Not pumping enough for daycare

Hi! Have you tried power pumping? It has done so much for me. I wasn’t producing enough for my babe either. After power pumping 3-4 days 3x a day, I got more supply. Basically you pump 20min, rest 10min, pump 10 min, rest 10, pump 10min. This should be in addition to your regular pump schedule. It kind of mimics cluster feeding and tells your body to produce more milk.

Power pump, better diet, more water intake and night pumping more often will help a lot

Does it seem like he’s eating more at daycare than at home? Maybe they are letting him drink too fast?

How many hours is he at daycare? My daughter would only take 4 bottles for 7:30am-4pm She would have one at 8, 10:30, 1, 3:30. I usually sent 4oz in each bottle but she rarely drank more than 2.5 ounces because she only wanted to be breastfed and fought the bottles. But 5-6 bottles at 3.5oz is 17.5-21oz a day. The recommendation is 24-32 ounces in a whole day. 5 ounces per feeding is a lot unless they are wanting less bottles per day. Maybe 3-4 bottles of 5 ounces (15-20 ounces) same total ounces but just longer between feeds.

If she’s wanting 5-6 5 ounce bottles a day that’s all the milk baby should drink in a day. Make sure they are pace feeding baby. Also ask what is bringing this up. Is he upset after feeding or is he just eating too quickly

Try fenugreek! And drink plenty of water

I agree with power pumping but dont stress yourself out topping off with formula is not the worst fed is best , i been breastfeeding/pumping for a month and here and there i have to give her formula thats okay because shes 90% breastmilk

I’m not sure if they want me to bring 5-6 5 oz bottles or make less bottles with 5oz. Looks like they won’t give him another bottle right away if he’s still hungry. I initially did 3.5 oz so we didn’t waste breast milk. I will have to ask when I pick him up.

It’s probably because baby isn’t being pace fed at daycare. A lot of times the teachers aren’t aware that breastfed babies don’t need as many ounces per bottle. You could up it a bit from 3.5 ounces but generally they only need 4oz per feed. I would definitely try fewer bottles with more in each. I highly doubt your supply is the issue.

I use to work in a daycare mainly they suggest bigger bottles oz wise and sending fewer in. Because the bigger amount will make them last longer between feds. They honestly can’t make you do anything but just suggest it. You do what you feel is best!

Girl vet you mothers milk tea you won't have a choice but to pump

@Jordan Schueck is this power pumping? I pump for 30 mins than after it’s done I’ll turn it on again for another 30mins but I do that about 3 times in one pump session depending when the milk is filled? I do it with my other breast as well same as I do with my other breast? Just wondering?

@GMF this is true!! I bet if she asks them how many times baby spit up it would be multiple times! My baby was drinking 4oz since she was born and would constantly throw up until i was advice to pace feed now she drinks 4oz or 3 but doesnt throw up and is getting chunky

Hi @Rachel! Do you allow time for “rest”? Pausing for about 10 minutes in between allows your breast to fill up a little bit again. If you feel your output is growing because of it, then I say do what works for you! I am an exclusive pumper, so this routine works for me! For me, I pump 30 min every 3 hours. I think it’s most important to just make sure you’re pumping more than your normal schedule to produce more. Does that make sense? Here’s a link with more info! https://lansinoh.com/blogs/breastfeeding-pumping/power-pumping-how-to-increase-your-milk-supply?srsltid=AfmBOoo62PpTgEWys7UQzjgxpJN-W8eJfg722EDKoWcIwnu_WTPInGCG

@Jordan Schueck so but I should try that? Rest for 10 mins. I usually pump about 3 hours a day but express pump when I have time. But when she wake up I’ll bf her and I’ll let my breast rest for 2 hours before pumping again because she bf on it. My next pump session is 4pm I’ll do what you said! Rest in between to see if that works.

@Jordan Schueck it says pump for 20 mins and rest for 10 than pump for 10 mins and rest for 10 and pump for 10? Could I do pump for 30 mins than rest for 10mins & pump for 30mins than rest for 10 & Pump for 30mins again and repeat?

@Rachel yes! You can do pump 30 and rest and pump! That’s what I do and it’s worked very well for supply increase! ❤️

I don't think your supply is an issue here. They probably just want bigger bottles so he lasts longer between feeds and I can guarantee they aren't pace feeding(daycare workers aren't trained to do so) but just rushing to get bottles done. I would try upping the ounces but doing less bottles however I feel like 3.5 up to 5 is a big jump maybe just do 4 or 4.5 and see how that goes

hmm, that sounds tough! maybe try power pumping or adding some oats to your diet? it can be a struggle to keep up, but you're doing great! I actually checked the 'Heal App' for this and here’s what it says: "It's understandable to feel concerned about your milk supply, especially with the demands of daycare. First, consider increasing the frequency of your pumping sessions, as more stimulation can help boost your milk production. Additionally, ensure you’re staying well-hydrated and consuming enough calories, as both are crucial for milk supply. If you're still struggling to meet your baby's needs, supplementing with formula can be a practical solution to ensure he gets enough nutrition without adding stress to your pumping routine. Remember, it's okay to combine breastfeeding and formula feeding as needed. Have you noticed any changes in your pumping output or your baby's feeding patterns since starting daycare