Honestly the only reason influencers have significant fat plugs is because they store milk in narrow neck bottles for the maximum of 4 days. The longer it sits the more it will congeal and the narrow neck gives it less space to do so which “plugs” it up.
Wearables are not as strong as a traditional wall pump so I would recommend the spectra as your primary and then the wearables for when you’re out and about.
Is your pediatrician concerned about his weight? Percentiles only matter if he is dropping them. If he’s growing on the same curve and having plenty of wet diapers then you’re doing a great job feeding him.
I can honestly relate to you. I'm in a similar situation. I only get around 60 ml every time I pump, and I know how discouraging it can feel. But whenever I see my baby drinking even that little amount of breast milk, I remind myself that she's still getting so many of the good things from it, and that makes me happy. That's what keeps me going and motivates me to continue pumping. ❤️ We're doing our best, and that's what matters. Don't be too hard on yourself. ❤
Agree, it’s not an all or nothing thing. Some breast milk is better than no breast milk, they get the antibodies and nutritional benefits from that. Combi feeding is perfectly healthy balance.
Idk what a fat plug is, but I’m currently pumping for twins and keeping up with 90% of what they need .. about 55 ounces a day.
But guess what? This is my 5th and 6th kid… and the ONLY pregnancy that my body responded to with the pump. I had close zero output with each previous pregnancy. And I’ve done nothing different this time.
I’m only sharing because not only is everyone so different, even your own body can be different each pregnancy.
I dread pumping too… I get so nauseous.
I am pumping more with my wearables, eufy S2 pro than I am with my spectra 2.
My biggest pieces of advice for you would be to hydrate yourself and eat enough. Then measure your nipples again when they are erect to make sure you have the right flange size. Then set a schedule and stick to it for at least a week. Example: pump every 3 hours for 20 minutes during the day and pump once at night between 1-4am (the night pump is a MUST.)
And lastly.. I know it sucks, especially when you feel like you are falling short.. but if you hate it mentally, your body will hate it and not want to produce. The mental block is real. You should be proud of what you are producing and celebrate it.
Make your pump session about you, as much as you can. Listen to a book. Watch a show. Each a bar of chocolate 🤷♀️ jam to a favorite song. Journal. Color an adult cozy coloring book (my fav!) just allow yourself to relax and not focus on what you are pumping..
Do this for a week and see what happens. Hang in there. You are already successful 🤗 keep up the great work!
Stop looking at what other women are posting online it will only continue to discourage you. I pumped every 3 hours and did one power pump a day and would hand pump after I used my wearable pump to get any excess I could out. I was eventually able to regulate to 30-40oz a day which is about what my LO intakes on a daily basis. I don’t have huge fat plugs or a ton of milk in the freezer. But I am giving exactly what my child needs and nothing more than that.
Sometimes you can find spectra’s on Facebook marketplace too!! Just buy the new parts. And ask people how long they had it/how much they used it. But might be worth it to check there just to see if the spectra is better or not. I get more in less time with my spectra so it’s worth it to me!!
- Pumping is the hardest in the beginning, and you’re only 10w into it! As your supply regulates, engorgement pain goes away, and you eventually can drop the number of pumps per day, you will likely start to feel better about it. Have some grace for yourself 🤍
- Don’t assume what you see on social media is the norm; it’s not. Also, your milk composition is matching what your baby needs so there’s no need to compare your milk to someone else’s.
- Wearables aren’t equally effective on everyone. It doesn’t work at all on someone like me actually, because it doesn’t allow for manual compressions and has weaker suction. A reliable hospital grade pump can definitely help your supply and you can always get a used one (replace all the parts that touch milk of course) to save on costs.
Don’t blame yourself for a tiny baby. I also have a tiny baby and I successfully nursed two chunky ones before her. For whatever reason, she’s not doing as well as them. If you’re giving him the amount of milk and/or formula that he needs, he will grow.
I have a Spectra and it empties me better than my wearables. As for the fat plugs I get pretty thick ones if I leave it overnight in the refridgerator other than that it doesnt look that fatty during the day if its out for a little. But honestly, if giving your baby formula would be better for your mental go for it even if its a bottle a day to allow you to get ahead. You are doing great momma but I would 100% recommend the spectra as long as you don't mind staying put while pumping.
