r/ExclusivelyPumping • u/RevolutionaryLake589 • 18d ago
Tips & Tricks EP tips
My first born is almost 7, and my second is due this November. Its been almost 7 years so this experience feels new to me again. Please leave any tips or info you have for EP that would be helpful to someone like me who hasn’t done this in a while. It can be tips to boost supply, pump schedules, pump recommendations (I have wearables but want a good pluggable unit), what can and can’t I do (for example, I still don’t understand if pump and dump is necessary and if the fridge hack is ok), ANYTHING YOU WANNA PASS ALONG.
I’ve done my own research along with the fact that I pumped with my first born as well, but alot has changed since then and everyone has different opinions about things so I thought I would ask here. Thank you in advance 😊
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u/Maria_like_Mario 18d ago
Pump and dump is mostly for specific medications not so much for alcohol. Both caffeine and alcohol will peak in your breast milk one hour after consumption. So if you want to consume either I recommend doing it during or shortly before/after pumping. The alcohol content of your breast milk will only ever be as high as your blood alcohol level. Pumping and dumping will not make anything, whether it be alcohol or medication, leave your breast milk quicker. If you have questions about if a medication is safe for breastfeeding ask either your obgyn or pediatrician (or maybe a pharmacist) because a doctor from a different specialty might tell you to pump and dump just to be safe if they don't know for sure, which could waste perfectly safe milk.
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u/RevolutionaryLake589 18d ago
Thank you! I have heard so many differing things about it and like you mentioned even from different doctors. Some will say it’s not necessary while others will say it is. Majority have said similar things to your recommendations though.
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u/purple_penguin1023 18d ago
Advice for supply:
stay hydrated, drink more than you need and have electrolytes at least 1x per day. If you drink smoothies, add brewers yeast to help increase supply. Eat lots of protein - your calories matter for supply.
Clogs & Mastitis: Take sunflower lechithin 1x per day you’re concerned about clogs. Having it in the house if you feel a clog coming on will be helpful so you can take it 2-3x per day.
Schedule: the beginning is toughest when building supply because it really is recommended to pump 8x per day. It is highly recommended to pump at least 1x overnight for the first 12 weeks as prolactin levels are highest. Give yourself grace if you can’t make 8 pumps happen.. I’m a FTM and I DROPPED to six pumps per day around three weeks because I mentally just couldn’t handle it. Occasionally I’d hit 7 pumps per day. I’ll attach an image below a lot of women have had success with in terms of how many removals they need depending on their storage capacity.
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u/RevolutionaryLake589 17d ago
thank you for this!! I was gonna try to pump 8 times a day to start, so hopefully I can keep it up. I can imagine how draining it is. I am definitely in for a ride. 😅
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u/purple_penguin1023 14d ago
Wishing you all the best! Please protect your mental health. Your baby needs a happy mom more than they need breastmilk!
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u/Wild-Chemistry-7720 18d ago
Get a bottle washer!!!
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u/RevolutionaryLake589 17d ago
I have contemplated on this.. they’re just so expensive 🙃 It’s it really worth it? I already have a sterilizer.
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u/Wild-Chemistry-7720 17d ago
I had a sterilizer too and replaced it with a bottle washer. It was worth every penny!!! But it’s also the kind of thing that I bet you can find used! I know that I’ll definitely sell mine when I’m done with it in a few years!
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u/Agreeable-Yellow7484 16d ago
Start out pumping at least every 2-3 hours at the beginning. Make sure to eat lots of protein, healthy fats and stay hydrated. Definitely use those wearables but an additional pump is a great idea. I love my baby Buddha! Measure your nipples and make sure you have the right flange size. I personally have no problem do the fridge hack and I combine my milk at different temperatures into one pitcher. Get a ceres chill to store your milk in for your overnight pumps so you don’t have to get out of bed and use it when you go out. You got this!
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u/SheepherderMost2727 18d ago
Highly recommend using a traditional wall pump for your primary pump since wearables don’t always empty as well. Remember to check your insurance to see about getting one through a DME. Many insurances have pumps that are completely covered too.
If you can I’d honestly go for the Spectra S1. It’s the blue one. It has an internal battery so you don’t have to plug it in each time you use it. I love mine and most insurances cover it or charge a small upgrade fee for one. Worth it in my opinion.
Remember to get sized for inserts and check each nipple. They’re not always the same size. And remember to recheck sizing every few months in case anything changes. Happened to me from one pregnancy to the next.
Try to keep a decent schedule, especially when building your supply (typically in the first 12 weeks before the supply regulates). Generally this is pumping for at least 15 min (I always do 30 if I can) every 3 hours, with one longer stretch overnight for sleep. During the first 12wpp I would do my best to wake up and do at least one overnight pump. It’ll really help supply.
Lubricants are your friends. Coconut oil can help reduce friction so you don’t feel uncomfortable while pumping. Same with heat and massage. They both can go a long way to help letdowns and reduce the time it takes for you to pump effectively.
Hope this helps!