I work with lots of pumpers - and was one myself.  It's hard to do, but
can be done. Here's some tips -

Pump more - I would suggest to the mom that she pumps 2X during the work
day, plus, if she has a decent commute, she pumps in the car on the way
to and from work.  (its best if she can carpool, but I know lots of
people that do it while driving (myself included))  It's often hard to
squeeze extra pumping sessions into the work day. Also, she should pump
once a day on the weekends in the morning.  The name of the game is
stockpile!

Drink enough water - try to do 2 L per day.  I would bring 2 liter
bottles of Evian (it seemed like a "treat" because it was yuppy designer
water) in to the office each day to make sure I got my quota.

If Mom is trying to think of the baby while pumping, try NOT to think of
the baby while pumping.  Sometimes thinking of the baby can be stress
provoking.  This worked for me - I made pumping sessions as
mini-vacations from work.  I armed my place where I pumped with
magazines that I secretly enjoy, but never buy and read (like People or
the National Enquirer - hollywood gossip).  I put plants and a radio in
there.  After I was done with each pumping session, I got myself a
treat, like a chocolate chip cookie.  Also, try not to look at how much
is coming out until the end.  I would set a timer for 10 minutes, and
after   10 minutes, I could look.  It is stressful if I looked and
thought I wasn't getting enough.  It worked best to distract myself from
the task at hand. (if you'll pardon the pun!)

Try a different pump - if she is using the most popular one in the black
bag (you know which one I mean), she may want to try the classic "Big
Blue Ox".  Even though the company that makes these says that they are
the same, from my personal experience and others, I can tell you that I
don't think the 'black bag" one is as effective as the "blue ox".  (send
me a note privately if you don't know which ones I am talking about, I
didn't want to mention brand names)

Take data - the mom should write down how much and what time and date
while pumping, and keep a record of it. Also keep a record of how much
the baby is drinking each day. This is helpful to look back upon to see
if milk supply is indeed dwindling, or if it was just a bad day, or
things are normal, or if baby is having a growth spurt, etc.  For
example, mom can see that she probably gets more out in the morning than
the afternoon.  Or, she can see that her supply is probably greatest on
Monday, and goes down by Friday.  Or, maybe it is lower with her
menstrual cycle.  Or, maybe the caregiver is giving the baby more now.

Tell her not compare quantities with other pumping moms.  It can make a
mom feel inadequate if she sees the other gal get out 8 oz. per session
and it's sitting in the fridge next to your paltry 4 oz.  I call it
"milk envy" - and it is not productive, and can convince a mom she's not
getting enough out. .  What's important is YOUR OWN milk.

Pumping is hard work - especially if you have a full time job.  It's not
"fun to do" like nursing your baby; it requires herculean commitment.
It can be overwhelming at times.  This isn't often addressed, but should
be.

Cynthia Hodges
Pumping Veteran and an engineer in "real" life
(in charge of setting up a lactation program at the world's 2nd largest
co.)
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