Pumping question

[apmomma2my3girls]

So, I'm headed back to work in 3 weeks. I understand it is recommended 2-3 weeks before returing to work to pump after nursing 3-4 times a day. So, I've been pumping after nursing for most my daytime feedings. I only nurse one side per session, so I've been just pumping that one side. I know I could pump both but it's been my experience if I do that the next time she nurses she will want to eat on both sides instead of just one. The only reason I'm opposed to that is I have one very sore side (you saw the picture!) that I'm trying to heal, and I would prefer to keep her (and the pump) on the one side per feeding routine to give that side more of a break until it's more healed. BUT do you think that will cause an issue? Storing milk really isn't a problem, I have a ton stored in deep freeze, and I don't have a supply problem or problems responding to my pump, but I am nervous and don't want an supply issue when I return to work... I was a SAHM while I nursed my last two, so this will be a whole new world for me.

[ima062002]

I wouldn't pump at ALL right now if you have a stash. At the very minimum you need a day's worth of milk when you go back and it sounds like you already have much more than that. Give those breasts (nipple) a break momma especially since you respond well to the pump.

If you don't seem to make quite enough at work, you could always start pumping both breasts at work simultaneously.

[whitnessforhim]

I think your doing great by just pumping the side that she doesn't nurse from. That should be all that you need. I know what you mean by worry but it sounds like everything is going to go fine for you. You already have a stash and you are already familiar with your pump. I think you are good to go.

Some advice...I think its easier to pump on a schedule at work. I pump 3x a day at the same time each day. That way I can always schedule meetings or whatever around those times. This makes things much easier for me and my amounts are always consistant. Best of luck!!

[whitnessforhim]

Ima's right about giving your breast a break...but im a worry wort like you and like to have extra, extra, extra coushin :)

You're going to do fine!!!

[Bumpy]

I only pumped once a day, so if you already have a stash I wouldn't pump either.
To keep my supply up after I went back to work I would pump every 3 hours for a minimum of 15 minutes, but usually 20 mins. On my lunch break I pumped for a half an hour if I noticed I was low in the evenings. Hope this helps

[apmomma2my3girls]

Just to be clear I'm pumping the same boob I just nursed on, not the other one.

I'm paranoid because I attend a nursing mother's support group at the hospital and a lot of the moms have problems once they are back at work with pumping and supply and all that.

I plan to double pump 3 times a day at work. I work a 10 hour work day (4 days a week). I'm a therapist so it's easy for me to scheduale it in. I am also only 5 mins from baby, so I will nurse her when I drop her off and when I pick her up. I don't get a lunch, or otherwise I'd go over and nurse her then. It's my plan that if supply becomes and issue or if I'm having problems, I going to have a break in the middle of my day and go nurse her and I can make up a few hours on my day off.

[apmomma2my3girls]

oh and it's my understanding it's recommended to pump 3-4 times a day 2-3 weeks before you start to increase your supply some, because your pump is not as effient as your baby, and you need a slight over supply to actually be pumping enough. Is that your experience?

[Bumpy]

I have always just pumped once a day right after she eats in the morning. and then I pump every 2-3 hours at work. I never did the pump 3-4 times a day and I produce 16 ounces a day. I did taper off at 7 months and had to build my supply up. that was because I was sick though. Check your pump regularly and change the membranes regularly. I have found out from other moms that an oversupply can be just as bad as an undersupply. if you have an oversupply you and you pump to empty out, your baby is not getting the hindmilk. Sometimes I pump right before I go to bed after dd eats for the night, and I will get out the extra milk then. It varies with each mom. If you feel that you are loosing to much milk then I would pump more often then, but if not I wouldn't pump 3-4 times a day. how much extra milk to get a day?

[apmomma2my3girls]

Well, I've only been pumping after she eats, for the last 2 days, and I don't get much. I get between practically nothing to 1 ounce.

I do have some experience, I had to go to a 4 day training 2 weeks ago, where I was away from my baby during the day, and I double pumped every 3 hours and on average I got 5 ounces total from both boobs (I'd usually get more like 6 ounces the first time I pumped and more like 4 ounces the last time I pumped during the day). I had enough milk for her for the next day. She takes about 3 1/2 to 4 ounces every 3 or so hours.

[Bumpy]

So you are exclusivly breastfeeding her right now and only pumping after she eats?
I never got a lot of milk after my dd eats, maybe an ounce but not always, but I still produce 10 ounces while I am at work when It is not after she eats. (I did have a dip because my pump wasn't working right)

I am sorry, i didn't mean to make it sound like you didn't have experience, I was just giving what I was doing to see if it could help.

[apmomma2my3girls]

I didn't think you were implying I didn't have experience, I just was adding in the breif experience I had with pumping while I was away from her in case it mattered. lol

Yes, she's exclusively breastfed, and I pump just after she eats (again, just on the side she ate on). I'm pumping because it's what I read and was recommended to me by the LC in preparing to go back to work.