- This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 3 years, 4 months ago by
.
-
Posts
-
I started again, but to be honest, it is my 4th try in a year and not sure I can keep it up. How you manage with sleep and work schedule? I am returning to school and am trying to figure out how to pump between classes as a student or during long hours of labs….
With Covid I suppose there is only my car as an option, but not sure how to make it all working on a parking lot…
what works for you? How do you keep it going?
Thanks!❤
Hi Kat, I feel your frustration. I have helped several women induce and provide them with a Tens Unit (electrical stimulator) for times when it is difficult to pump or be nursed. It is acceptable as a breast and nipple stimulator for inducing. You attach an adhesive pad to your breast and set the Tens to your favorite pulsing vibration. You can buy circular pads that are 4 inches round with a hole in the middle for your areola and nipple. The pad will then electrically stimulate your breasts with your favorite pulsating vibration. I like the fast vibrate for 2 seconds then off for 2 seconds. That is similar to a baby suckling. If you wear the pads all day, you can do make-up in the morning with it on, drive to work, shop, or in the middle of the night. It’s silent and on one knows that it is on, it’s a convenient way to keep your scheduled stimulation sessions. As you may know if you miss a session it will delay your inducing time. Inducing sessions should be ever 3-4 hours for 15-20 minutes. I hope the best for you on your journey to lactate.
Sounds like a lot of work to me. I’d prefer my partner nursing on a regular schedule. Good luck.
The circular pads for the tens units are not recommended. It’s better to use two pads on each breast. But once again, a man jumps up first to offer advice on something they’ve only experienced second hand. That being said, a TENS is a good option while inducing, but you will still have to figure out a pumping/suckling/expressing schedule once your milk actually comes in.
What was your biggest hindrance the last few times?
Starting off my relactation journey I used the tens machine, breast massage and hand expressing. Once milk was present I was more diligent about expressing via hand, manual pump or electric pump. I did forgoe the midnight – 6:00am pump/stimulation because I prefer to sleep. Unless I was uncomfortable then I’d address it, otherwise 😴.
With labs aren’t they 2-4 hours? Either pump before or after and you’ll be good. I’ve pumping in parking lots but there is ALWAYS that person who parks next to you in the sea of open spaces, ugh!
Lactation is a process and requires dedication look at your daily schedule and see where and if it fits your lifestyle.
Good Morning Kat,
I agree with TENS unit use. I’ve used it every time for trying to induce, with great results! (Mind you, I’ve failed 4 times in the past 2 years- my reasons are complicated, feel free to private message me for direct questions!) It’s way easier to deal with while away from the pump during work hours or “busy life” hours. As I progress, I have noticed that pumping/suckling/hand expression becomes NEEDED after about 3 rounds. For me, the TENS unit was essential. Here is a web article about use of the TENS, including PROPER SETTINGS. These settings do, in fact, mimic a mouth pretty well.http://www.breastnotes.com/breastfeeding/BrFd-ReLac-TENS.htm
Thank you all for the great responses! I do appreciate that! I am about to read about the Tens Unit and will be ordering one, hopefully tonight.
I have had my ducts clogged a lot last time, so I think the tens unit may be great in helping with it.
I will give it a try and see how it goes. The real test will be when my normal schedule resumes in about a week!Thank you all and I will keep updating here to let you know how things go!
I purchased the Tens Unit with two channels and can’t wait to start using it! It will be here tomorrow (Wednesday)!!!
About possible small drops of milk. If they happen, do you just use nursing pads in your bra, just in case? I know, it is silly question, but if you have better suggestions, let me know! Thanks 🙂
I will update how the tens unit work for me.Used for the first time my tens unit and it was fun. I set it up to the lowest setting. I can’t say if it works yet, but I will be updating!
To those of you inducing: stay resilient! Determination is a key, haha…@kbreast Sunflower Lecithin can be helpful for managing clogged ducts. The Legendairy brand suggests 2400 mg daily (2 pills) for maintenance or 1 pill, 3-4 times a day when you have a clogged duct.
Thank you @Bella3
I am taking the sunflower lecithin. I think that maybe I will stop safely to induce and wait until I will be in a relationship. It is just frustrating for me at the moment. Haha….If I get into a stable relationship, then the topic will open up again! The tens unit however feels pretty good and does a good job in keeping my breasts without a pain or tightness. I am moving on a stage of slowing down safely.
Thank you all for checking on me and support!!!
XX
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.