How to build a frozen stash while EBF?

[AllieBee]

I am taking an extended maternity leave - about 8 months - with my now-4 month old DD. I am exclusively breastfeeding her, but I would like to start a frozen stash of BM for when I go out without her over a feeding period, and also for when I return back to work.

When do you pump if you're BF'ing exclusively? I will of course pump if I ever miss a feeding. But DD is still waking at night to BF, so I can't even wake to pump then.

Is it possible to build a supply while EBF'ing?

Thanks!

[whitnessforhim]

Usually the best time to pump is first thing in the morning since that is when supply is at its greatest. You could nurse her on one side and then pump the other. You could acutally pump the unnursed side at any time of the day when she only feeds on the one side.

You really won't need too much milk for when you go back to work since you'll be pumping the next days feedings the day before. So really you only need enough milk to get through the first day you'll be gone.

[sealy]

Do you nurse from both breasts during each feed? If not, pump what's left - it will signal your breast to produce more & you can start stashing away some in the freezer.

When does your DD go to bed & how often does she wake to nurse? When my DD was 4 months, she went to bed at 7pm & I would pump then & at 10:30pm. If she woke in the night, I'd pump whatever she didn't eat. I would also pump whatever is leftover in the AM.

I find it very nerve-wracking to have to pump EVERYTHING for the next day - what if I don't let-down properly & don't pump enough?! So, I fully support building up a stash early on. Pump whenever you have time - it will eventually (within a few days) signal to your body to up production & you'll have more than you need & should be able to pump the excess when your DD is napping/sleeping/playing etc.

Good luck!!!