i"m returning to work in a few weeks and wonder for those who pump at work how often do you pump? i feed the baby every 2-3 hours at home but wont be able to pump that often at work. i recognize that i will prob. have to supplement with formula.
I would pump as much as you can feasibly pump. I plan on pumping every 2-3 hours while I"m working but I have a job that allows for me to do so.
Your body will eventually regulate itself and only produce as much as you NEED. I would maybe try to increase your night time supply so that you can maybe not have to supplement. Like pump after you nurse at night.
when I first started out I pump right before I left for work, then 3 times in 12 hours at work. So really 4 times in 13 hours. I went back to work at 6 weeks pp. Once I felt comfortable that I wasn't going to lose my supply, I dropped the pumping session I did before work so I went down to 3 times. I did that at about 12 weeks pp. I agree do it as often as you can. If I have time for a 4th time I do it but I also try to time it that I have milk to nurse DD when I get home at night.
You don't have to supplement. You'll be fine. I pumped 2-3 times a day.
I nursed at 6. Pumped at 9:15, noon, and sometimes 2:30. Nursed at 4.
I dropped the 2:30 pump at 6 mos. I dropped the first pump at 11 mos and now at a year I just nurse DD at lunch.
You could pump on the way to work- it's possible! I did one side at a time in the car while driving Or after you baby goes to bed if you have to make up a few oz everyday. GL
I too pump while driving to and from work. I EP, so I have to pump when I can. However, it is very possible to do this and a great use of time! I bought a hands free pumping bra (see post above) and a car adapter. With my hooter hider in tact, it helps me function and feel like an adult and not someone tied to a machine/baby.
Re: Pumping at work
I would pump as much as you can feasibly pump. I plan on pumping every 2-3 hours while I"m working but I have a job that allows for me to do so.
Your body will eventually regulate itself and only produce as much as you NEED. I would maybe try to increase your night time supply so that you can maybe not have to supplement. Like pump after you nurse at night.
I would also start a freezer stash now
when I first started out I pump right before I left for work, then 3 times in 12 hours at work. So really 4 times in 13 hours. I went back to work at 6 weeks pp. Once I felt comfortable that I wasn't going to lose my supply, I dropped the pumping session I did before work so I went down to 3 times. I did that at about 12 weeks pp. I agree do it as often as you can. If I have time for a 4th time I do it but I also try to time it that I have milk to nurse DD when I get home at night.
You don't have to supplement. You'll be fine. I pumped 2-3 times a day.
I nursed at 6. Pumped at 9:15, noon, and sometimes 2:30. Nursed at 4.
I dropped the 2:30 pump at 6 mos. I dropped the first pump at 11 mos and now at a year I just nurse DD at lunch.
You could pump on the way to work- it's possible! I did one side at a time in the car while driving Or after you baby goes to bed if you have to make up a few oz everyday. GL