Pumping while feeding

I’ve recently had to start exclusively pumping one breast and was having a hard time getting it completely emptied sometimes. Accidentally found that pumping while feeding on the other breast helps a lot! Anyone else have had a similar experience? Also for the moms out there that require gentler suction levels for a better output when pumping, what tricks made your life easier?

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Sometimes I pump while my baby is on the other side and it definitely helps.

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I pump the opposite side too! My baby only eats off one side then will go 2-3hrs before her next feed but by that time I’m already feeling a bit full so I pump one side while she’s on the other to help keep my supply even and to create a freezer stash!

I don’t respond to high suction at all. Honestly this probably sounds strange but sometimes I have to like tap in and focus on me pumping to get another let down :sweat_smile:

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Pumping while nursing is amazing for triggering that strong letdown! I do the same thing. For gentler pumping, lubricate your flanges with a tiny bit of nipple balm/cream or coconut oil, it reduces friction dramatically so lower suction levels feel way more comfortable and effective! Best of luck mama

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I like pumping on let down mode, I feel like it empties me quicker, the pull is faster but gentler

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I tried this !!! It so helpful unfortunately my son usually wants to go to sleep when I nurse so my pumps are a bit too loud and it makes him grumpy

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This is something I started with baby no. 5 . It does help especially for a sleepy newborn. My supply is coming in strong so it helps with the gorging! Wish you luck mommma!!

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Oh the coconut oil helped wonders!!!

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It took me a second to realize I could just keep the pump going back and forth or simply pump the whole session in one single mode. Sounds so silly now, but when I first started I knew absolutely nothing about pumps and pumping, so I held on to what the LC said and what I read to be the most common thing: pump on let down then switch to expression. Pregnancy brain with added sleep deprivation is no joke on our ability to function lol :joy:

I’m really excited to try a new pump with more functions and a more baby-like feeling

They’re the bosses in the end right?! Hehehe

Lactation Hub makes a pumping spray that’s a 3 in 1 for moisturizing, healing and lubricating. Such a game changer when I found it. I never cared for the butters or other lubricants because it always felt greasy and left a lot of residual product behind. I’m sure Momcozy makes something but I’m not sure I’ve seen them have a spray yet, hope they do at some point. It definitely costs more than just buying coconut oil but for me, anything that makes pumping easier or more comfortable is well worth it! Pumping is hard enough!

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Pumping spray or lubricant will help with gentler pumping. I wish I can pump one side. My son eats from both sides now

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