I just want to say, I didnt have much of a stash when I went back to work. Don't get discouraged or stressed when the time comes. My babes was a cluster feeder since the day he left my body. 24/7. After 12 weeks, I went back to work. I rarely had a chance to pump before then. I cant even remember when the babes stopped eating all the time, but as he got better, i squeezed in little pumping sessions. You should start at like 10 mins, then increase as time goes on. It takes practice. I had a few frozen baggies of 4's and 2's. I thought he would eat 4 while I was gone, but boy was I wrong. He was taking 8 and then we got him down to 6 and only some days now he still takes 6. Im only gone for 5 hours but we do know, since he was born, he loves to eat. Anyway, I had enough for just a few days before I went back. I didnt stress because as long as you're ahead, even just a couple days, youre fine. I even had a free sample of infant enfamil formula for my mom just incase because I had no idea what to expect for her. Ofcourse I didnt want to give the formula, but it was a just incase and I felt better knowing it was there, we eventually just got rid of it. Since Im back to work, I make sure to pump atleast 6 oz since i know thats what he eats when im gone and not pumping that, i would fall behind. Im only at work 4 hours but I pump twice to get 6oz. I also pump at night, about a half hour to an hour after babes goes to sleep. My out put at night is ALWAYS different but always worth it for the stash. Since he's had some solids with my mom, hes been taking less milk. So since i stored up for 6 oz, i now have a bit extra. Some days he still takes the 6, but some not. I have a pretty decent stash now so Im a little bit more lax about pumping. But definitely wait a few weeks in the beginning to establish supply. Then pumping always helps supply. I just wanted to let you know, you may not get to over a thousand ounces stored up and you may not always have a chance to pump, but you'll get there.
