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when to start pumping to build supply

heatherh43heatherh43
in Babies: 0 - 3 Months

I am going back to work in just about 3 weeks. I EBF and only pumped for like 3 days when i was on medicine that DS couldnt have.

 How long before I go back to work should I start pumping?

Should I store it all in the freezer?

Also, when should I pump? I feel like as soon as i'm done with one feeding, I start another one 2 hours or less later with DS. When do I find time? or when will my supply be up after he's done?

This may be a dumb question, but do you wash the little plastic storage bags before you use them?

Sorry for the bombarding questions...I just want to make sure DH and DS have enough for when I'm gone during the day! THanks ladies!

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Re: when to start pumping to build supply

  • ChicNotGeekChicNotGeek

    Since I've been 90% exclusively breastfeeding, I don't get a lot of 'extra' milk, so I've been pumping and freezing since December!  I have about 48oz frozen, which is only about 12 day supply for day care.  I hope it's enough!  I'm sure it will be since I'll be pumping at work.

    Good luck!  Don't mean to scare you!

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  • heatherh43heatherh43

    I'm not that nervous since I am only going to be working one whole day (10 hours) and 2 short 4-5 hour shifts. I think I can get DS on a schedule so that he should only need one or two bottles while I'm on the short shifts. But hopefully with pumping at work on my long shift I can build up a little more! Thank you!

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  • cschlomanncschlomann
    I have been pumping once or twice a day and freezing it (unless I know I am going to be away from DD that day or the next then Ill save it in the fridge). I usually pump once in the morning when she is done eating because that seems to be when I have the most, and then once later in the day. I try to store 3-4 oz portions at a time (and thats usually all I have left after she has finished eating). I have never sterilized the storage bags, I guess ive never thought of that...
    BabyFruit Ticker *****Mommy's Meatball*****
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  • sarahmae8sarahmae8 member

    No you don't have to wash the bags.

    Yes you can just freeze everything. To reheat just place bag in a cup of hot water.

    An LC told me the very best time to pump is in the morning and right after a feeding, even if you only get an ounce or so. You can store that ounce in the fridge in a bottle for up to 24 hours and add to it as the day goes on after a few more pumpings so you don't end up with a ton of one ounce bags in the freezer. Good luck! 

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  • mejumpmore1mejumpmore1

    I would go ahead and start now.

    This is my schedule:

    first thing in the am - DS wakes up and nurses, when finishes I drink a glass of water, wait 30 min, pump for 10-15 min (usually get 3+ oz)

    some days, I will only do this other days I'll try to fit in a few more pumping sessions after DS has nursed...he always nurses before I pump that way I know that DS is satisfied and won't be nursing for a little while so I have time for more milk to be made.  No matter what you can never be truly empty as you are constantly producing.

    The farther into the day the fewer the oz that I can get when pumping. So don't be surprised if your supply seems lower throughout the day...it's totally normal.  If ever LO skips a feeding be sure to pump some. DS slept through the night the other night so I pumped during the missed feeding...got a TON of milk that night to store in the freezer.

    Good luck to you! Days when I pump more than just a couple times I feel as though it is a full time job but I know that I need to have a good freezer stash in case of emergency so it's worth the extra effort.  I try not to pump too much because I don't want to have to deal with over supply issues so I'm careful about that.

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