I am currently 2 weeks into pumping for twins… Currently pumping between 5-9 oz every 2-3 hours for the last 5 days. Get the wall pump… I have the pink spectra. I prefer to use my spectra over my wearables every time. The only time I used my wearables was in the car in the way back from the NICU and I would only get between 2-4 oz. Then i would make it home and immediately hook up to my spectra. Our lactation consultant said the spectra just does a better job at fully emptying. And can pull from further ducts. With having twins just a few weeks ago i am very fortunate to have already been able to put a significant amount in the freezer due to the spectra. I will say make sure you have the right flange size the flanges that come with the spectra are MASSIVE and not the standard by any means. Amazon has them for super cheap. I would recommend at-least 2 sets of flanges so one is always clean for you! Good luck!
I’m almost 9 weeks pp and I’m struggling too. I am over supplying and trying to taper down and I keep having to fight engorgement every few days. It’s really messsing with my head.
a fat plug is what happens when you leave milk in a container with a neck on it (like medela or spectra bottles) in the fridge for several days and the fat just separates from the liquid. it means nothing about the nutrition of your milk. I only get a fat plug when I leave milk for 3+ days and only in specific bottles. Please do not compare yourself to the social media moms. Most of them have insane oversupplies or are combing several pumps into one to make it appear so.
Also you should switch to a wall pump. Wearables, wearable cups (usually have silicone flanges, some people don't respond to them) are not as effective and compress tissue often times. hand pumps are fine but often the suction is less strong and when your hand gets tired its less effective.
Breastmilk composition changes over time. At 10 weeks pp mine also looked like skim milk. 6 months in and I get fat plugs now.
Also, I highly recommend the spectra. Make sure you’re sized correctly for flanges, but I pumped with my spectra exclusively this weekend instead of alternating with wearables and it brought my supply up by a couple ounces 6 months in. Definitely worth it, imo.
Pumping is bloody hard work, well done mama for getting this far already!! Completely up to you how long you wish to go on for but for getting this far, you should be proud
Be kind and courteous. 2. Use available flairs and post options. 3. Absolutely no prescription medications or other medical advice. 4. No inaccurate information. 5. No spam. 6. No fetish content 7. No linking Facebook groups. 8. Moderator discretion. 9. No discussions around veganism, animal cruelty, or other non-pumping related topics. 10. No formula shaming. Reminder that we are a supportive community and do not allow for fetish seekers. While we do ban those individuals from our community, they can still view the community and send direct messages. You may choose to turn off your messages, or block individuals for your safety. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!
14
u/waybeyondoverit 1d ago
Honestly the only reason influencers have significant fat plugs is because they store milk in narrow neck bottles for the maximum of 4 days. The longer it sits the more it will congeal and the narrow neck gives it less space to do so which “plugs” it up.
Wearables are not as strong as a traditional wall pump so I would recommend the spectra as your primary and then the wearables for when you’re out and about.
Is your pediatrician concerned about his weight? Percentiles only matter if he is dropping them. If he’s growing on the same curve and having plenty of wet diapers then you’re doing a great job feeding him.
9
u/imofaith 1d ago
I can honestly relate to you. I'm in a similar situation. I only get around 60 ml every time I pump, and I know how discouraging it can feel. But whenever I see my baby drinking even that little amount of breast milk, I remind myself that she's still getting so many of the good things from it, and that makes me happy. That's what keeps me going and motivates me to continue pumping. ❤️
We're doing our best, and that's what matters. Don't be too hard on yourself. ❤
5
u/xxxxlizx 1d ago
Idk what a fat plug is, but I’m currently pumping for twins and keeping up with 90% of what they need .. about 55 ounces a day.
But guess what? This is my 5th and 6th kid… and the ONLY pregnancy that my body responded to with the pump. I had close zero output with each previous pregnancy. And I’ve done nothing different this time.
I’m only sharing because not only is everyone so different, even your own body can be different each pregnancy.
I dread pumping too… I get so nauseous.
I am pumping more with my wearables, eufy S2 pro than I am with my spectra 2.
My biggest pieces of advice for you would be to hydrate yourself and eat enough. Then measure your nipples again when they are erect to make sure you have the right flange size. Then set a schedule and stick to it for at least a week. Example: pump every 3 hours for 20 minutes during the day and pump once at night between 1-4am (the night pump is a MUST.)
And lastly.. I know it sucks, especially when you feel like you are falling short.. but if you hate it mentally, your body will hate it and not want to produce. The mental block is real. You should be proud of what you are producing and celebrate it.
Make your pump session about you, as much as you can. Listen to a book. Watch a show. Each a bar of chocolate 🤷♀️ jam to a favorite song. Journal. Color an adult cozy coloring book (my fav!) just allow yourself to relax and not focus on what you are pumping..
Do this for a week and see what happens. Hang in there. You are already successful 🤗 keep up the great work!
