When to begin pumping for work?

Erica - posted on 01/24/2010

When I first had my twin girls, I pumped after a feeding or two every day. I would make sure I got at least one bag of milk in the freezer every day. I had a lot of milk in the freezer when I went back to work when the girls were 8 weeks old. I pumped four times a day when I first went back to work because my girls were still eating so often during the day and I was wanted keep up my supply. After a couple weeks, the girls were taking just three bottles a day while I worked so now I pump three times for 15-20 minutes. Even if the milk has stopped coming out, I pump for a minimum of 15 minutes. I feed on demand when I'm home but once my girls started sleeping through the night, I added a pumping session between 10 and 11 (about 3 hours after they go to bed.) This keeps me a little ahead of their needs which is great because I want avoid supplementing for as long as possible. I also snack often and drink at least a bottle of water between every feeding or pumping session. I also get a few more ounces on the days when I am more rested and relaxed. Good luck. It is so worth it and you're a great mommy for planning ahead so your baby can have the best nutrition even while you're at work!

Rebecca - posted on 01/24/2010

Hi! I am a certifed Doula and mother of two girls. I love all the advice here. Especially Amanda had to say. Please be preparred if you start pumping alot now, to wake up feeling very engorged! If you do experience this, its a great time to pump but remember to massage your breasts thru the pumping to avoid clogged ducts. I highly recommend getting in touch with your lacal La Leche League chapter to guide you thru the transition of returning to work. You will meet many moms there that are just like yourself and professionals that will be there to help you with any questions. You can find a local chapter online by searching lalecheleague.org . I wish you and your baby peace and happiness. ~Rebecca Duncan

Daniele - posted on 01/22/2010

Shannon - Read this article (http://www.babyzone.com/askanexpert/odor...). It says that some women's milk has a sour or soapy smell that is caused by high levels of lipase, an enzyme that breaks down the fat. Hope this helps!

Ieasha - posted on 01/21/2010

I read in Baby Magazine that it's best to pump whenever you can starting now. You can buy storage units (bottles or plastic bags) specifically for breast milk and freeze it. Frozen Breast milk can stay in the freezer for up to a year. I plan to do this before I go back to work. Look up information about storing breast milk on a website so U know how much to pump and how often.

Courtney - posted on 01/21/2010

I started pumping not long after coming home from the hospital. It really helped w/ the need to releave more often than my baby was eating. I would empty out each side after nursing also...and freeze as much as you can! Frozen bottles keep for 3 months..just make sure to lable w/ date and oz as the milk will expand once frozen! Hope this helps :)

Mary - posted on 01/21/2010

thanks everyone!!

Amanda - posted on 01/21/2010

My first daughter never took to the nipple and I pumped and feed with a bottle. So I never had a problem with going back to work..My second daughter is now three months old, and i have been back to work for a month...I started pumping and freezing milk the first day Kaitlyn was born. I am one of those moms that has enough milk and then some to go around. So I have to pump. if you can pump after feeding or in between to start getting a supply frozen so you have milk for your caregiver to give the baby...the more you have stored the better...Remember that she will eat more and more as the weeks progress so the more you have stored the less stressed you will be wondering if you have enough..My three month old eats 3 five ounce bottles while i am working an eight hour shift...times five days its a lot of milk...Also while at work I get two 15 min pump sessions in...I got a doctors not saying i had to have this time to pump milk...it helped with my boss who wasnt very supportive...so i dont become blocked and to help keep producing...unfortunetly there is no place for me to pump at work so i go to my car and cover up while pumping. Also you may need a cooler or if there is a fridge to store your milk till you can get it home and in the freezer...It took me a couple of wks to get used to pumping at work and coming home and nursing but once you get the hang of it..its really easy especially when you come into a routine...like if i go to work at 9am i go and pump at 11 and 3 and then i get home at 6 and nurse...sometimes my husband has to cook Or if there is left over milk we put that in a bottle and he will feed while i cook...It does get frustrating sometimes and i do think to myself why am i doing this and some days i want to give up b.c. of all the extra work..But then once i have three days or two days with kaitlyn and she can be on boob off and on i remember why...Its the bonding and just holding her most of the day that reminds me how much i miss her when i am gone...its our time together when we are apart....i hope this helps and good luck to you...

Catie - posted on 01/20/2010

I just started back to work after having my baby 8 weeks ago. I started pumping a few weeks after I had her. I would pump in between feedings and sometimes right after she fed. The more you try to pump, even if you don't get much out at first, the more milk your body will produce. Your body will think that your baby is eating that much making it easier for you to produce more milk. I had about 50 oz. of milk frozen before I went back to work. And as long as you keep pumping while you are at work, your milk supply won't go down and you'll be able to replenish any milk that is used while you are at work. Just keep drinking a lot! Hope this helps you.

Shannon - posted on 01/20/2010

I was never a successful "pumper" I couldn't go back to work, not only because I couldn't pump much out, but my milk (even if frozen) tasted bad and smelled bad after I warmed it up. Not sure why, doctors had no explanation. You can start pumping anytime I would just make sure you have a full days worth of milk before you start working again. You will figure out how your body works. I tried pumping in between feedings, and after a few days I was able to nurse just one side and pump the other, I could only pump out 2-3 oz.but I couldn't use that milk... I agree with Rhonda, make sure your baby will take a bottle before you go back to work! She's the expert anyway, just thought I'd let you know my story too. Good luck!

Rhonda - posted on 01/20/2010

Well, Mary not only am I a mom, but I am a Lactation Counselor. You can begin pumping any time. Look at your milk supply. Are you producing enough than pumpafter she eats fot 5-10 min. If you need to increase your supply, than pump in between and after. Store your milk and date it. If you have any more questions let me know. Oh, by the way I would not give her a bottle until after 3 weeks of age. You will need to know that she will take one.

Rhonda Hill