I have a BFing question

So here I am, only a few weeks out from #2. I've set myself a goal of 3 months of BFing, that's big for me since I struggled last time and only did one month. . .my goal is 3 months (& who knows I could continue or fail again) b/c I go back to work. . .& I just don't know how I feel about pumping at work, I'm not sure *I* want to.. .SO, when should I start pumping at home to begin a supply? right away? not until a month? when is the best time to pump for a supply stash?

I did not pump very well with #1. . .AT ALL! I would get like 2 oz after a freakin half hour

(I also do not mind supplementing here and there if I need too)

Re: I have a BFing question

I started pumping once a day (mornings) starting at 2 weeks. With ds (#1) I would be lucky to get 3oz. He was a terrible nurser so I fought supply the whole time he nursed. With dd I would easily get 4-6oz after she would nurse. But she was a pro and I never had any issues with her.

I would try to begin at 2-3 weeks and pump in the morning after the baby drinks. That is when you will have the most milk :) And you did not fail with your first. You tried and bf for a month. That is a great accomplishment. Don't sell yourself short

Re: I have a BFing question

I started at about 2 weeks- so I could get my ds acclimated to bottles- if I could go back, I would have done it from day one to build up my stash even more

Re: I have a BFing question

I only know what my own personal experience was, and I started pumping the next day after my daughter was born. I pumped every three hours and only got a few drops with each session for five days. Then my milk came in, and it REALLY came in. I'd nurse her when she was hungry, then pump the rest just about every three hours for the first few months. I'd put some milk in the fridge in case someone else wanted to feed her, and the rest I'd freeze.

I had a ton of milk saved up, and all the pumping kept my supply pretty high. But I won't lie, a huge portion of my day was spend just nursing and pumping. It's not for everyone, and as long as you're nourishing your baby, you're doing it right.

Re: I have a BFing question

I didn't start pumping until DD was about a month or so old, but I would start earlier than that. I definitely didn't have the freezer stash I wanted when I went back to work at 11 weeks PP. Now I know for next time.

Also if you have a baby that sleeps well at night from day 1 (4+ hours at a time) try to pump while they sleep. I was lazy about it in the beginning but once I started doing that I built up my supply pretty good. There was always enough to BF DD when she woke up, even if it was only an hour after I pumped!

Re: I have a BFing question

Thank you ladies

Re: I have a BFing question

Once my milk came in, Anthony refused to latch so I ended up pumping and bottle feeding him for the first 7 weeks. I started pumping the day my milk came in. I built up a nice supply in the beginning bc he was only eating a couple of ounces at a time and I was making waaaay more than his demand. Once he latched again at 7w, I stopped pumping and my supply regulated itself, so I wasn't producing more than he was drinking. If you choose to start pumping and BF in the beginning, then your body will product milk in overdrive, causing mega engorgement.

Re: I have a BFing question

I started pumping at about 2 weeks. The first few months were rough b/c my supply was too much and then too little. I think it had to do with pumping before my supply was established. My body/milk was not regulated properly and pumping was messing with it..

For my next baby I will probably wait at least a month before I begin pumping, maybe 2.

And I think 3 months is a great goal! My goal was 6 months and we made it to 14 so you never know. Hopefully all of the kinks will work themselves out and you can reach your goal.

Re: I have a BFing question

this is why I plan to pump from day one, I'm afraid I won't get an good enough supply. I have been reading a lot on the topic and what i have read is to pump after baby BF to empty out. you can pump into a bottle and keep filling that all day and transfer to freezer the next day. so even its just an ounce or 2 it will go towards building your supply

Re: I have a BFing question

My ped said you can start right away, but the lactation consultant I met with said to wait 4 weeks. I think I'm going to wait. I need him to adjust as well, but I have no desire to start pumping.

Re: I have a BFing question

Re: I have a BFing question

Devon, I started pumping within the 1 st month. I also found eatting oatmeal helped increase my supply. good luck:)

Re: I have a BFing question

The first couple weeks with a newborn are so hard and busy - the baby will be pretty much attached to your breast all day. If you don't *have* to pump, I'd recommend that you don't add that stress into your life. It can wait until LO goes a little longer between feedings and you have a half an hour or so to yourself every now and then.

I started pumping once a day when DD was about 2 weeks old and get enough milk that I get two bottles' worth at each session. So I'll put one in the fridge for DH to feed her later and one in the freezer to build up a stash.

Re: I have a BFing question