Breastfeeding

Pumping for first time

DS is almost 3 weeks and I'd like to introduce him to a bottle maybe once a day to get him ready for when I return to work. I just pumped 1 side immediately after nursing and got 1.5 oz. Dumb Q, but does that mean he's not efficiently nursing since I was able to pump that amount? Since I just want to give 1 bottle a day, what time of day should I be pumping? Or does it not matter? I assume pumping immediately after feeding is best? How do I know how much to give him in the bottle?? Any input is greatly appreciated for this first time pumper :-)

Re: Pumping for first time

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  • vvvvvfeevvvvvfee member
    edited April 2014
    what you can pump is not a reliable indicator of what your baby is actually getting-- the baby can empty your breast much more efficiently than the pump. you also pumped right after a feeding, so there wouldn't have been as much left in your breast. so yes, it is very common to pump only an ounce (or less) if you are breastfeeding full time and not missing any feedings.

    i don't think you need to give a bottle every day. i think once a week is probably fine. someone else should give the bottle besides you. if you're just trying to get your LO used to the bottle, you could just put an ounce in it.

    you tend to have more milk in the morning, so you could try pumping after one of the feedings in the morning. or (this is what i did) you could pump one breast while your LO nurses on the other side. this also helps stimulate let-down.

    also, don't forget that you'll want to set aside some of what you pump to freeze so that you'll have enough to send with your LO on your first day back at work.

    edit: what @JandACoffee said. i think we were typing at the same time. ;)
  • Thanks ladies! Very helpful as always :-)
  • Also...I only pumped one side. I assume I'll want to pump the other side at some point today to be balanced?? Ok that I didn't do both sides around same time?
  • i don't think you need to pump the other side. just be sure to start the next nursing session on the side that you didn't pump.
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