Community› The Bump Message Boards› Babies: 0 - 3 Months
Babies: 0 - 3 Months
New Discussion

How to schedule in pumping?

MiaMichelleMiaMichelle
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months

I am starting to pump... at least build up a supply so I can have a little freedom here.  Trouble is, I don't know when to pump... or how to time it.  Do I wait until after I BF DD?  Like about 1 hour afterward?  How often a day?

I pumped today sporadically and got about 2 oz... so I obviously need to fine tune when during the day I do this.  

Thanks for any advice :)

Report Reply to Post

Re: How to schedule in pumping?

  • Melissa0703Melissa0703

    Hi there - funny to see you over here.  My LC recommended that I pump after he BFs, which will increase the supply as well as make sure DC is still getting enough to eat.

     I also find I have good luck pumping in the morning (like 5 am) when it's been 7-8 hours since he last ate.  I can pump like 4 oz in 5 minutes since I am so full, and still have enough to feed him right after.  It took a while before I had enough milk for that though.  GL!

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • nkintzelnkintzel

    Your baby is so young! So, 2 ounces is totally normal. You never get as much with the pump as baby gets directly, so it isn't an indication of your supply or your skill at pumping.

    Honestly, if you are on maternity leave, I would suggest you not worry about the pump at all until you have to. Its nice to have a stash built up, I guess, but honestly, it creates a lot of stress worrying about the stash. You are still establishing your supply and your relationship, and the pump can actually interfere with that a little bit.

    But, if you feel like you have to pump, I would recommend you pump after baby has nursed. You won't get very much at first, but it will basically tell your body that you need to produce more at that feeding. So, over time, you will have more when you pump then. Also, pump if you are going to miss a feeding.

    There is lots of info at www.workandpump.com and also at www.kellymom.com

    My best advice is DO NOT STRESS YOUR STASH. I worked really hard to get a stash built up, and it turns out that I have a lipase problem, and had to toss it all anyway!!! UGH!!!!

    Just enjoy establishing your supply and your relationship, and save the pumping for later, if you can!

    Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie Second Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • agmasoagmaso

    I started pumping at 3 weeks old. Just once a day after she went to bed at night. Still do the same way today.... just once. For about 2 weeks all I got was 2 oz... now I can get 6 so that will eventually adjust for you.

     

    If you need to pump more often, try to "empty" after feedings or anytime you feel fuller and you baby doesn't want to eat.

     

    Basically your body will adjust to whatever you "demand" out of it. so even if you start pumping now and don't get much... it will eventually produce enough milk to cover it.

     

    Good luck!

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • books4brookebooks4brooke member

    It's really hard!!!  We have been trying to get ahead on our supply, but we are also using our supply, so that's part of why I can't build it up.  It's particularly helpful for growth spurts.  In the beginning, I was pumping between sessions and also when I gave the bottle.  I'm thinking tomorrow I am going to stay at the house and pump all day between feedings.  It looks like some people pump after feedings, but I don't have any milk left.  Pumping in the morning seems to get more as well.  Kellymom.com has some helpful info.

    How's mommyhood treating you otherwise?

    Report Reply
  • Linds&Chris777Linds&Chris777

    When at home during the day I would pump when DS was sleeping, which usually was about an hour or so after feeding.  Once I started pumping twice a day I was able to pump from 3 to 5 ounces per session.  It's never less than three ounces at a time now.

    Report Reply
  • agmasoagmaso

    BTW love your baby name :)

     

    My Maja (same name and same pronouncation as yours, Polish spelling though)  was going to be Sophia after my Mom but we eventually settled for my middle name :)

    Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers
    Report Reply
  • janaljanal

    I started pumping pretty early - a week or two into it, I guess. I wanted my husband to be able to give a night bottle so we could get some rest (which worked out really well, actually).

    I would feed my baby in the morning (first feeding, between 5 and 7), and THEN pump (to make sure your baby gets a full meal first). Like other posters, this is when I'd get the most milk. I also pumped after a few other feedings to get a freezer stash since I knew we would need it.

    I would pump as quickly after BFing as possible to give yourself enough time to fill up again for the next feeding.

    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"