I plan on BF when my baby arrives

and DH wants to be able to feed him aswell. So when do I pump and when do I give him my breast. I did buy the Le Leche League book but it didn't specify when to pump. Also when can I start pumping?

Re: I plan on BF when my baby arrives

I would start pumping after your milk supply comes in. The first few days is collustrum which the baby should get as much as he/she can. What I did was to nurse one side and pump the other - and then for the next feeding switch sides - so the same breast isn't always getting pumped. In effect what this will do is double your milk supply because your breast milk will be produced based on supply & demand.

Re: I plan on BF when my baby arrives

Pumping in the morning usually works out well as a starting point. I believe La Leche suggests no bottle until at least four weeks, but I'm not sure.

Are you planning to return to work? If so, getting the baby used to a bottle makes a whole lot of sense. If not, it can be more work than it is worth.

Re: I plan on BF when my baby arrives

I got an article from our LC about helping fathers to adjust to BF. Nursing for the first 6 weeks is important to establish your supply.
You will need a high quality hospital grade pump if you really plan on pumping in the first few weeks. It is not really rec'd. Your husband can still cuddle, change the diaper, bath, cloth, help you get prepared to BF by getting the baby, getting you a drink, making sure you have what you need.
There is so much he can do to be apart of your breastfeeding!!!

after the 6 weeks you will want to pump after the morning feeding. the rule of the thumb is if you use a bottle you MUST pump at to get the BM for the bottle AND during the time the bottle is given. You will eventually get a freezer supply and be able to pump less. But if your baby is drinking your body needs to make milk...if you decrease the demand your body will make less milk.

Re: I plan on BF when my baby arrives

OMG, when I first read this I thought you meant DH wanted you to feed him

The advice you got so far was great! My DS never got the la leche dreaded nipple confusion and he switched back and forth between breast, bottle and pacifier from the beginning.