XP from May '14

LunaBug924 · May 2014

So I'm a FTM, EBF, and it's going well. But it's starting to wear on me a little bit that the feeding is ALL on me. I want to start pumping a little bit so that DH or visitors can give her a bottle, even just twice a day, to give me a little break.

Our pediatrician gave me the go-ahead to start pumping a little bit at 2 weeks pp (that's tomorrow!) My question is how do I create a pumping schedule that won't interfere with my supply to actually feed her? Right now she's feeding every 2-3 hours during that day(usually from both sides, though one side longer than the other), clustering at night, and then goes for 4 hour stretches overnight. I'd prefer to not just rely on that long stretch overnight to pump (mostly because I'd like to sleep while she is!)

I'm not trying to build a mega stash, but I would like to have enough on hand for a few bottles a day so that DH or anyone else can feed her a few times and give me a break, or so that we can venture out of the house without worrying about finding a place to whip my boobs out. (I'm not that comfortable yet) Any advice on a schedule that worked for you would be appreciated!

sarahandeddiejune212008 · May 2014

I would try and pump about 30 minutes after she feeds. Your supply is the highest in the morning, so I'd start then. Just don't stress if you don't get a lot to start with. It may take your body a bit to adjust.

Another thing to remember is that you will have to pump when lo is taking the bottle. This is especially important this early on. If you skip pumping when she gets a bottle it will mess with your supply.

mommatotwo2 · May 2014

Well, first off, if you can manage to produce enough for a few bottles a day, in addition to fulltime, on demand nursing, that would be an oversupply, which is usually a bad thing. Most moms, myself included, pump the opposite breast LO is nursing from first thing after baby's longest stretch of sleep. Other moms pump motn after LO is sttn. From this pump, I wouldnt expect more than 1 bottles worth. Also, this early in the game, you need to be emptying your breasts every 2 to 3 hours, whether thats via baby or pump. Otherwise, you strongly risk losing your supply. Warm up to NIP. I didnt go out for at least a month and then I nursed in the car for a few months while the weather was good.You think pumping and having someone else give the bottle will be easier, but its not. Now you have pump parts and a bottle to wash. Plus the minimum of 20 minutes you spent pumping.

LunaBug924 · May 2014

Thanks for the honest responses ladies! I guess it does seem that I'm jumping the gun on pumping, and it's totally for selfish reasons. But it makes sense that this won't really make it easier on any of us, at least not yet.

I did have my first NIP experience yesterday and it went well! We were in IHOP for a post-graduation dinner for DH's brother, and I fed her right at the table. Proud moment.

I do still need to try to get a few bottles worth for Friday since DH and I will be out for about 6-7 hours for a wedding. I took your advice and pumped the opposite side DD nursed from first thing this morning and got 2 oz! I feel pretty good about that as a start, so I'll stick with that routine for now. Thanks again for the advice, ladies!

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