When do you pump? I can't figure out when to start and when to do it.

deanna1313 · June 2014

I am breastfeeding and supplementing with formula since he is extremely hungry and the dr suggested it originally to gain his weight back and then kept us on it.
He is 2weeks and 3 days. He eats sometimes every hour to 2hours. I've pumped once because the dr wanted to see how much I am making since he is always hungry. I pumped 4 ounces.
When I'm feeding so often how quickly does my milk fill back up?
Should I wait a month to start pumping?
I feel like there is no time in between feedings to pump. Not sure what to do so if you have some advice I would appreciate it.

gypsymystic · June 2014

I know the more often you pump, the more your milk will replenish. Try looking over the info on this site- it really helped me.

https://www.mother-2-mother.com/ExclusivePumping.htm

also, I found this info interesting:

https://kellymom.com/bf/got-milk/basics/milkproduction/

danabsd · June 2014

I start pumping at 3 weeks, I pump in the morning about an hour after she eats. Baby is more efficient than the pump so even if you pump to "empty" and then feed LO something will be there for him. And your body will pick up quickly that it needs to make more milk.

SMM1986 · June 2014

I started pumping around 2-3 weeks. I did one a day in the morning, around 10am. Just because it was the best time schedule wise for me.
Now I EP so I shoot for every 3 hours.

haylo33 · June 2014

I pump after I feed him in the morning before getting out of bed. The last 2 nights he slept for 4 hours (yay!) and when I woke up, I was so engorged that I pumped in the middle or the night

Unknown · June 2014

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Tkburke · June 2014

I try to pump 3x a day, and am working to build up a stock in the freezer. Also my LO has a slight tongue tie so we are working on getting better at nursing. I pump after her first daytime feeding which is 9 am approx, then sometime between 3 and 5, and before bed. Occasionally I skip the midday pump if we are out away from home. Hope it helps!!

eliak · June 2014

I started pumping at 3 weeks just for a bottle in order for DH to be able to feed LO once a day. The first time i pumped i did it in the morning from the side that LO hadn't nursed. Since then i pump once a day while DH feeds LO. Usually i get 4oz from one side and i pump the other in order to top it to 5oz (i have a very hungry baby

) supply increases after the first pumping dont worry.

Arinias · June 2014

I agree with PPs, pump in the morning after he eats. When I was first building supply I pumped after every feeding, but now that we are on a good eating schedule and I make enough milk I just pump once a day to build my stash. He usually gets at least one bottle a day too and I also pump then since I am skipping that feeding. He typically eats on one side, when he stops I burp and then offer the other. Even if he doesn't nurse on both I always pump both sides at the same time.

deanna1313 · June 2014

Good to know. I was so confused. My little guy is super hungry. He almost always drinks both breasts at every feeding.
I wasn't sure how long it would take for them to fill back up with milk. So I guess I'm safe feeding and then pumping an hour later. Just hoping that he isn't ready to eat again an hour later like he does sometimes.

apinkpelican · June 2014

I started pumping at 3 weeks and pump right after she eats in AM. I usually get about 2 oz. I do think my supply for the next feeding was a little low. Ive been doing it for about a week. I think she is getting enough but bc my boobs don't feel as hard I worry about it a little. I think it has gotten better though since we've been at it a week. Don't mean to hijack the thread but how did your LOs take the bottle and then go back to the breast? LO only took an ounce the first time then screamed till I have her the boob. She took 2 ounces the second time and I still topped her off with the breast. She seemed fussy the next two days when is nurse her... Tonight we are trying the bottle again so fingers crossed.

haylo33 · June 2014

deanna1313 said:
Good to know. I was so confused. My little guy is super hungry. He almost always drinks both breasts at every feeding.
I wasn't sure how long it would take for them to fill back up with milk. So I guess I'm safe feeding and then pumping an hour later. Just hoping that he isn't ready to eat again an hour later like he does sometimes.

I pump right after a feeding so there is enough time to produce more milk for when he is ready to eat again. You may not get as much doing it right away, but if you are worried about not producing enough for the next feeding, it might be worth it

deanna1313 · June 2014

@KellyQ116‌ I think it's luck. Sometimes they take it easily and sometimes they don't. I think my little guy is just a chow hound and will take any food in any form. Lol
I think you're doing the right thing by giving the bottle first and then the breast if she gives you a hard time. Hang in there and she will get used to it. I worked in a daycare for years and very rarely did the breast fed babies not take a bottle. I think it is a struggle sometimes in the beginning.

deanna1313 · June 2014

Thanks everyone!

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When do you pump? I can't figure out when to start and when to do it.

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