Hi! I am BF and just bought a pump to help increase my supply and create a backup stash for when I go back into the office two days a week in January. I haven't the slightest clue how to use it or, more importantly, WHEN to use it. My son nurses every four hours. This week it's been 12, 4, 8, 12, 4, 8.
When do I pump?
How often?
How much?
Should I start now or wait until December?
Thanks so much for any help!
Re: RP: A little BF help needed
I'd start now. I'd pump right after a feeding, if you can. Pump the other side if DC only takes one side. If both, then just pump both. Even if you don't get much the first fre times, it'll start to increase.
I was never very good at being regular with pumping, and I was always afraid that I would pump, and DC would be hungry again before I was "ready." That never happened, and eventually I realized that if it did, i could just give DD the milk that i just pumped. Duh.
Anyway, I wish I would've started sooner so I'd have a better stash built up, but to be honest, I haven't needed that yet either.
My silly Lily is almost 4.
To increase supply, you can pump after feeding for 10 minutes or so. Even if you don't get any milk, it will tell your body to produce more.
To build up a stash, I would pump in the morning an hour or two after your son nurses. Your supply replenishes itself more quickly in the morning.
But you probably don't need too much of a stash if you're only working two days a week. You can pump while you're at work (you'll need to anyhow to keep your supply up) and use that the next time DS is at daycare. You might want some extra, but I wouldn't stress out about it too much.
Try this site for a ton of info-
www.workandpump.com