breastfeeding & pumping ?

4evergreen527

1st off - I am completely overwhelmed by this new mom stuff - pregnancy was definitely the easy part for me

I'm home this month with my new baby boy and trying to figure out how to feed him and pump for when I return to work November 1st   I've contacted La Leche League but waiting.  Any tips?

TIA

Califlorida

it is totally overwhelming. i can't believe i thought i being pg was hard...

i started pumping slowly at first, about a 1/2 hr after feedings. maybe getting an ounce or two. then when i went back to work at six weeks, i pumped like crazy the week before to have fresh bottles for the first few days. now i pump at work every time dd gets a bottle at home.  

i know it seems like all your doing is nursing and pumping at first, but it does get a lot easier. gl! 

Beans_mom

Congrats on your little one! We waited until DS was 3 weeks old to introduce the bottle, haven't had any issues with him going back and forth between breast and bottle. I'd say pump after he eats to keep your supply up, and to empty if engorged. I'm trying to get my body used to giving me 3 good pumping sessions while he's in daycare, so far it's working OK. GL! 

2007MarchBride

I found the best way to establish breastfeeding and pumping is to pump for 10 min after every feeding.  I also try to pump in between two feedings a day.  Try Kellymom.com it has been a great resource for me.

WannaBMommy81

slowly but surely I built up a good stash.  .5-1oz here and there eventually added up to around 250oz in the freezer before I went back to work at 12wks.  Keep in mind you will pump about how much your baby will drink while apart.  DD drinks 3 4oz bottles and I pump around 12oz while at work so it is even for the day.  I just leave the bottles I pumped at work at daycare when I pick her up at night.  I always leave one extra bottle just in case and they have a little bit in the freezer as well.  What really helped is when dd started sleeping longer stretches at night I would still get up to pump so I would be at least a bottle ahead every day.  Also I would actually recommend introducing the bottle sooner rather than later.  I have NEVER heard of a baby having nipple confusion if it is introduced early (pedi said this also)  but I have heard numerous times where people have a hard time getting their dc to take a bottle.

Luckystar2

Dont worry too much about the pumping right now.  I only pumped once a day after DD's morning feeding while on maternity leave.  Hopefully once you go back to work you can pump during work and make enough to give DC the next day.  I have a pretty good size freezer stash, but I haven't had to use any up yet.  I've actually been adding to it.  I am able to pump what DD needs for the next day plus a little extra.