My milk let down when expressing used to only take about 30 seconds. The last few days it has taken 3-5minutes. Any ideas why and how I can shorten the time? My son is finding it frustrating that its taking too long too.
Frustrating!
Anything out of the ordinary going on? Have you changed your routine at all? Getting plenty of water?
Sounds dumb, but anything that helps you to relax and not think about it is likely to help. Also gentle massage/touch, warm flannels can sometimes help. Thinking about/looking at/smelling baby can all help, too.
Good luck!
Thanks. I'm trying to keep up my water intake. I'll try the others. I work full time 5 days a week an get two x 30min lactation breaks each day - including cleaning the pump. I didn't get enough milk today. Luckily it's the weekend and I can stockpile otherwise we would be stuck.
My son has never really fussed like this. At his 4am feed he cried which he rarely has. He was stretching my nipple/boob to try to get his milk because he was so frustrated. Poor little boy.
How old is he?
Where do you store your pump between pumping? You can just rinse in cold water between uses and clean at the end of the day, if that's easier.
If it saves you any time, you could slip some ziplock bags over the top and just pop it in the fridge as is. Or just rinse and leave the wash for later. Just thinking.
4.5 months is a typical age for changes in feeding patterns, fussing etc is quite common. Watch the nappies for any signs of issues with amount of milk he's taking, but otherwise might just be a 'phase'.
I find when expressing, and even when feeding particularly now as my baby is teething and is very bitey, that if I visualize let down that hurries it along a bit. I imagine the way the milk squirts out of the nipple, and of course, try to relax, relax, relax (which can hard if you are half expecting your nipple to have a close encounter with teeth ;-) )
Good luck
Things seem to be a bit better now. I don't know what was going on. I think I panic and think he is weaning himself. I am setting short term goals - 6 months is my next one. Nearly there:
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Let down taking a long time
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