Pumping milk for midnight feeding?

xproudxnerdx

I want to start pumping once a day so that DH can take one of the night feedings, but I'm not really sure how or when to do it so that I'm not emptying myself when LO is going to need a feed before bed. I tried yesterday and ended up being so engorged after skipping a night feed that I had to pump just enough to get rid of the pain. Advise?

AwkwardBaby

I can only go about 6 hours between pumpings, otherwise I feel like my  boobs are going to explode (and considering I get 10 plus ounces when I pump after that long, it might be true!).  I had to work myself up to the six hours, however.  You might have to start just spacing out the pumping a little bit longer each day, this is what I had to do to be able to get my six hour stretch without pumping.  It took me about a week to get from a 3 hour stretch to a 6 hour stretch.  Your body will realize what you need it to do!

However, be ready to be really engorged when you get off of your long stretch.  This would be a perfect time to pump for your next midnight feeding (maybe about 3 ounces...this is how much my LO is eating per feed...you could see how LO handles it, and if you need more or less you can adjust accordingly).  Then, you can let LO feed.  And from my experience, if you are engorged, it usually only takes a few minutes to get a few ounces.

xproudxnerdx

Thanks! I only plan on doing the one bottle a day, just to get a little more sleep. Thanks for the advise!

Mrs.Teddy

I've been pumping after the first morning feed and typically get 2-3 oz in 10-15 minutes which is enough for one feeding I am currently freezing for future use but you could just put it in the fridge and save it for that night, you may be very full from skipping one feed but should be ok