When to pump??

[Anonymous]

I have a 5 day old baby and want to start pumping to increase my milk supply and have bottles on hand for DH to feed too. But when should I pump? Before a feeding? I dont want to be empty when DC wants to feed. After a feeding? I feel like I dont have much to pump. Considering I am feeding every 2-3 hrs, there isnt much time in between.

Also, when I pump, how much milk is DC supposed to have per feeding? I heard about 2 oz, but wasnt sure if that was right.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I started pumping at around 2 weeks. At this point, just enjoy the baby and try to get some sleep in between feedings! After you start to get into a more regular routine, you may want to pump after baby eats or in between feedings. I seemed to have an overabundance of milk in the morning and at night.

A couple of websites that others on this site recommend (and that I have also found helpful) are www.kellymom.com and www.workandpump.com

Good luck and congratulations on the baby!

[Anonymous]

I pumped after my milk came in since DH wanted to be part of the feeding experience.

I'm guilty of compromising direct bfing for pumping. It was more convenient and less frustrating (we had health issues and latch issues) to give DD a bottle of pumped milk. It was such a production for us to get her to latch and I would start crying (darn homones!) because I was a new mom and got really flustered - after all nobody told you about how"hard" this was.

I pumped every 2 hours religously and my milk production established pretty quickly. After about 6 months, I allowed myself to go every 3 hours and then every 4.5 hours at night. That worked for me, you may be different since every mom is a little different.

Give your DC as much milk as it needs especially at this early age. Their tummies are so tiny so only an ounce at a time or so, but DC will probably be hungry again in a few hours for this reason too. As DC grows, so will the stomach and will allow more food.

Definitely speak with an LC for specifics in your particular situation if you need further help.

Good luck and congrats.