pumping help please

[Carolyn]

(i've tried to type this twice and had problems with the 'p'key on my keyboard!!)

i plan to start pumping off breast milk tomorrow, i have a few questions...

1. am i likely to get any? (i tried to pump for the mw in weeks 1 and 2 and got nowt)

2. if i only get a bit and i add to that the next day?

3. if i put it in the fridge how long will it last?

4. how do i warm it when it's been in the fridge?

5. if i freeze it how long will it last?

6. how do i warm it if it's been in the freezer?

7. is it better for dad to give bottle to save confusion?

8 is it best to try bottle for first time when she's dead hungry?

sorry for all the questions - i just don't get it!!!

 

[shanegem]

1. am i likely to get any? Hopefully! But dont put too much pressure on yourself, or you might tense up. Try to relax while you pump. I normally do it while LO is sleeping.

2. if i only get a bit and i add to that the next day? Yes you can add it.

3. if i put it in the fridge how long will it last? Websites say 3-8 days if its in the back of the fridge but I only like to keep it in there for about 24 hours.

4. how do i warm it when it's been in the fridge? Just leave it out for a while before she has it (I think - I only pump to donate to milk bank)

5. if i freeze it how long will it last? 3 months

6. how do i warm it if it's been in the freezer? Ideally, defrost frozen breast milk in the fridge. If needed quickly, try defrosting under cool, then warm, running water.

7. is it better for dad to give bottle to save confusion? try it and see

8 is it best to try bottle for first time when she's dead hungry? maybe, but if she doesnt take to it straight away, then make it a gradual thing

 

[Carolyn]

thanks

 

[Rachel]

1. When I first started pumping I could only get off less that 1oz but can get alot more now. You may be different though. You should get more if you do it first thing in the morning

2. Yes you can add to it.

3. I never keep it in the fridge for more than 48hours. Keep it in the back of the fridge.

4. You can warm it in a jug of hot water or by holding it under hot running water.

5. 3 months in the freezer it think.

6. If you don't need it straight away then it's best to leave it to defrost in the fridge but you can heat it up in a jug of hot water if you need it sooner.

7. Maybe, Kieran has always been fine with the bottle if I give it but some babies will reject the bottle if you are feeding it because they can smell your milk.

8. I think it would probably be best to try when she is hungry but not very hungry because she will be more relaxed to take the bottle then hopefully.

Hope that helped

 

[sglascoe]

sorry to sound like really stupid but why would you need to pump your milk, is it just to let someone else feed babs?, i bought i breast pump but been waundering why i wound need to pump my milk if she feeds from me anyway?

thanx..

 

[Carolyn]

sorry to sound like really stupid but why would you need to pump your milk, is it just to let someone else feed babs?, i bought i breast pump but been waundering why i wound need to pump my milk if she feeds from me anyway?

thanx..

yes, so that i know she will take the bottle when i'm not there...