Monday, May 21, 2007
Changes
D: This past week I returned to work, after a month and half on disability leave (bed rest) and 4 months maternity leave. My feelings about going back are all over the board. Of course I knew that the time would come when I'd go back, but I don't think there is anything that I could've done differently to truly prepare myself and the kids for it. Change just happens, and then you adjust.
The boys have been doing great in daycare, and the folks there love them to pieces (should I be concerned when they tell me they want to take my children home with them?). Of course, the transition is much harder on me. The concept of "time" just keeps changing on me. As I've said in past posts, time with the boys just flies by. An entire day can just escape me in an instant. But, since I've been back to work every hour seems like 3. It's not a bad thing necessarily...I am able to get a lot done! (One bonus skill learned while juggling the twins at home!)
Now the challenge is in keeping my milk supply up, while pumping at work. My goal is to continue to keep them on only breast milk at least until they reach 6 months. I need to pump 3 times a day for 20 minutes each time producing at least 34 oz. of milk to meet the Deuce's daily needs, while I'm away. Each day I am just barely reaching my goal. If anyone knows of any tips to increase my supply, please let me know.
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hey dana!
i love following your adventures - your boys are darling! i'm always concerned about supply and here's what i've learned:
- try more milk plus tincture, or fenungreek tablets
- there are also lactation teas, which i'm sure don't hurt
- can you pump more than 3x? maybe every 2 hours would yield extra ounces?
- do you pump in the middle of the night? i know sleep is precious, but if you get up once for them, maybe integrate a pump?
that you can pump 34oz in 3 times is pretty amazing itself - way to go! i pump at night and only get about 6-8oz each time.
thanks for your post on traveling, btw. we are headed for a trip in 1 mo. and your suggestions are terrific.
take care!
Dana,
I feel your pain. Being away from your babies is the worst. Somehow it does get easier, and it helps that your daycare situation is good. Here are some things I have found that might help-
- Mother's Milk tea. I think it helps a little, certainly cannot hurt.
- Oats- I hear they help. Not sure I noticed, but they are good for you so why not.
- Drink LOTS of water. Drink a lot before you pump and while you pump. This is probably the most helpful thing.
- Take deep breaths and visualize the milk surging out. Think of your boys, close your eyes. Do not do work stuff.
- Stress does not help, so if you can pump later in the evening, that might help ease your mind while you are pumping at work. I sometimes pump before I go to bed when my pumping during the day has not been as much as I wanted.
I know you are feeding two, but 34 oz. in 3 pumpings is IMPRESSIVE. Way to go!
Good luck-
Ann
Dana,
I too had trouble keeping up my supply when I returned to work. I took an herbal supplement that helped some. I started stressing out about it, which only made it worse. My advice: don't stress. Try a herbal remedy, the tea, etc, but do not feel bad if you need to supplement with formula. I'm a breast milk advocate, but shit happens.
Annie Mills
I took fenugreek, an herbal supplement, when my little guy was in the NICU for 3 months and couldn't breast feed. It was recommended to me by the lactation consultant. It worked wonders! Your boys are adorable!