Pumping question

sara76

I'm about to pump for the first time, to store milk for next month.  LO is going to want to eat in about an hour.  Should I do both breasts?  Or just one so I have a full one for her in case she's ready sooner?

mben1119

Pump right after you feed her.  Or, pump one breast while feeding her from the other.

sara76

OK thank you.  I'll wait until after she's full in case she wants both.  Then I'll pump both.  Should I do the same thing after a late night feeding?  I was told morning and night are the best times to pump.  I just worry because she likes to eat a lot at night and sometimes I feel like I run out of milk for her after awhile.  I know I don't because I can manually extract some, but the breast get really soft, much softer than anytime during the day, and she kicks around a lot and acts angry.  It's probably just gas pains.

cottonlily84

My breasts get soft right after I start pumping or nursing but I can always pump more after she nurses.  She's doing a lot better nursing now but even last night I got an oz after she fell asleep nursing.  If you're wanting to store milk then I would pump after every time she nurses.  That won't always be possible but if you aim for this you'll wind up doing it most times and have a good little supply when you go back to work. 

MyaMaternity

If you know you will be feeding you LO don't pump before or she will not get enough.  You should pump after she is finished.

CrimsonStar

I found if I pump right after LO feeds, there isn't much to pump (which made me really frustrated since I was trying to get extra milk). But if I wait an hour and then pump, I get a proper let down and much more milk. I know if I wait an hour, LO won't still be hungry and there's enough time in between her meal, pumping and the next feeding to replenish.

If you're looking to build up a stash, try a few different ways and see what works for you.