Intro

jaimee2003

Hello everyone! My baby was born 8/21 and so far I've been EBF, but I need to start pumping soon and am a little weary. So I figured I should join this group!

I am a FTM, have been fairly active on my BMB, but mostly lurk. So much good info out there, and it's nice to not feel like you're all alone in this!

MH just went back to work on Tuesday, and I've had bad sciatica pain that makes everything difficult. LO is doing great but Mama is at her wits end from pain! I think bfing had contributed, I think my posture was no good and doing it in bed or on the squishy sofa impacted the nerve. By pumping I will be able to go to doctor appts, but I am scared to begin!

Anyway, sorry to ramble. Let me know if there are any questions about myself I should answer! I know some boards are particular about that.

mommatotwo2

Welcome There are no questions you have to answer, we're open to anyone who's supportive to our board members.  Feel free to ask questions, chime in when you have advice for others and continue reading all of the great information we have here!

Congrats on your LO.  Sciatica is the worst, I am sorry you're dealing with that.  You could take baby with you and nurse at doctors appointments, eliminating the need to pump.  I'd get yourself a good comfortable chair to sit in, or place pillows behind your back or something to help you sit up straighter if you think that's the issue.  Do you have a nursing pillow to help bring baby closer to your breasts? You should bring the baby to you, don't hunch over to feed baby.  In the early weeks, a couple of bed pillows positioned well on my lap and under my arm(s) helped me position baby comfortably. 

As far as pumping most "experts" will reccommend waiting until 3-4 weeks postpartum to start pumping.  You're near to that point, so it's probably ok to start. If you do plan to introduce baby to an occasional bottle, it's good to do that earlier on, a lot of moms will say around 5 or 6 weeks is best.  I waited until around 8 or 9 and it was a bit of a nightmare getting her to take one.  Pumping can be a bit harder on your nips and practice makes perfect.  Many moms (myself included) think you can just hook the thing up and go to town and that's not generally how it works.  Compression, massage, a proper flange fit, and some deep, relaxing breaths are a good starting point. 

Kellymom.com is an excellent resource regarding pumping and all things breastfeeding and there are many threads related to pumping on here.  If you have specific questions about pumping, feel free to ask and the momma's will start chiming in

Best of luck to you!

jaimee2003

Thank you ladies! For the support and the advice :-)

I started pumping on Saturday, and fit about 3-4oz total each time. At each session one breast produced more than the other (I double pumped since MH was home to help, will single pump when alone. Speaking of, when I single pump should I still pump both breasts at each session?).

I have to go back to work in just a couple of weeks, so hoping to build a good supply.

mommatotwo2

Totally normal to have one breast produce more than the other. I almost always pumped both breasts when I pumped. If I was pumping opposite the side baby nursed in, I'd always do the undrained side first and then the side baby drank from. Most moms double pump with a hands free pumping bra. I never did, I pumped one side at a time and used the other hand to get really good massage and compression. Since you will likely only be pumping 3x a day at work, you'll want to be sure to drain both breasts each time, both for your comfort and to signal milk production. Don't get overly stressed about a huge stash for returning to work, it definitely helps to have some backup, but mostly you need enough for baby's first day away from you, which is generally one ounce per hour that you are apart. I would also encourage you to pump on the weekend one time each day. I pumped one breast first thing in the morning, while feeding baby in the other. I was able to stash about 6 to 8 oz a week this way which really got me through deficits in supply from my own illnesses, baby's illnesses and return of AF.

jaimee2003

Thank you, @mommatotwo2‌ !!