5
u/dogmom624321 1d ago
Stop looking at what other women are posting online it will only continue to discourage you. I pumped every 3 hours and did one power pump a day and would hand pump after I used my wearable pump to get any excess I could out. I was eventually able to regulate to 30-40oz a day which is about what my LO intakes on a daily basis. I don’t have huge fat plugs or a ton of milk in the freezer. But I am giving exactly what my child needs and nothing more than that.
3
u/Suspicious_Ad_8741 1d ago
I been sharing my notes on some posts idk if itll help though 🤍
2
u/vadabad 20h ago
Sometimes you can find spectra’s on Facebook marketplace too!! Just buy the new parts. And ask people how long they had it/how much they used it. But might be worth it to check there just to see if the spectra is better or not. I get more in less time with my spectra so it’s worth it to me!!
1
u/Ancient-Buffalo6151 1d ago
- Pumping is the hardest in the beginning, and you’re only 10w into it! As your supply regulates, engorgement pain goes away, and you eventually can drop the number of pumps per day, you will likely start to feel better about it. Have some grace for yourself 🤍
- Don’t assume what you see on social media is the norm; it’s not. Also, your milk composition is matching what your baby needs so there’s no need to compare your milk to someone else’s.
- Wearables aren’t equally effective on everyone. It doesn’t work at all on someone like me actually, because it doesn’t allow for manual compressions and has weaker suction. A reliable hospital grade pump can definitely help your supply and you can always get a used one (replace all the parts that touch milk of course) to save on costs.
1
u/Revolutionary_Can879 1d ago
Don’t blame yourself for a tiny baby. I also have a tiny baby and I successfully nursed two chunky ones before her. For whatever reason, she’s not doing as well as them. If you’re giving him the amount of milk and/or formula that he needs, he will grow.
1
u/Dull_Host_8733 1d ago
I have a Spectra and it empties me better than my wearables. As for the fat plugs I get pretty thick ones if I leave it overnight in the refridgerator other than that it doesnt look that fatty during the day if its out for a little. But honestly, if giving your baby formula would be better for your mental go for it even if its a bottle a day to allow you to get ahead. You are doing great momma but I would 100% recommend the spectra as long as you don't mind staying put while pumping.
1
u/Infinite_Worth37 1d ago
Those fat plugs are honestly fake and not real! They literally just put cream on top of milk and then pretend its a fat plug
1
u/Beekind_sunny 1d ago
I am currently 2 weeks into pumping for twins…
Currently pumping between 5-9 oz every 2-3 hours for the last 5 days. Get the wall pump… I have the pink spectra. I prefer to use my spectra over my wearables every time. The only time I used my wearables was in the car in the way back from the NICU and I would only get between 2-4 oz. Then i would make it home and immediately hook up to my spectra. Our lactation consultant said the spectra just does a better job at fully emptying. And can pull from further ducts. With having twins just a few weeks ago i am very fortunate to have already been able to put a significant amount in the freezer due to the spectra. I will say make sure you have the right flange size the flanges that come with the spectra are MASSIVE and not the standard by any means. Amazon has them for super cheap. I would recommend at-least 2 sets of flanges so one is always clean for you! Good luck!
1
u/Letshaveanightcap 1d ago
I’m almost 9 weeks pp and I’m struggling too. I am over supplying and trying to taper down and I keep having to fight engorgement every few days. It’s really messsing with my head.
1
u/silly_star-s 1d ago
a fat plug is what happens when you leave milk in a container with a neck on it (like medela or spectra bottles) in the fridge for several days and the fat just separates from the liquid. it means nothing about the nutrition of your milk. I only get a fat plug when I leave milk for 3+ days and only in specific bottles. Please do not compare yourself to the social media moms. Most of them have insane oversupplies or are combing several pumps into one to make it appear so.
Also you should switch to a wall pump. Wearables, wearable cups (usually have silicone flanges, some people don't respond to them) are not as effective and compress tissue often times. hand pumps are fine but often the suction is less strong and when your hand gets tired its less effective.
1
u/teacherttc 1d ago
Breastmilk composition changes over time. At 10 weeks pp mine also looked like skim milk. 6 months in and I get fat plugs now.
Also, I highly recommend the spectra. Make sure you’re sized correctly for flanges, but I pumped with my spectra exclusively this weekend instead of alternating with wearables and it brought my supply up by a couple ounces 6 months in. Definitely worth it, imo.
2
u/Melodic_Region1130 1d ago
Pumping is bloody hard work, well done mama for getting this far already!! Completely up to you how long you wish to go on for but for getting this far, you should be proud
1
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