how do i do this... prepping to go back to work

ljanette85

i plan to ebf for the at least the first year (fingers crossed!) I will be taking 2 months maternity leave and then returning to work pt. during that time off should i start to pump immediatly to build a supply or do i have to wait a little while? it will be 2-3 6 hr shifts a week.

mm&mm

I would wait. Immediately starting pumping could cause oversupply. I waited about 2 months; I realize your leave will be up at that point, but I would wait at least a month to give your body a chance to start figuring out what is going on!

sosoph

I started pumping at 3 weeks to go back to work at 6 weeks. This way, there was no pressure and you can do one or two 5min sessions until you get comfortable with pumping and you're able to express milk. It also gives you time to offer a bottle or two a week to make sure your LO will take it. The first days back at work are sort of stressful (back to work, you baby is in child care AND you have to pump) - so I'd recommend aiming to have a few days worth of milk stored for that first week. That way, you can get into the routine of pumping at work without worrying about the output for the next day.

ljanette85

thank you, i will give it a few weeks. i have 2 jobs that i am returning to... one as a nanny 3 months pp but i am bringing baby. the second is at a spa and if i have to i can wait 3 months instead of 2, we'll see how it goes  

i had a gf with oversupply, she fed her baby and someone elses! to me that sounds awesome lol but im assuming it could lead to some seriously painful breasts??

Mrs.MauiBride24

3 weeks would be a good time frame.  Enough time to establish nursing and your milk supply and enough time to start a freezer stash.