how to start pumping and storing

how do I start this process so I can ensure I will have enough milk for Roman when I go back to work FT on April 6?

Re: how to start pumping and storing

I was told not to pump until at least 6-8 weeks. Then, once or twice per day, you pump between feedings. My DS would feed about every three hours, so 1 1/2 hours after his last feed, I would pump for 20 minutes. At first you won't get much, but it will improve. make sure you keep the same schedule every day. If you plan to pump at work, you'll get more there too because it will be a replacement pump and not an extra pump. Also, when your baby is older and doesn't need so many feedings, you'll get more.

Re: how to start pumping and storing

I pumped for day one. When my milk came in I would b/f from one side, pump out the other side - and then switch for the next feeding.

Another thing I tried when my milk got low about 8 mos was to drink fennel tea. It increases your milk supply (also helps gassy babies)

Re: how to start pumping and storing

I also pumped from day one, because no milk or colostrum was coming in. I pumped for 5 days before my milk came in, and then I had tons of milk. I knew I was going back to work after 6 weeks and wanted to have plenty of milk stored. If my husband was giving her a bottle of stuff I had already pumped, I would pump during that time and freeze the milk. By the time I went back to work, I had plenty of milk frozen for her. At 5 months, I became pregnant (unplanned) and stopped making milk. (unfortunately I miscarried that pg) but at that point, I had enough milk stored that she was able to get another months worth of breast milk, so I had to start formula at 6 months. I don't agree with the don't pump until 6 weeks theory, but that's just me!