Need lots of info on pumping

I'm going to start pumping this week along with BF.

The thing is I have not idea when to pump or how often.

Also how do I know how many oz to feed him. He is 3 weeks old.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

Honestly, unless 100% necessary as in you are going back to work in 3 weeks, I would not start to pump until 6 weeks because it messes with your supply.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

I pretty much exclusively pumped for my twins. I had to start on Day 1 since they were in the NICU. If you are BF'ing and want to start pumping-you should pump after every feeding. This will increase your supply and eventually you will start producing more milk to store. At 3 weeks I think my kids were taking around 3-4 oz at a time.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

I was told to wait as well... I waited 4 weeks. A lot of people have the best of luck pumping in the morning, but I found it difficult. I pumped whenever I had time and either had DH give DD a bottle that night or I froze it in the Lansinoh freezer bags. I found it best to pump 1 hour after feeding DD.

Everyone's different.. some people get a lot of milk, others only a few ounces each time pumping. I usually get about 2 ounces unless I miss a feeding (because DD gets a bottle) and then I will get around 4-5.

At 4 weeks DD was taking 3 ounces.

Babies are much more efficient at getting milk than pumping, so don't stress about it.

Do a search for Kellymom.. there is a lot of good info on that website as well.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

I started pumping at 2 1/2 weeks and starting giving DS a bottle (DH gave this to him) once a day starting at 3 weeks. It takes practice but I would pump on one breast and feed DS on the other. I also pumped the one time DH would feed him.

As far as how much you should give your baby. Try 2 or 3 oz's and see how you baby does. If your baby looks like they need more milk give then an extra ounce.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

I started pumping almost immediately, as well as EBFing because I knew I had to go back to work at 3 weeks and wanted to make sure DS would take bottle before I even went back. What I would do is feed DS first and then pump from both breasts after the feeding. I pumped after almost every time I fed, except when DS was feeding every hour. Then I would try to pump after 3-4 hours. I never pumped a lot, but I always had enough to satisfy DS and was able to build up a reserve.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

I started pumping right away to build a freezer stash & because DS was in phototherapy for about 36 hours. While he was in phototherapy, I pumped for every feed I had to miss. When I was pumping to build a stash, I usually pumped when I felt full (which isn't the best idea becasue it keeps your supply too high & can lead to engorgement & plugged ducts) or I pumped twice a day while DS was nursing on the other side.

Re: Need lots of info on pumping

i started pumping at two weeks. the LC at the hosptial said to wait the two weeks. my husband wanted to feed her so badly. but now i pump twice a day once in the morning and once after she goes to bed.