FTM with a breastfeeding question...

LunaBug924

Boobs seem to be the subject of the day!

So our pediatrician gave me the go-ahead to start pumping a little bit at 2 weeks pp (that's tomorrow!) My question is how do I create a pumping schedule that won't interfere with my actually feeding her? Right now she's feeding every 2-3 hours during that day(usually from both sides, though usually one side longer than the other), clustering at night, and then goes for 4-5 hour stretches overnight. I'd prefer to not just rely on that long stretch overnight to pump (mostly because I'd like to sleep while she is!)

I'm not trying to build a mega stash, but I would like to have enough on hand for a few bottles a day so that DH or anyone else can feed her a few times and give me a break, or so that we can venture out of the house without worrying about finding a place to whip my boobs out.  Any advice on a schedule that worked for you would be appreciated! 

sthomas1222

I wouldn't start pumping this early. It takes 5-6 weeks before your supply is regulated. Pumping before then could cause an oversupply and I can tell you from experience that is not fun. Are you going back to work? Or only just want a bottle or 2 for DH? If the latter then just pick a time of day to pump and even if you don't get anything or much the first few times keep pumping at that time and your body will respond to that additional "feeding".

bumpuser9353653

Agree with PP. pumping this early can majorly increase your supply. When you do start, though, it's usually recommended to pump about 30 min after LO finishes eating. But again, you don't want to try for a lot at a time.

LunaBug924

@sthomas1222 I'm not going back to work for a while, so it really is just to have some on hand for DH to feed her once in a while. Also, DH and I are going to a wedding next Friday (local, and we'll probably just go to the reception) so I need to have a few bottles on hand for my mom to feed her while we're out. 

Thanks for your advice!

ns1

I would also wait maybe a couple more weeks...but...

I pumped before I went to bed / after DD went to bed and continued to until DD was done bf'ing (14 mos.). At first I didn't get a lot but by adding a pimping session you're telling your body to make more milk. It should listen after a while. This time also worked well for me because I knew DD would sleep for a few hours and not need milk for a while at this time.

neems1982

My lactation consultant told me 2 weeks is a good time to start pumping if you want to start a stash. Check out kellymom.com they have a lot of good breastfeeding info.

SMM1986

I started pumping after about a week and a half. I just added one Pump session in a day right after I fed her. It would yield anywhere from 1-3 oz from both breasts.