Pumping schedule

[SpringCrane]

Can someone give me a quick run down of how you schedule pumping? I'll be going away a few times when my baby is approximately 4 months old so I'll have to store milk before. When do I pump if I'm nursing baby on demand? How/when do you pump if your kid is eating every few hours?

How close to baby's normal eating schedule will I have to pump when away from baby to maintain supply?

 

[marigold91]

I think it would be best to pump whenever your LO would normally eat, but if that doesn't work with your schedule/plans, just make sure you're pumping in the same intervals as baby eats (like if baby eats every 3 hours, make sure you're pumping every 3 hours).

 

[SpringCrane]

But what about leading up to my time away from baby? I'll have to pump to store milk while also still feeding baby on a regular schedule. When do you fit in pumping?

 

[marigold91]

But what about leading up to my time away from baby? I'll have to pump to store milk while also still feeding baby on a regular schedule. When do you fit in pumping?

Ahh, sorry, I misunderstood the question. I currently pump after baby is done feeding. I do so after every feed because my baby is young and isn't exclusively feeding at the breast (she takes bottles for half her feedings), so I don't think you would need to do as often as I do, but I would say to pump after two or three feedings starting at least a week or two before you go (depending on how long you will be gone for). I would probably start two or three weeks before just to be sure that you have more than enough milk saved up for while you're gone.

 

[SpringCrane]

But what about leading up to my time away from baby? I'll have to pump to store milk while also still feeding baby on a regular schedule. When do you fit in pumping?

Ahh, sorry, I misunderstood the question. I currently pump after baby is done feeding. I do so after every feed because my baby is young and isn't exclusively feeding at the breast (she takes bottles for half her feedings), so I don't think you would need to do as often as I do, but I would say to pump after two or three feedings starting at least a week or two before you go (depending on how long you will be gone for). I would probably start two or three weeks before just to be sure that you have more than enough milk saved up for while you're gone.

Thank you! I asked both questions, so your first reply was equally helpful. So, baby gets his/her fill, then you pump for a bit immediately after. Sounds good!

 

[noon_child]

How long are you going to be away for? Some periods of time away, babies just decide they will wait for your return rather than take a bottle, so depending how long you will be seperated you might not need as much as you think.

The only problem with doing a few pumps a day for a week or two is that you will be increasing your supply which may cause you to be more uncomfortable more quickly while you are away. If you could start earlier but pump less frequently you may be able to build up the same stash but without risking as much engorgement. You just have to be sure you have adequate freezing methods.

Either could work, it just depends on your individual situation.

 

[SpringCrane]

How long are you going to be away for? Some periods of time away, babies just decide they will wait for your return rather than take a bottle, so depending how long you will be seperated you might not need as much as you think.

The only problem with doing a few pumps a day for a week or two is that you will be increasing your supply which may cause you to be more uncomfortable more quickly while you are away. If you could start earlier but pump less frequently you may be able to build up the same stash but without risking as much engorgement. You just have to be sure you have adequate freezing methods.

Either could work, it just depends on your individual situation.

One trip will be three days. I'm trying to sort it out so family comes along and I'm with them at night but gone during the day. That's an excellent point about starting earlier and pumping less frequently. I'm pretty lazy, so that suits me better.

I'll have a couple other full days away from baby but back home at night to prepare for. Maybe I'll calculate hours away, how many feeds, add in a buffer, and just start storing milk that many days in advance. Eg, if I need 20 bottles, I'll pump once per day for 20 days leading up to leaving. That makes sense?

I did just find out I get a free pump through my insurance, so that'll help! No more single manual hand pump!

 

[noon_child]

Maybe I'll calculate hours away, how many feeds, add in a buffer, and just start storing milk that many days in advance. Eg, if I need 20 bottles, I'll pump once per day for 20 days leading up to leaving. That makes sense?

If you are able to pump that much in one session - not everyone can. Also some pumps offer various flange sizes and for some people getting the right size can be the difference between getting lots of milk and getting nothing.

 

[SpringCrane]

Thanks for the tip with flange size. I'll make sure I take that into account. I was able to get a full bottle the handful of times I used a manual pump with my son as I had a lot of milk. Hopefully it's the same this time!