positive will be a supply boost from extra nursing. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1845741 Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:13:29 +0000 pregnantbee 1845741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: How is it going today? Thinking of you! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844600 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 23:12:02 +0000 lady grey 1844600@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agree with massage/breast compression while pumping. If possible put a warm pack on before pumping. Take deep breaths/relax and listen to relaxing music. Like others said: look at pictures or videos of your baby.</p> <p>Make sure you are not eating any mint or sage! They are not good for milk production!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844560 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:50:17 +0000 dcw6411 1844560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Revel: @katsupgirl: @BabyBoecksMom: @78h2o: @delight: @MrsKoala: @Mrs Green Grass: @lizzywiz: @jetsa: @Applesandbananas: @pregnantbee: @regberadaisy: Thank you all SO SO much. You are all fabulous women who have made a very sad mama hopeful again! I am using all new parts with the new pump so membranes are replaced, but I will be trying ALL of these other suggestions. Thank you, thank you, thank you all!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844518 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:05:18 +0000 Revel 1844518@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sorry you're dealing with this! Def make sure you're using new parts with the new pump, or at least new membranes if possible. </p> <p>Have you been sick? I saw steep drops in my output when I was sick but was able to pretty much bounce back after a few days.</p> <p>Oh, and could you add a pump session, at least while you're figuring this out? I had good luck with a session before bed through my months of pumping. It was a pain but I wouldn't have made it the year without it.</p> <p>Good luck, I hope things turn around tomorrow! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844463 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 20:07:20 +0000 katsupgirl 1844463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I switched to pumping each one separately and squeezing. I actually squeezed the same spots I noticed my LO squeezing when she nursed. I also popped fenugreek like a fool. </p> <p>I'm so sorry and I hope this is just a phase or it's the pump. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844448 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:55:27 +0000 BabyBoecksMom 1844448@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So sorry - I know how stressful that is! Here's what I would do. </p> <p>#1 replace the membranes<br /> #2 squeeze while pumping<br /> #3 relax<br /> #4 get some More Milk Plus (SO much better than just fenugreek)</p> <p>Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844438 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:47:30 +0000 78h2o 1844438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry you are going through this. I don't think I have any new suggestions... I was going to suggest more sleep, more liquids, videos of LO/something that smells like LO for pumping at work, trying to relax during pumping, covering containers/avoiding watching them so you are not stressing about output, breast compressions while pumping (Stanford has some videos), hot compresses while pumping (I like the Earth Mama Angel Baby Boobie Tubes (or something like that), pumping for at least 5 minutes after milk has stopped (up to 15), manually expressing milk after you are done pumping, pumping after nursing (even if nothing is coming out), power pumping sessions, and supplements/foods to support lactation (fenugreek, brewer's yeast, lactation cookies, oatmeal, etc.). Also make sure you are not taking any meds, like allergy pills or decongestants, that could impact your supply.</p> <p>Good luck!!!</p> <p>ETA: It takes at least 24 hrs, usually 48, to see the effects of pumping after milk has stopped, pumping after nursing, and/or power pumping. I remember feeling like it wasn't doing anything, but then a day or two later, it was like whoa! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844416 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:31:49 +0000 delight 1844416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: oh I'm sorry you're going through this. That is so stressful. I went back to work and pumped 3x a day at 7m PP. I found my supply drastically decreased. LO seemed to be getting enough when we were together but I was constantly stressing about not being able to pump enough bottles for the next day. What I found to help was to make sure I kept pumping after the milk stopped flowing and usually after 5 minutes I'd get another letdown. I also looked at videos or pictures of my LO when pumping. Of course, like everyone has mentioned, get some new membranes! I hope you can continue to pump and get the output you need. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844398 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:17:44 +0000 MrsKoala 1844398@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you tried fenugreek? That has helped me boost my pumping output. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844390 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:07:15 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 1844390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lizzywiz: yes, more like squeezing the bejeezus out of them! For me it was more about pressing hard on the spots that weren't emptying... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844384 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 19:01:58 +0000 lizzywiz 1844384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: #1- you are amazing for fighting through this!<br /> #2- nothing is inevitable when it comes to breastfeeding. I thought we would have to stop due to a weekly 48 hr separation (for work) with only one pumping session- nope! Body figured it out. Crazy, right? One pump in those 48 hours and still 3-6 productive nurses a day when we were together. We made it until 24 months with the last year being that situation. Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't experienced it.<br /> #3- I have had the exact same thing happen- sure my pump broke. But it didn't and my cycle came back when LO was 6 months. My milk supply rose and fell seemly arbitrarily once I went back to work and non of the remedies or teas helped. The only thing that increased my output was breast compressions while pumping. Here is a link. I didn't read it carefully and it is not the one I originally used, but it should get you started. <a href="http://nativemothering.com/2011/04/what-is-a-breast-compression-and-how-is-it-done/" rel="nofollow">http://nativemothering.com/2011/04/what-is-a-breast-compression-and-how-is-it-done/</a></p> <p>PS- I am sharing because it might be considered different than 'massaging' as mentioned above, depending on your school of thought. The massaging in a circular motion did not work nearly as well as the c- hand-shaped compressions (for me, at least). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844366 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:41:13 +0000 jetsa 1844366@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yes on checking the membranes! I have a 4 year old PISA and it still works great </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844361 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:34:32 +0000 Applesandbananas 1844361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Emsmems: this is an awesome suggestion! I've done it a few times--I used to pump during my tv show, off for commercials, it made it less brutal! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844346 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 18:10:45 +0000 Emsmems 1844346@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Are you using all new pump parts too with the new pump? If not, really inspect your parts, tubing, and replace the membranes </p> <p>If that doesn't solve it, you can try power pumping. I had to do this because I did one crazy 12 hour shift at the hospital where I only pumped once the whole shift and my supply tanked. </p> <p>Different sources say different things for power pumping, but the lactation consultant at my hospital (IBCLC) said pump for 5 minutes, off for 1 minute, repeat for one hour. It increases your prolactin levels. Ideally you power pump twice a day for a week, but I only did once a day (at night after DS went to bed) and it got my supply back up. It's worth a shot anyway! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844309 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 17:28:16 +0000 Applesandbananas 1844309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second checking the membranes!</p> <p>I also found that focusing on anything but pumping was helpful. I used my pump time as "me time" and read or played on my phone! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844300 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 17:15:52 +0000 pregnantbee 1844300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think everyone above has given you great advice. Just wanted to cheer you on. Also consider bringing in something that smells like LO to sniff while pumping. I know this may also sound silly, but I took a video of my LO while nursing and would sometimes play it while pumping :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/desperate-for-suggestions#post-1844295 Mon, 01 Sep 2014 17:03:41 +0000 regberadaisy 1844295@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@dcw6411: also, I've actually been getting more by hand massaging than via my pump during these first few days with LO2! </p>