returning to work pumping questions

[Melody]

M is 3 months old and i go back to work monday. i'll be gone from about 7:30 or so till a little after 2 each day. i hope to get in a good feed before i leave. my questions:

how often should i pump at work? during the day, M usually eats every 2 hours. should i pump every 2 hours starting 2 hours after she eats in the morning?

should i take anything to boost my supply? i've got a good supply now but am worried. i've taken fenugreek and mothers milk tea in the past (when i was worried about my supply) and it really increased it. should i do that again right off the bat or wait and see if my supply goes down?

is it better to freeze all milk and thaw it for her feeds while i'm gone? or is it better to just use the fresh milk that was pumped the day before?

any other advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Aysa_Mom]

If not every 2 hours, try pumping at least every 3 or 4 hours. I leave home at a little after 7 each morning and try to feed my daughter at between 6:30 & 7:00 a.m. I pump during my morning break at 10:30 a.m., go to her daycare to feed her at 12:30 a.m., and pump again at 3:30 a.m.

Definitely use the FRESH breastmilk that you pumped the day before.

I'd like to know the answer to whether or not you should begin taking something before or after your supply decreases as well. I have a great supply now and my daughter has just started daycare at 3 months of age. Although I pump twice a day I get enough for the three bottles I send with her to daycare in 1 pumping session. I've purchased Fenugreek and the Mothers Milk Tea also and would like to know when to start taking it.

Good luck!

[smllfry]

Wow! Three bottles from one session. I don't think you'll ever need to take anything to increase supply!

I pump either as much or less than what DD takes while I am gone. My research says that this and most variations are normal. It depends on a lot of things. I was freaked at first, but I just plan on adding some pumping sessions on my days off. I bought a car adapter for my pump and I'm considering pumping on my way to and from work.

I pump two or three times while I am gone. I only get 2-3 oz each pumping and sometimes less. My mother, who babysits, thinks DD needs bigger bottles. However, when I weigh her before and after nursing at a breastfeeding support group, she only takes 2 oz at the most. It is hard to trust your milk supply, especially when other people make comments.

I would wait to take anything to increase supply. Going back to work is not a guarantee that your milk supply will decrease. Having too much could be a problem too. You could be uncomfortably engorged or start leaking more often. Neither of those would be fun at work.

[whitnessforhim]

First you must remember that what you pump only tells you what you can pump. This is never an indication of your supply. I would not consider taking anything to boost your supply unless you know it really needs it. I think you'll be fine without it.

What worked for me best is having a schedule at work, pumping the same time everyday. I found that the amount I got was very predictable, getting the same amount almost everytime. I don't think you need to pump every 2hrs but I would try to pump at least every 3hrs. I pumped every 3hrs at work for the first year for DD. It worked out really well. I had just enough milk for her during the day and sometimes a little extra. I also noticed that I could always use the weekend time and night time to nurse her on demand to keep my supply up.

IA I would always give her fresh milk first and use the frozen milk if needed or save it to use in pureed foods when she gets older.

[whitnessforhim]

If not every 2 hours, try pumping at least every 3 or 4 hours. I leave home at a little after 7 each morning and try to feed my daughter at between 6:30 & 7:00 a.m. I pump during my morning break at 10:30 a.m., go to her daycare to feed her at 12:30 a.m., and pump again at 3:30 a.m.

Definitely use the FRESH breastmilk that you pumped the day before.

I'd like to know the answer to whether or not you should begin taking something before or after your supply decreases as well. I have a great supply now and my daughter has just started daycare at 3 months of age. Although I pump twice a day I get enough for the three bottles I send with her to daycare in 1 pumping session. I've purchased Fenugreek and the Mothers Milk Tea also and would like to know when to start taking it.

Good luck!

I don't think there is any reason for you to consider taking anything to up your supply. Sounds like you have a fantastic supply and by taking these herbs you could actually over, over produce which would have you making more foremilk than hindmilk (fatty part). There's no need for you to take these. I think you'll be fine momma!