Need Tips on Pumping When I Return to Work

My lactation consultant stressed that I should pump as often as possible (not always easy) to keep up the milk supply. It's better to pump more often than let your breasts fill up. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated as well. You also can start pumping at home right after or before feeding her to store up milk and to build your milk supply. But I wouldn't worry about too much about the milk supply: once you're home again your supply will easily build back up if you're breastfeeding often. I also wouldn't worry if you can't pump enough and have to temporarily supplement with formula--I could never pump enough and I practiced extended breastfeeding with both my babies (nursed for over a year).
Good luck
T.

i agree that you need a good quality pump. i was also told to think about your baby, even to have a picture of her to help your milk supply when pumping. i went back to work when my daughter was 3 months old. i was able to pump twice a day on the 4 days that i worked. i never seemed to pump enough to keep her supplied when i wasnt there, but it was enough to keep my supply going for when i was home with her. i did have to suppliment with formula now and then. good news is i was able to keep nursing until she was about 10 months old. (any longer then that kinda grossed me out. she seemed to be looking in my eyes too much and understanding what was going on. hehe) basicly dont worry i dont think you will ruin your supply in one month if you are pumping and nursing when you are with her. good luck and enjoy that new baby!

S.

The easiest way to do it now, before returning to work is to pump one breast while the baby is feeding on the other, this will help with the let down as well.
I wouldn't suggest pumping as much as possible, that will just lead to engorgement. I went every few hours & waited till they were full. Try to stick to the baby's feeding schedule, as for when to pump.
You don't need to store much if you plan on pumping at work. You probably only need a few feedings, as you will be replenishing the supply daily.

Hi!
You will be amazed to see how your body will adjust! I went back to work when my son was 3 months old. I am a teacher and had to pump 3 times during the day in my classroom during breaks :( Even if I felt like I didn't need to pump, I still did to keep up my milk supply. I heard a little trick (don't know if it works but I did it anyway) I read that you should keep pumping for a few minuted even if u feel your breasts are empty and no more milk is coming out-something to do w/ stimulating your breasts and then your body will think it needs to produce more. I also think that nursing whenever possible and as much as possible whenever you are at home helps. Do not worry, like I said you will be suprised and amazed at how your body adjusts. Most women find that they have a lot more milk supply in the morning, but continue to try and pump in the afternnoon even if u are not getting a lot of milk. Don't give up - you can do it! It just gets easier and easier! My baby boy is now 10 months and I am still nursing him in the morning, there were so many times I wanted to quit! It does get easier I promise!
Good Luck

Pump as often as you would feed if you were at home. Do not worry about how much comes out. Often you get less when pumping than when baby feeds. I was never able to get more than 1oz with a hospital grade pump. Also, visit www.kellymom.com for some recommended supplements that help increase your milk. Also, nurse your baby as much as possible when you get home, letting her sleep with you so she can nurse throughout the night would be helpful.

Best wishes,
M.

i would pump like you usually do in a normal day. if you are worried about your supply lowering maybe pump a couple more times then you would need to while you are at work. also you should know that your employer needs to provide you with a suitable place other then a bathroom to pump. i hooe this helps!

What I found, is that pumping when baby feeds normally is best. If you wait too long, then your breasts will fill up, and think that they will have to produce less eventually( and you don't want that). My little girl is now 7 months old, and I'm still breastfeeding, and pumping.