Should I start trying to pump a back stock of breast milk?

jowen0606 · March 2015

I am due May 25 and am getting my breast pump in the mail in a couple of days. I've been told that breast milk can be frozen and saved for about 6 months. I am also sending my little boy to day care when I have to go back to my full time job. The day care recommended that while in maternity leave, I start collecting a back stock to take with him to day care so that he will have a supply of breast milk and not just formula. My question is would it be useful or not to start pumping now, 9-10 weeks before I give birth, just so I have a back stock in case I run low on certain days or even if I don't produce that much even after he is born? What do y'all think?

sherilb100 · March 2015

I never did start pumping until after birth since pumping can cause contractions not a great ideal

4everamom · March 2015

Personally I would not... I'm no doctor but right now there is no milk only cholastrum. Using a pump could possibly start your milk to come in early and could possibly send you into preterm labor. Our bodies are designed to start making the milk supply after baby is born and when we nurse (or pump) the uterus contracts to shrink back to its original size so my worry would be it would cause you to go into preterm labor. But ask your doctor.

beaseg · March 2015

No- do not pump now. Several reasons:

1. It can cause contractions and may lead to preterm labor

2. You are making colostrum and will continue to do so until 1-3 days after you deliver the placenta. You don't want to give baby colostrum later bc it acts as a strong laxative (super nutritious laxative, but still. baby will benefit far more from mature milk by the time he's in daycare)

3. You likely won't be able to even pump enough to start a freezer supply now

I went back to work at 6 weeks. I started pumping at 2 weeks. This created a huge oversupply but I always happy with that. I donated thousands of ounces of my milk. I pumped 3 times a day at work and my daughter took three bottles. I often pumped more than she needed and typically froze about 4 ounces each day. After baby gets here, when he's done nursing- you should pump for a few minutes. This will help encourage an oversupply and also help collect some milk. Of course, don't go too overboard. The best thing will be water, rest and good nutrition. And I'm serious about the rest! On nights when I was up all night, my supply would drop by ounces! It's a vicious cycle bc baby's hungry but you're so tired you're struggling to produce. So always make sure you're getting some sleep. Good luck!

jowen0606 · March 2015

Thank you guys! I appriciate the advice and will use it wisely.

marym94 · March 2015

I went back to work at 12 weeks -started pumping at 3 - and had more than my freezer could hold before long....

lhall1008 · March 2015

Agree with the previous posts about pumping causing pre term labor. Plus the baby needs the colostrum during the first few days of life to build back up weight that is lost. You'll have time after the baby is born. Good luck!

blitzy23 · March 2015

Where does one come up with these ideas!?

Unknown · March 2015

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icajesica82 · March 2015

I started pumping with DD the day I came home from the hospital. Pumped 15-20 minutes every time I was done nursing her. I did this for months. We had a deep freezer just to hold the milk I pumped, at any given time frozen I had about 15 gallons of frozen milk. After I was done nursing her at 1 she had enough milk to last her another 3 months.

My advice to you is to pump right away, don't wait for you milk to regulate because then you have to work to get your milk to start producing more again.

Side note: if he will be in daycare make sure he gets bottles BEFORE he goes to daycare if you are planning on nursing. The daycare will appreciate it as well as your LO.

laurexx · March 2015

Wouldn't recommend this even if it was possible. Which it's definitely NOT. Your milk doesn't come in until after your baby is born and even then it's colostrum, not actual milk until 3-4 days after you deliver. Also pumping before your baby is born is a good way to kickstart preterm labour.

marthaudani · March 2015

Oh dear sweet baby Jesus.

Your body is busy building a baby. This is taking up enough of the nutrients and calories in your diet without you having to produce milk on top of that. There is no way on Earth anyone could ever convince me to do this...even if it was a good idea. I would be the most tired, bitchiest, horrible person ever.

No. Not ever. Nope.

JC714 · March 2015

Pumping would prove futile now, however it's not likely to cause preterm labor....I have been nursing my daughter through my pregnancy, with my on a go ahead, and contrary to popular belief, preterm labor is not a concern with breastfeeding.

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