Questions for pumping moms

I pumped for the second time today. I was able to pump a total of 2 oz each time. I am 3wks pp. Please help me with a few questions:

1. Is 2oz reasonable at this time for one pumping session?

2. How often do you pump? Am I suppose to pump after every feeding?

3. Do you sterilize the pump pieces after use?

4. I will be returning to work in 3 wks...How do I build a freezer stash?

5. With 2oz per session I would have to pump 2xs to get one 4oz bottle do I pour the breast milk from the second session right into the first one? Do I have to refridgerate the breast milk in between sessions?

6. For moms who pump at work...how is this working out for you? I may be able to pump once during the day but is it uncomfortable? I'm afraid of someone walking in and seeing me holding the shields to my breasts.

7. Lastly please recommend your pump. Right now I am renting a medela symphony but would like to purchase one next month.

Sorry for all the questions!

Re: Questions for pumping moms

1. Is 2oz reasonable at this time for one pumping session?
At this point, I would say yes...not sure if you pumped after a feeding or not.
2. How often do you pump? Am I suppose to pump after every feeding?
I am exclusively pumping, so I'm not sure about the feeding part, but I was pumping every 2-3 hours in the beginning.
3. Do you sterilize the pump pieces after use?
No...I just run them under super hot water for a few minutes, wash them with hot soapy water once a day and run them through the dishwasher once a week. I wash the bottles with hot, soapy water after every pump. I don't wash or sterilize the lines at all.
4. I will be returning to work in 3 wks...How do I build a freezer stash?
Pump as much as possible and freeze it in 3 ounce bags for now. I prefer the Lansinoh bags over the Medela.
5. With 2oz per session I would have to pump 2xs to get one 4oz bottle do I pour the breast milk from the second session right into the first one? Do I have to refridgerate the breast milk in between sessions?
I combine...I put 1/2 a bottle in the fridge and add to it from the next pumping session.
6. For moms who pump at work...how is this working out for you? I may be able to pump once during the day but is it uncomfortable? I'm afraid of someone walking in and seeing me holding the shields to my breasts.
I usually have my shirt over the shields so it's not obvious, but since I have to pump in the bathroom, there is usually someone walking in at some point. It's awkward, but it's women so they understand - quite a few have done it themselves in some form or another.
7. Lastly please recommend your pump. Right now I am renting a medela symphony but would like to purchase one next month.
I have the Medela Pump In Style Advanced backpack...I've been using it for almost 5 months now with no issues. I have had to replace the lines twice because they do get mildew inside from condensation after a while. Supposedly, it's okay but it kind of grosses me out so I bought new lines. It's $10 for a set so it's not a big deal.

Message edited 12/6/2009 5:32:43 PM.

Re: Questions for pumping moms

1. Is 2oz reasonable at this time for one pumping session? At 3 weeks pp it is a decent amount.... just pump frequently and it will typically pick up

2. How often do you pump? Am I suppose to pump after every feeding?
i exclusively pumped but i pumped every 2-3 hours (even overnight) for the first 3 months... may seam excessive to some but i was pumping 65 ounces a day and it was all consumed by ds

3. Do you sterilize the pump pieces after use? i didnt sterilize at the beginning but ended up with mastitis and thrush after 2 1/2 weeks.. so then i sterilized after every use for a good 5 months... after that i would wash the pieces after every use and sterilize atleast once a day or runn through the dishwasher

4. I will be returning to work in 3 wks...How do I build a freezer stash? I pumped and froze even though i am a sahm

5. With 2oz per session I would have to pump 2xs to get one 4oz bottle do I pour the breast milk from the second session right into the first one? Do I have to refridgerate the breast milk in between sessions? breastmilk is good for 6-8 hours after it is pumped at room temp, but i would personally refridgerate it

6. For moms who pump at work...how is this working out for you? I may be able to pump once during the day but is it uncomfortable? I'm afraid of someone walking in and seeing me holding the shields to my breasts. I was for the most part a sahm but i did work 2 nights a month... i used to sit infront of the door i pumped in out of fear that the lock on the door wouldnt work...

7. Lastly please recommend your pump. Right now I am renting a medela symphony but would like to purchase one next month. I used the avent isis duo pump and loved it

Re: Questions for pumping moms

1. When are you pumping? Is it after you're nursing? If you're pumping after nursing, that's great that you're getting 2 oz. Also, since newborns nurse frequently, it may be hard to get a lot with pumping.

2. On maternity leave and on the weekends, I always pumped after the first morning nursing session b/c that was when my supply tended to be the best. I had a good supply and could build a decent freezer stash just by pumping once per day on maternity leave. When I went back to work, I'd try to pump as often as DS ate.

3. No. I just wash the shields/valves/membranes and bottles with hot soapy water after each use. I sterilized everything before the first use.

4. I'd definitely pump after the first morning nursing session. If DC is giving you a longer stretch at night, also try to pump before you go to bed.

5. Definitely refrigerate the milk after you pump it. Don't combine the two pumping sessions until all of the milk has been refrigerated. I've had no problems combining milk from pumping sessions on different days. I bought several extra Medela bottles so I could pump into them and then store those bottles in the refrigerator until I needed them. I recommend doing this especially if you're going back to work.

6. I never worried about people walking in b/c I had my own office with a lock as well as a do not disturb sign on my door. Pumping at work is tough, but I've been able to do it. How long will DC be away from you? If you want to maintain your supply, you have to pump as often as DC eats. Also, if you're used to nursing/pumping every few hours and you start to go longer, you'll likely be engorged and in pain for a few days.

7. I've been very happy with the Medela PISA. It comes in a shoulder bag or backpack and a cooler and ice pack are included. It's easy to carry to and from work. I've been nursing and pumping for almost a year and I haven't had any problems with the pump. Just make sure you replace the membranes on the shields every month or so.