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12-23-2012 at 8:54 PM
LGalipp19
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LGalipp19 is not online. Last active: 05-12-2013, 1:26 PMBronze

How to start pumping

A little background. My LO is now a little over 2 weeks old. I pumped at the beginning to get my supply up and had to supplement with formula while waiting for my milk to come in since she lost too much weight after birth. I was extremely upset to not be EBF like I wanted so I worked with a LC and took her off formula as she never wanted the breast because formula was easy for her and kept her too full to want to work for the breast milk. When I took her off formula I stopped pumping after feeding her because I felt like my breasts didn't have a chance to refill in time for the next feeding. I also started Fenugreek and now my supply is more than enough for her.

I want to start pumping again to build up an emergency supply. How do I do this? Do I just pump once a day? After feeding or at a completely separate time? Do I pump from the opposite breast I just fed her from or the same to try and get the fattier milk she didn't drain? I tried pumping after feeding her the other day and hardly got anything. I just want to make sure I'm not pumping out what she would eat and there not being enough for her. I really don't want to have to bottle feed her for a while as she just got a really good handle on breast feeding.
Thanks for any advice!

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12-23-2012 at 9:01 PM
jmo823
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jmo823 is online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 9:59 AMNewbie

You may want to wait another 2 weeks or so to start pumping for a stash.  This will give your body time to adjust to ensure you will have enough milk for your LO.  After that there are a variety of things you can do.  Generally, pumping in the morning is best because that is when you supply is the highest.  When i was pumping to have a supply, I would pump an hour after DS's first feeding of the day.  He nursed on both sides per feeding and generally emptied both breasts though.  I know some of the ladies on here who only nurse one side will pump the other at the same time. 

 it may take a few days to see anything.  You will be signaling your body to make more milk so at first you won't get very much, but if you are consistent you should see an increase in a few days. 


 
12-23-2012 at 9:28 PM
BeachMama7...
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BeachMama7693 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 9:25 AMBronze
wait at least 2 weeks before you start. it takes at least 3 to regulate supply. and with you taking fenugreek, you can easily develop oversupply, especially if you add in pumping!

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12-23-2012 at 9:43 PM
Jelliebean...
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Jelliebean1982 is not online. Last active: 05-22-2013, 8:20 AMSilver
I don't think having a slight oversupply is a bad thing, especially if you are going back to work. I always found the best time to pump was during the first morning nap. I'd get the most milk for the least effort. Right after my baby fell asleep I'd pump first then shower and by the time the baby woke up there was plenty of milk again.


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12-25-2012 at 12:05 AM
blu-eyedwi...
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Jelliebean1982:
I don't think having a slight oversupply is a bad thing, especially if you are going back to work. .

Having a good supply is different than having an oversupply.  An oversupply is always a bad thing.  The term "oversupply" means your body is producing too much milk without enough fat it in it.  Without the fat to help with the digestion, the milk shoots through the digestive system too quickly causing cramping, gas, and discomfort for your child.  How on earth would that ever be considered a good thing?

Like pps said, I would wait until breastfeeding is more established and your supply is more regulated before re-introducing the pump.   This will also help give you time to pump because the feedings will space out a bit so you won't have to worry about her needing to eat right after you pump.  For returning to work purposes, I found that pumping once a day after my son's first morning feed helped to create a nice size freezer stash for me.


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