How to start pumping?

Question

My baby will be 4w next Tuesday. I plan on getting a pump and starting to think about pumping to get some milk stored up. I will be a SAHM and will only need to get a backup supply for my SO to use if I am gone on errands. I currently have no need to try to up my supply. When would it be best to start pumping? How often should I pump? When is it best to pump?

Answer

I recommend 3 times a day & pump while baby is napping. You probably will only get around 2 ounces each time which is perfectly fine & normal. You always want to pump after you've already fed baby & whenever baby takes a bottle

Answer

I didnt start pumping right away and I regretted it. it's best to pump immediately after nursing to help stimulate production and that way you know baby is probably full. definitely after baby goes to sleep too. I used to pump every night after a my son fell asleep and before I would go to bed so I wouldn't leak as much in my sleep.  This time around I'm taking the pump to the hospital with me so I can help supplement after nursing. I was able to successfully breastfeed my son for 18 months (I was a SAHM then), but even then I felt I didn't have enough mill stored up.  This time around I'm worried that working full-time (after 12 weeks maternity) will affect my supply. So yeah, pumping right away.

Answer

I'm not exactly sure about starting but you should pump as much as possible! I didn't with my daughter and I regret. I had to stop breastfeeding her at 8 months due to health problems and I was really wishing I had built up a huge supply so that I could have kept her solely on breast milk longer.

Answer

My ped said to wait until 6-8w when my supply way established. Now that he's 12w I've established a small routine that seems to be working. My LO sleeps about 5-6 hour stretches at night, so when he wakes up I have him feed on one breast and pump the other! I get 4-5 ounces which is enough for one feed for him. If you want to build up supply so you can pump more often (which you'll have to do otherwise you'll be depriving him of his boobie time), is pump for 10 mins on a breast AFTER he has fed on it. This will help get your tatas making more milk. Also check our kellymom.com, she's got great resources!!

How to start pumping?

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