More BF?'s...when to pump?

mrstyson03 · May 2011

IYO, when is it ok to start pumping (to have help with feedings), and not have those oversupply and green poo issues I keep hearing about? My lactation consultant said not before 6 weeks, but she really advises to wait 4 months since I'm staying home for now. DH is as anxious to help with feedings as I am to have some help.

So what was your experience?

Amanda78 · May 2011

I started about 6-7 weeks once a day or if I was randomly engorged. I had no over supply issues

HeatherPB1020 · May 2011

I had to pump from almost day one to supplement.. it was pump or give formula. I pump 2 times a day.... in the middle of the night while DH gives LO a bottle and then once in the morning, LO gets 2 bottles a day.... the one at night and a small one during the day with his vitamins in it.

Sonadora · May 2011

I started early since I had supply issues from the get-go. But It wasn't until around 8 weeks where I actually got anything in substantive amounts, and even then it was only 1-2 oz because I'd pump about 30 minutes after she ate. Until very recently B was eating every 2-3 hours around the clock and it didn't give me much opportunity to build anything up in there to pump out.

lraymeremtp · May 2011

I had to pump from day one because R didn't have a good latch. She didn't figure out how to latch on to feed until she was about six weeks old. I pumped the entire time, and she never had formula. (not saying it's bad, just trying to put things in perspective) When she started to latch on I had serious oversupply issues. I got really engorged and R couldn't keep up and she had the lovely green, runny poop. (oh, and was super gassy) I would recommending waiting the longest you can, but definitely wait until atleast six weeks!

nferrante · May 2011

I started pumping at 5 weeks because I had a funeral that I had to go to...I didn't really have a choice. DS was fine. I never had an over-supply and his poop didn't change until he was on rice cereal at 4 1/2 months!

jen-dale · May 2011

I started at 5 weeks because I had to go back to work and wanted to get her used to the bottles. DH also wanted to feed her. He felt left out. I think you could pump a bottle a day if DH was really into helping and it wouldn't hurt a thing. IMO it starts to feel a little confining if you can't get some help once in a while, you know?

HisKathy · May 2011

I started pumping around 4 weeks so DH could give Jason a bottle and get him used to it and to build my freezer stash. I would pump first thing in the morning and during one of Jason's naps. I usually only got about 2-3 oz total each session so by the end of the day I would have enough for a bottle or so. I never had an oversupply.

vkbaby09 · May 2011

I started pumping when B was about 3 weeks old. I never had any issues with oversupply or green poop. I've always pumped in the morning after the first feeding when supply is highest and I'll also add a session later in the day if he gets a bottle (though it's been a really long time since that's happened and I have a pretty large freezer stash now). I've always also only fed from one side at a time, so I only pump the other side and usually get about 4-7 ounces /morning pumping session. I go for 15 minutes a time. GL!

PeetiePie · May 2011

HisKathy:

I started pumping around 4 weeks so DH could give Jason a bottle and get him used to it and to build my freezer stash. I would pump first thing in the morning and during one of Jason's naps. I usually only got about 2-3 oz total each session so by the end of the day I would have enough for a bottle or so. I never had an oversupply.

Pretty much the same here, but I think it was 5 weeks. You don't want to wait too long to introduce the bottle.

AppleRidge · May 2011

I started pumping once per day (I did one side twice while feeding) at 4 or 5 weeks. I had a slight oversupply issue, but it was quickly corrected with block feeding. I am ripping through my freezer stash now, so I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.

sarahandeddiejune212008 · May 2011

I think I started randomly pumping around 3 weeks or so. I'm glad I built up a decent freezer stash because my output has really dropped and I've been using it for the past couple of weeks. Next time around I'll probably pump right after the first morning feed starting around 2 or 3 weeks.