Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

I am exclusively breastfeeding my 6 week old DD. I have only pumped, maybe 3 or 4 times to have her try a bottle around 4 weeks.

I would like to try to pump more so I can have a little bit of a supply so I can go out longer than 3 hours with out her if necessary. Or even have my DH handle some feedings.

How do you start to pump is basically my question from a time standpoint? I feel like if I pump then when she goes to nurse there won't be anything left KWIM??

TIA!

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

does she nurse from both sides everytime? If not you can pump the other side right after you nuirse her. The milk production is supply and demand, your body will adapt to produce more.

Make sure you hydrate and drink mothers milk tea (if necessary).

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

At that point I felt like the best time to pump was right after the first feed in the morning.

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

I used to pump right after I nursed.

Your body will quickly start to expect to need to make more milk for each session.

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

Pump right after you nurse. It will signal your body to make more and there will be plenty of milk for the next feeding. You may only pump a small amount the first few days you do this, but then it will increase and you can stock up your freezer.

Once DS was sleeping through the night, I would pump right before bed too. Not only does it add to the freezer supply but it also helps relieve some of the nightime pressure.

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

I agree with all the above..I would pump before I went to bed and right after my first morning feed...I also "trained" my breast to have my dd feed off one breast on the first morning feed..then I would pump the other..

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

Breastfeeding is supply and demand, so the more you do it (whether you're actually nursing her or pumping), the more your body will make. Our bodies are amazing!!

So, you can pump whenever. You can nurse her right after and she will have enough.

I used to pump in the morning because I'd get the most then. You could also nurse her on one side and pump the other. Go with what works best for you...you will have enough milk for your baby :)

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

wanted to add..your baby or DEF the pump will NEVER fully empty your breasts...so dont worry about that..whether you nurse first or feed first...your body will always make more milk...but your baby is better at getting the milk than the pump so dont think it is ounce for ounce in comparison!

Re: Breastfeeding and Pumping Question?

Thank you for all your responses!