new mom with a pumping question

DD is almost 2 weeks old, and didn't take to the breast so I am pumping to feed BM, and supplementing with formula at one feeding per dr's orders. my question is, how many times a day do you pump when they are this little.

I already find it very time consuming to bottle feed them pump, and while I originally wanted to make it to 3 months, I am now hoping to make it another 2 weeks.

I don't really have a supply issue at the moment. In the am I am able to get between 6-8 ounces and then throughout the day at each pump (right now i pump at each feeding or close to it) I am getting about 4 ounces.

Any advice on making this a little easier would be great.

Re: new mom with a pumping question

Pumping does take a lot of time. Do you have a double pump? Have you invested in a hands-free pumping bra? This way you could at least multi-task a bit.

Re: new mom with a pumping question

Have you tried putting your DC to the breast again? Maybe hire a LC to help you. Your DC is older now and may be able to latch better.

Re: new mom with a pumping question

If you don't mind me asking, why does your doctor want you to supplement? You seem to have a pretty good supply. BFing is all about supply and demand. The more you BF/pump, the more your body will produce. If you want to BF for as long as possible, I'd recommend pumping at every feeding. If you don't, you may not produce enough as DC starts to eat more.

Do you want to BF instead of pumping? If so, I recommend working with a lactation consultant again to see if it's possible. Good luck!

Re: new mom with a pumping question

Re: new mom with a pumping question

My son was tongue tied so I had to feed and then pump for a week and it was awful. i would consider a Lactation consultant to help your dc latch on .
good luck

Re: new mom with a pumping question

i always pumped and fed do to ds always falling asleep instantly when i held him... i was able to, by one month, pump every three to four hours... i did find that occasionally i would prop (gasp! I know) the bottle... i also mastered pumping and giving a bottle at the same time...

Re: new mom with a pumping question

Don't give up on BFing. Try to offer it when you can. The bigger DD gets the stronger she gets and therefore the easier it becomes. Try a nipple shield. That's what I did with DD. If you can cut down to pumping once or twice a day and BF the rest of the time, it will become A LOT easier. I don't think I could have exclusively pumped int the beginning. That's a lot of time. I give you credit for lasting this long.