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When to pump breast milk?

Cristalle - posted on 02/04/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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I'm breastfeeding my two week old baby girl and would like to start pumping so dad can help with feedings during the night & also because I will be going back to work soon. I don't know when to pump though. I tried pumping one night but when I pumped I pumped all the milk that my daughter was to have at her next feeding so my breasts were like empty. Our pediatrician said to wait at least 2 hours after the last feeding to pump to get the most milk but 2 hours after the last feeding is when it is time for my daughters next feeding. So how can I pump with out skipping one of her feedings? When is the best time to pump breast milk? I really need to start pumping before long but am just so stuck on how to work the timing.

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Kirsten - posted on 02/04/2009

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I pumped everyday from when my son was 2 weeks old until he was 3 months old. After doing some research, and pumping at different times of the day, I found that I had the most milk in the morning. Especially after my son started sleeping for longer periods through the night. After my son's first morning feed, I would pump both breasts either right away or after 30-60 minutes. I didn't like to wait too long to pump after his first feed, or it seemed like there was too little milk for his next feed.



In the beginning, I was only able to pump 1 to 2 ounces after his first morning feed. After a little while though, my body caught on to what I was trying to do and I started producing more milk. I usually could pump between 5 - 7 ounces. I was making so much milk that when I woke up everymorning, I was so engorged and my breasts hurt!  But that was what I wanted....lots of milk :)



Make sure you drink lots of water. I have noticed that when I don't drink very much water, my milk supply goes down. As soon as I start drinking more, my milk supply goes back up. Best of luck!!

Jenna - posted on 02/04/2009

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I used to feed off one using football and pump the other at the same time. It was awkward. I don't know if this is best, but I did it and it worked. The only problem is if you stop pumping and nurse only, you will have oversupply (and possibly be engorged) until your supply adjusts in a few days.

Christina - posted on 02/04/2009

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My public health nurse told me to pump right after her feeding. I tried pumping like a hour or two afterwards and it made her poo a greenish color. My nurse said that she was getting too much foremilk and not enough hindmilk. Fed her and get her settled away and then try pumping the remainder of milk. Thats what i do and it works for me.

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