pumping question..

niknak1128 · December 2012

Hi ladies.. haven't posted in a while.. been busier than I thought I would be home alone with my 4yr old and my baby. Most days are actually kinda crazy. lol I thougth I would have more time to relax but no such luck!

Anyways.. I've been attempting to pump and I haven't been that successful at it. I have maybe 3 days worth of milk frozen. That's it.. and I've already been off work for 6 weeks. I'm off at least another 6 weeks. I actually just resigned my position which is super stressful but I feel like it's the best decision for us. I do have an interview Wednesday for a job that's much much closer to home so that's exciting.. we'll see!! Anyways... I was really hoping to have a nice stash before going back to work.. if I get a job. But I think the reason why I don't pump that much is because I'm still feeding her every 2.5-3 hours and I'm afraid I won't have enough? Is that stupid? I mean if you pump in the morning and then feed.. is there still usually plenty there for her? I feel like there isn't. I've pumped maybe once a week.. maybe twice when I feel super super full. I'll get about 4oz from one breast and then I feed her with the other breast. But when I'm done pumping.. I feel like that breast is bone dry. I could be wrong but it just feels that way.

I'm just not sure how to get into a good routine with it. She does go about 5 hours at night time.. she'll sleep from about midnight until about 5am. But during the day...she rarely makes it 3 hours without wanting to eat again.

adoxyinherear · December 2012

Well, you really don't need that large of a stash for when you return to work, just a few days, really, since you'll be pumping at work to replace what she's drinking at home. Unless you want a really big stash for another reason, it sounds like you're doing just fine! I found this calculator really helpful:

https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/

GL!

niknak1128 · December 2012

Thanks!! That website is super helpful!! That makes a lot more sense to me now.

adoxyinherear · December 2012

niknak1128:
Thanks!! That website is super helpful!! That makes a lot more sense to me now.

Huzzah! I love it, too. I still fret sometimes and wish I could pump and save a million ounces... but my boobs thank me for making just enough for DD.

KJsbabe · December 2012

theresat858:
RusalkaSings:
Well, you really don't need that large of a stash for when you return to work, just a few days, really, since you'll be pumping at work to replace what she's drinking at home. Unless you want a really big stash for another reason, it sounds like you're doing just fine! I found this calculator really helpful:
https://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/
GL!
this. Also, your breasts are never really empty as they are constantly making more milk. I got my stash by pumping one side while LO nursed the other once a day.

This is what I did too, but multiple times a day.

damabo80 · December 2012

andrea ri 80:
Weeelll, you might want more of a buffer when you return to work since you might not pump as much as she eats during the work day.
If you pump, there will be enough for her to eat, so you needn't worry about that.
I would just try to start with one extra pump a day and see how that works.nbsp;

Here's a helpful hint from an LC: when you do go back to work, put the milk in 2oz bottles. This help prevents over feeding by the DCP and the call of "you need to start sending more milk".

When you bf, the milk just doesn't pour out like a bottle. Instead, it releases an ounce or two, then stops, then releases an ounce or two, then stops, etc. the putting milk in only 2oz bottles makes the DCP pause for a minute or two between bottles, simulating the breast. This gives the baby a chance to feel full.

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