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Building up my supply before going back to work?

Ashley - posted on 09/18/2009 ( 3 moms have responded )

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I was wondering what is the best way yto get my supply up so that when I go back to work I can pump enough milk to store for the next day? I go back to work in 3 weeks and want to make sure I will have enough ready for my baby so I don't have to suppliment with formula at all. What is the the best way to create this supply while still breastfeeding with my daughter? If you have any suggestions or advide I would appreciate it. This is my first baby. Thanks.

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Elnie - posted on 10/04/2009

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I used to "borrow" the stimulation from my baby. When he suckles left, I place a battery operated pump on my right, so when he stimulates a letdown, the other side just flows into the bottle, afterwhich I freeze and save it for days when I'm at work.
This is of course, assuming your baby would be full after taking just one side.
Here are some weblinks which you might find usefu. HOpe it helpsl:

http://www.motherneeds.com/Ask%20LC%20-%...

http://www.motherneeds.com/Ask%20LC%20-%...

Amanda - posted on 09/23/2009

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I always pumped two hours after my little guy went down for the night (well, for about 5-6 hours, anyway). I could usually get 6oz from that and still fill back up before his next feeding. You can also try some production methods like drinking "Mother's Milk" tea or eating lots of oatmeal. Also, if you have an electric pump, you can sometimes trigger a second letdown. After about 10-15 minutes of pumping, take a 1-2 minute break, chug some water, and pump again for another 10 minutes. It is how many times you have letdowns that really triggers your milk supply, not how long you nurse in a session. I would aim for getting a good week's worth in back up in the freezer (70-90 oz), but three weeks is plenty of time to get more than that. When you do go back to work, I would send the frozen milk and only send fresh milk if you or he is sick. This forces you to keep your stockpile fresh so it will not go bad and be wasted. My little guy started out at 12 ozs at daycare and was at 18-24 oz a day within few weeks. Make the bags small at first (3-4 ozs) and after a month or so, you can probably move up to 6 oz.

Jenifer - posted on 09/19/2009

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I usually pumped after each feeding, as I was getting ready to go back to work. That helped a bit, and I was able to get a few ounces each time. But definitely the best time to pump is between 2-4 am. Wake up for a pumping session, and you should get several ounces, plus is really primes your body to boost production.

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