Pumping to build storage supply & relieve engorgement

I have a 3 week old, and my Ped told me not to introduce the bottle until at least 1 month...

I want to start pumping just so I have some milk stored...and today my right breast is very full and uncomfortable, even when she eats from that side (It feels better but fills up again an hour later).

When should I pump? Before or after she eats...do i pump both sides or the one she didnt eat from...

Any advcice is helpful.

Also, i dont need a huge storage supply, just enough for maybe 1 bottle/day and the occasional times i'll be away from her...

Re: Pumping to build storage supply & relieve engorgement

I would say to pump approx 1 hour after your AM feeding...pick one that it would work for you to pump every day.

That way it becomes like an extra feeding for your body.

in the beginning you might not get much but after some time you should get enough to have 1 full bottle.

Re: Pumping to build storage supply & relieve engorgement

First of all congratulations!!

I am no expert, but I would say definitely pump AFTER she eats - you want ot make sure there's enough there for her. What I used to do was let DD nurse, then right after I'd pump the side she nursed from (whatever was left) AND the other side. I felt it kept my supply kind of even, as well. When she was really little, feeding every 2-3 hours, like your DD probably is now, I'd sometimes try to squeeze a pumping session in between feeds as well - like the PP said they do say that your supply is at it's greatest in the morning. You're getting so little (in oz) at that point, but it will increase as she gets older and drinks more.

HTH!

Re: Pumping to build storage supply & relieve engorgement

Pump one hour after the first morning feed. Just so you know, pumping will make your body increase the supply which will mean further engorgement if you suddenly stop. So, when you're reserve supply is full in your freezer and you want to stop, you should just pump less and less each time. Otherwise, you will be in lots of pain and will need to express some milk to relieve yourself! Congrats!