https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 11 May 2026 00:02:00 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newbee-pumper-help#post-598150 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:26:38 +0000 LaineysMom 598150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. Does anyone else have to adjust the pump/flanges for flow?<br /> -Nope. I put them into my hands-free bra (simple wishes) and that's where they stay.</p> <p>2. How much were you able to pump when you first started and how long did it take?</p> <p>I have been exclusively pumping since LO was 4 weeks old and I usually pump 4-5 times a day. I get 32-36 oz. a day. My pumping sessions range from 15-30 min. depending how long I have.</p> <p>3. Do you think I should increase how often I'm pumping instead of our long, possibly unproductive BFing sessions?</p> <p>Do your breasts feel less engorged after LO is done eating? Is LO gaining weight? How much you continue to breastfeed is a personal choice. I used to love our breastfeeding sessions because they were short (5-10 min.) and I didn't have to do any dishes! Unfortunately LO would always choke.. then she started crying.. and I just couldn't handle hearing her cry. :( Pumping more is a PITA, but I do like how I have more milk to freeze then when I was just pumping once a day.. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newbee-pumper-help#post-596181 Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:10:44 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 596181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Before I answer your questions, do you have a hands-free pumping bra? It's really an essential! </p> <p>Next, how long are you pumping for? It's not out of the ordinary to have a flow and then a lull for awhile. I would pump for at least 20 minutes, but for me it always takes 30.</p> <p>1. Does anyone else have to adjust the pump/flanges for flow? No. It took a long time to figure out which flanges to use and I actually use a different size on each breast because of the angle of my nipples.<br /> 2. How much were you able to pump when you first started and how long did it take? At 3 weeks I was getting about 24 ounces a day (8 pumping sessions)<br /> 3. Do you think I should increase how often I'm pumping instead of our long, possibly unproductive BFing sessions? </p> <p>First, read Kellymom. Tons of pumping info. There are also Exclusive Pumping threads on babycenter and ivillage which are really helpful.</p> <p>Second, is you baby gaining weight? That's the best indicator of how much she's getting.</p> <p>Some pumping basics: use a hospital grade pump if you need to increse your supply<br /> -talk to a lactation consultant asap<br /> -total number of minutes pumping is the most important, but you should pump at least 8 times a day for a least 20 minutes for at least the first 3 months while you are establishing your supply.</p> <p>Hope this helps a bit. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/newbee-pumper-help#post-596049 Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:59:33 +0000 Phillybaby2013 596049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>*sorry I meant to put this in Pumping not Breastfeeding</p> <p>I just started pumping to help with my supply since we're supplementing but feel like my boobs do not cooperate with the pump. My boobs are very squishy and are always billowing out around the flange. This makes it hard to get my nipple into the tunnel properly. I started with 27mm shields and they were way too big. I ordered 24 and 21mm ones to try and have had better luck with the 24's but am still waiting on the 21mm ones to arrive. </p> <p>My main thing is that I'll get good flow for like 3 min then it will barely drip or completely stop. I basically spend the next 15 min moving my boob around, rotating the flange, compression etc. Sometimes this works and I'll get another minute or 2 of decent flow/spray. So far the most I've gotten at one sitting was a little over an ounce. I've only practiced doing 1 side at a time so far until I feel more comfortable with it. </p> <p>Side note - LO is 3 weeks old and is a super lazy/sleepy BFer and is usually still hungry after a 40 min session - so I'm not confident that he's getting that much from me. I originally wanted to EBF but after a rocky start with jaundice/weight issues and several Mommy meltdowns I've come to terms with "something is better than nothing" and we are both much happier. </p> <p>My questions are:<br /> 1. Does anyone else have to adjust the pump/flanges for flow?<br /> 2. How much were you able to pump when you first started and how long did it take?<br /> 3. Do you think I should increase how often I'm pumping instead of our long, possibly unproductive BFing sessions?</p> <p>Any advice/input is much appreciated! </p>