What is the verdict on pumping right away?

Question

I'm getting conflicting answers. I'm 39 weeks so I'll also be asking the lactation consultant at the hospital but I wanted to see what you ladies know on the subject. Personal experiences in the comments will be awesome :)

Answer

I have heard it's best to start in the first 2 weeks because that will set the tone for your milk supply for your entire time breastfeeding.

Answer

They say to wait 6 weeks

Answer

Pumping before 6 weeks can result in an oversupply which comes with its own set of problems. You can read up on pumping recommendations on kellymom so that you can be properly informed.

Answer

I started pumping right away and created an oversupply.. which was fine, I just pumped when necessary! Now I have a massive stash of frozen milk!! 
If you can't maintain the pumping or freezer space then maybe wait a little.
I was terrified of undersupply, but I think I make enough milk to feed 3 babies now 😹

Answer

I started pumping the first day. And when my milk finally came in pumping really helped relieve the pressure and helped keep up my milk supply because my daughter would fall asleep in the middle of eating. So I pumped pretty consistently the first month and then after that only on days my husband and I had date nights. I am a stay at home mom so I didn't need a huge supply in the freezer

Answer

I pump right away. With my first daughter I hated pumping but did it anyway. I didn't really know it would help later. 
With my son, I ended up back in the hospital twice within a week of his birth and was glad to have a freezer stash. And I learned that pumping right away was important. 
But with my daughter, it SAVED me from supplementing. 8 days after birth I was admitted into the hospital for a gallbladder attack, where I remained for 10 days and 3 surgeries. Had I not pumped from birth, I would have had to supplement. I pumped the entire time I was there (pumping and dumping when I had to, but saving the rest for my baby) and people would bring her by so I could nurse her.
When I went home, it was a seemless transition for both her and I. 
I know you feel like crap after birth and don't want to pump and cause cramps... but  you never know when you're going to need  it.  But it can help you build a stash and you never know how badly you will need it. Things happen, life happens. 
I understand, if there was ever something terrible going on, there is formula- and I'm not bashing for using it, I just don't. My kids tend to have intolerances and allergies so trying and switching formulas would get pricey especially when I can just modify my diet. 
Everyone is different. It's your choice. I'll pump from day 1 because I feel I need to in order to feel secure.

Answer

Depends on your goal. If you will be going back to work soon after baby or if you just want a large stash, pump right away. If you just want an emergency stash then theres no rush and you can pump whenever. 
Of course you never know what your supply will be like so you could just wait and see. Some women have naturally low supply, and some women have an oversupply. 
I pumped from the very first day my son was born and have been pumping while at work (i only work PRN) and at 6.5 months, we are down to the last 3 bags of frozen milk. I just can keep up.
He drink 6-8oz per feeding but i can only pump 3-4oz per session. 
Personally think that its better to start pumping right away because it doesn't hurt to have a large supply. Even if you dont need it, you could always donate it

Answer

I started when my baby was 18 days old. I've been successfully breastfeeding and pumping for 7 months now!

Answer

At the hospital the consultants made it seem like I should wait three weeks before pumping, but the consultant at the pediatrician's office  said I could start right away, so I did at a week. I would recommend pumping right away. It's so nice to have a bottle as an option when breastfeeding can be the most stressful.

Answer

I do not recommend pumping right away, it caused painful oversupply and blocked ducts.

What is the verdict on pumping right away?

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