EBF, Returning to work, pumping - ?

SweetSpikette · June 2010

I'm sure you guys get this all of this all of the time, so sorry. I did scroll a bit but didn't see anything.

I am returning to work on the 14th and will be pumping about 3x/day, I'm estimating.

My DD is a one-sided eater. So do I just start with pumping the other side to build a small stash?

When I go back, do I pump one or both sides at a time?

If I pump both sides at work (for speed, stash, supply, etc...) what do I do on weekends?

I don't know why, but this feels so overwhelming to me right now. It isn't rocket science, right?

trinny · June 2010

My DD did block feeding too. I just did whatever felt right on the weekend, either one side or both if she seemed hungry. Although I did still do my block feeds at night and pump on the opposite side-- but that kinda sucked because even if DD slept in on the weekends, I still needed to wake up and pump! It did help make up my oz for the week if I needed some.

One thing to note-- I always pumped less on Monday than I did by Friday. I guess it just takes awhile to get used to the pump.

night waking feed Right

7:00 am pump Left (about 4 oz)

8:00 am feed Left

~10:30 pump both (about 7 oz)

3:30 pump both (about 5 oz)

6:00 pm feed both (usually not super-full by then)

7:00 pm feed both

I assume you are doing block feeds because of oversupply? I found my supply evened out a lot being back at work, and I never had any issues with not putting out enough (until I got PG!)

springtime81 · June 2010

Both my kids have been one-boob-at-a-time eaters. With DS, I was able to pump just one boob at a time, 3 times a day (for each of his usual feedings). He was a big eater and my supply was great. DD is not as big of an eater, and I just wouldn't get enough if I only pumped one side at a time. So I pump one side in the morning, because it's really full from not being used for over 12 hours. Then in the afternoon I pump both sides at two pumping sessions. I am usually unaffected on the weekends, but if I feel uncomfortable then I will pump. Ultimately, this is something you will just have to figure out when you return to work.

LaLaSweets · June 2010

trinny:
My DD did block feeding too. I just did whatever felt right on the weekend, either one side or both if she seemed hungry. Although I did still do my block feeds at night and pump on the opposite side-- but that kinda sucked because even if DD slept in on the weekends, I still needed to wake up and pump! It did help make up my oz for the week if I needed some.
One thing to note-- I always pumped less on Monday than I did by Friday. I guess it just takes awhile to get used to the pump.
night waking feed Right
7:00 am pump Left (about 4 oz)
8:00 am feed Left
~10:30 pump both (about 7 oz)
3:30 pump both (about 5 oz)
6:00 pm feed both (usually not super-full by then)
7:00 pm feed both
I assume you are doing block feeds because of oversupply? I found my supply evened out a lot being back at work, and I never had any issues with not putting out enough (until I got PG!)

This looks like a great schedule. Sorry i couldn't help more dd swallowed both boobies ; ) lol

Jenni81 · June 2010

The advice from PP is great, and the only thing I have to add is to tell you not to stress. The idea of returning to work and everything associated with it can be overwhelming. It is great that you are thinking ahead - but don't worry too much about the specifics. I found I over thought everything before it happened, and when the time came things just fell into place. You will be able to judge how things are going and make adjustments if needed.

Good luck!

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