advice needed on breastfeeding and expressing...

[nickynora]

So I've been bf my lo since birth she's never hadn anything other than bm. Now we're past 6 weeks I'd like to start expressing to build up a supply of milk in case she needs to have it from a bottle (I may have to have surgery at some point in the coming months and want to make sure she still gets bm and not formula)

When is best time to express? How often? How best to fit in with feeding so lo still gets enough?

Any help appreciated x

 

[gardenofedens]

Hi there! Congrats on making it to 6 weeks! I'm surprised the hospital you delivered at didn't suggest pumping straight from the beginning as it helps to establish your supply. I think the best thing to do now would be to pump after at least a few feedings so your body can catch up and start producing more milk. My lactation consultant wanted me to pump for 10 minutes after every feeding starting 2 days after birth. It's time consuming but at least a few sessions a day will help boost your supply. One thing to mention is that I always worried if I pumped and then LO wanted to nurse again that she wouldn't be able to get anything, but I've since learned that LO will always be able to get more even after pumping since their suckling is way more effective than a pump. Good luck!

 

[missk1989]

I found expressing at the same time as lo had his first feed of the day produced the most. I would express one side whilst lo fed on the other and then let him finish off on the side i had pumped so he emptied the breast. This way i never had a situation where lo wanted to feed after i had pumped and emptied my breast as this leads to a frustrated baby and you giving the expressed milk.

 

[nzjade]

I tried to give my LO expressed bm a few times in case I needed someone to Babysit her etc, but she will only accept the bottle when she feels like it! Argh. I would say just be careful not to pump too often and cause oversupply.

Also just wanted to say I also had a baby Mia in June (12th) and a m/c in June last year!

 

[ShirlWirl]

I was told not to pump before 6 weeks?? Should I be pumping now to build up a supply?

 

[nickynora]

Thanks for your replies ladies.

I think recommendations about when to pump differ between the US and the UK, as I know here (UK) we're not told not to express/pump before 6 weeks unless there is a medical reason - I think the reason is to avoid over supply in the first few weeks as it can take 4/6 weeks for baby to get the hang of feeding and to regulate their supply. Could be wrong but thats the way I understand it.

I have a good supply anyways so I don't think it will cause too may issues now, and Mia is a wizz at feeding
I've a few oz already expressed due to a slight issue of over supply in the beginning, had to express milk off as woukd get very uncomfortable between feeds - she's always been a hungry monkey lol

Just wondered what other people's experiences were etc especially as I want to do it long term.