Hellobee Boards

I think the biggest tip I got from a LC was to massage your breast, particularly at the beginning to get things "flowing". It really does help.

I was told to pump on the side they weren't eatting from since letdown happens in both and you can pump more milk that way. Also second what @MrsWagon & @TheHistoryofUs said.

After pumping, hand express the remaining amount of milk (all that massaging before and during pumping helps get that milk moving but there is still more to be had)! Also, I always used nipple cream (Motherlove, EMAB, some people like plain olive oil or lanolin) on my aureola so any friction with the flange isn't quite as painful.

@BabyBoecksMom: usually I'd pump until the flow slowed almost to a stop, then a few minutes later I'd get a second letdown. It took longer when I first started, and didn't always happen in the beginning.

@cvbee: Oh! Just a warning - If it hurts when you pump, you might need a different size shield. Most women need to go a size up, but I actually had to go a size down.

@regberadaisy: I was worried about her wanting to eat after I pumped, but my LC assured me that you are continuously making milk. So even if you let her nurse right after pumping, the baby will get milk because you're making more and the pump never gets it all.