pumping question

mimi1017

my baby boy is 3 weeks and 1 day. i would like to start pumping and freezing milk soon. i go back to work in 5 weeks. i want to make sure i have enough for the babysitter and then he is going to start going with his dad so i want to have some for him when he watches him. so when is the best time to pump and how much should i pump? thanks in advance! =] =]

sarag0116

Best time to pump = 1st thing in am (you'll get more).  You can try doing it a few ways.  You can feed on one breast and pump the other.  Or you can feed on one breast and then pump both of them.  Start with pumping 1 time per day.  Then increase gradually.  Your breasts will accomodate to what you are asking of them.  Right now, I'm up to pumping 3 times a day for my freezer stash... first thing in am (i'm engorged at this time and need to pump and I get a lot), in the evening (after the last feed usually 8pm) and then during the nighttime feeding (3 to 4 am).

 Good luck!

kiribeckwith

I keep reading that the morning is the best time, but I make the most milk in the evenings... almost double what I pump in the morning. Don't know why- just saying that it may be different for everyone.

I started pumping at 3 days PP because of extreme engorgement... my lil man couldn't latch on. I pump or feed him every three hours. My LC told me I could pump in between feedings to reduce engorgement if necesary- but not to empty out just relieve a little.

 Good luck!