Pumping.. Breastfeeding Message Board

brandimichelle · 03-12-08, 01:23 PM

I was reading your all's response to Holly's post about mastisis.... and I have a question about pumping... I plan on returning to work the week of April 20th... I work nightshift as a labor and delivery RN... 3 12 hr shifts a week.... so when would you all suggest that I start pumping to get a supply started?... I don't want to get too much to the extent that it will be wasted and my freezer is not big at all (but have access to a larger one at MIL's house if I need to use it)... but I want to make sure that I have enough before I go back to work so that "just in case" I don't get to pump as often as she would eat at work on a really busy night, I don't want to have to supplement and I want to keep my supply up...

Thanks in advance!

teddybear1082 · 03-12-08, 02:19 PM

Remember that your freezer will only be full until you go back to work. Once you are working, Your dd will be using the supply in the freezer just as fast as you replenish it. My dd is 4 months and she now eats about 5.5- 6 oz in a bottle of ebm.

I would start as soon as you can. Your body will keep up with the supply as long as you pump around the same time each day. Once you need to slow down because you are working, your body will adjust accordingly.

Good Luck!!

mamabee · 03-21-08, 01:47 AM

I'd say better to get wasted than not have enough. At least you're milk supply will be good. Remember your milk is free so your biggest waste would be the time you took pumping it.

imagine · 03-21-08, 11:59 AM

You can start pummping now and bottle feeding during the times you would normaly be at work so that your body gets use to making the right amount and the baby willl get use to taking a bottle. It's good to start pumping as soon as possible becasue you milk supply will not be as much when you first start pumping and you may only get an oz at a time for the first few weeks until your body gets use to the pump and your suppy increases.