What do you do when you go out..?

[AK89]

Yesterday I went out and left baby with her dad for the first time for a few hours.. I took a pump with me so I could pump during any missed feeds (although only ended up doing it once in 4 1/2 hours :/) but it took up A LOT of room in my bag. I'm just thinking what I'm gonna do when I start to go out for a drink? I won't want a massive pump taking up space in my handbag!

What do you do??

And am I right in thinking in a week or so I won't need to worry about pumping whenever I miss a feed...? Or is that wrong?

 

[Literati_Love]

I'm no expert, but I think once your milk supply is established (which it should be around now) and if you're only doing it occasionally and it's only ONE feed you're missing, I wouldn't worry about pumping while you're out. Being gone for a longer time would be a different story. I haven't left my dd much and only ever for one feed but I have never once pumped while being out and it has never affected my milk supply! If I did this all the time maybe, but not if it's once a week or something irregular like that!

 

[pinkpolkadot]

I have been out occasionally from about 7 weeks and didn't worry about pumping until I came home when I pumped for comfort. I think if it's just occasional it should be fine

 

[noon_child]

Unless you are struggling to maintain your supply and/or baby isn't gaining enough weight, I think occasionally missing a feed/pump won't do any harm.

 

[AK89]

OK cool thanks! So you think even if I'm out for like 5-6 hours...?

 

[noon_child]

OK cool thanks! So you think even if I'm out for like 5-6 hours...?

If it is only occasionally and you are able to feed just before and after. If it is going to be every couple of days or you have any issues like blocked ducts, slow gaining baby etc. then I'd consider pumping.

 

[AK89]

Yeahh it'd definitely only be occasionally and I'd feed/pump right before and after

Thanks!

 

[SarahBear]

You don't need to match pumping to feeds, especially for just occasional time away. If it's just occasional, I'd just make sure your pumping meets the following criteria, even if it means not pumping while away, at all:

1) The frequency allows you to be physically comfortable.
2) Your baby has enough milk while you're gone.

That's really all you need to worry about for occasional time away. Even if it's regular, you don't necessarily have to match her schedule. When I went back to work, I pumped twice while away, and she sure nursed more than that when I was home!