Pumping after 3 weeks advice

[enceinte2012]

Baby is 3 weeks old and I'm EBF. I NEED to start pumping for my sanity. I have made a hair appointment for 8th March and need to leave a bottle for my mum or OH while I'm out. I also have a night out on 22nd March (my first one) and will need to leave a couple of feeds. Tbh the fact baby has to be with me constantly is really hard for me and unless I can pump for the occasional bottle of BM I don't see me making it past. 6 weeks of BF'ing. I know this must sound incredibly selfish but I sometimes feel like I'm going crazy!! Anyway any advice on expressing for the occasional bottle? I'm thinking of pumping for 5-10 minutes after each feed to build up a stash gradually hopefully without interfering with supply too much. Does this sound ok?

 

[Sapphire83]

Not selfish at all! Good for you for being social and getting your hair done (jealous!). Yes, you could pump a little after a feed say once a day, just so you don't end up with an oversupply. You could also pump while LO feeds from the other breast (again, in moderation). As far as storage, I suggest you freeze small quantities, such as 2-3 ounces, to avoid wasting the 'liquid gold'.

 

[Marie000]

I usually pump one breast while my baby is feeding off the other. A baby is better than a pump at stimulating milk flow and that means I can pump more milk. Also, doing it first thing in the morning (after my baby has slept for a few hours) means more milk too.

Once you have some milk, you might want to try feeding the baby through a bottle to make sure your little one will accept the bottle. If it doesn't work, you might need to change the bottle or change the circumstances (some baby wont take a bottle from mom, but will take one from dad. some need mom to be out of sight, etc.). Don't wait until your baby is starving and crying before giving a bottle. Angry babies don't take well to change. Do it while he/she is in a good mood.
Also, speaking from experience, once you start giving an occasional bottle, continue to give one once in a while, even if you don't need to. I didn't do that with my girl and after a long break from the bottle, she refused to take it again.

And don't feel bad about wanting some time away from your baby. The first few weeks of breastfeeding are especially hard. But it does get better and you are doing great! Hang in there.

 

[enceinte2012]

Thanks. Makes me feel not as bad. It's just strange to have gone 32 years essentially by myself to not even being able to take a shower or go to the toilet in peace!!

If you pump off the other side do u do it at every feed and do you 'empty' the whole boob? I'm just thinking by the next feed are both boobs 'full' then?

 

[Sapphire83]

If you pump off/empty the other side during every feed you are very likely to end up with an oversupply.