I know that this might seem like an odd question coming from a mother of 7, but because I have never pumped before I need to ask it. As this is the first time that I have needed to pump, when is the best time to pump? How long should I pump each breast? I don't need much milk in storage as I am just trying to prepare for a day later in Oct when I plan to be away from my 2 month old for at least one feeding. I would prefer that he get the breast milk at that time, but really don't know where to start. I just tried my new pump and was able to get about an ounce total (doing both breasts) but I was also feeding him at the same time. Honestly I was shocked to get any as I thought that I couldn't pump because previous attempts with earlier children had not been sucessful. Thank you for your insight and help in getting me going on this.
Thanks so much for the advice and help. I now have a better idea as to how to get the milk that I might need for my day trip I am planning.
Just like Jen said pump after a feeding or if the baby sleeps and misses a feeding pump then. You can also pump any time you feel full. If the baby only feeds from one breast then pump the other. Make sure you pump for 15 to 20 mintues on each breast.
I would pump right after your first feeding each morning about a week/two before you have to be away from your baby. Store up 3 feedings worth just in case. Also get your baby use to taking a bottle before you leave. A strategy that worked for us is using a pacifier then switching to the bottle. If your not getting good results pumping you might want to rent a hospital pump for a month. They work better than a lot of store pumps. I love my Medela pump.
It sounds like you aren't looking to increase your supply, just have some for when you are out. You are most full in the morning, so you may want to pump before or after feeding the baby (if you feed on one side, then pump the other). You don't need to do the 15 to 20 minutes if you are just trying to get some spare milk. It may take you longer to save up, but if you go gung-ho on it, you are likely to increase your supply.
I also just started to pump. Since my now 2 month old will be staying over night with grandma in a couple of months. For almost a week now I have been pumping only once a day after the evening feeding since that is when it is convenient for me. During these pumping sessions I only get about an ounce or a little less. I've been told the best time to pump is either during a missed feeding, after feedings, or if baby only takes one breast pump from the other.
Most people only get 2 oz total from both breasts combined but there are things you can do to improve on that.
I usually pump right after my son eats and I pump at 9pm at the same time as a feeding he recently dropped. I want to tell you not to be discouraged if you don't get very much. Your baby is really good at getting milk your pump is not (no matter what type of pump). Some things you can do to help.
Do it at the same time your body will get used to it and it will be more successful.
Use a warm wash cloth on your breast before you pump.
Have a routine like a cup if tea or something. It is like a trigger for your body.
Think about your baby.
Be relaxed.
Make sure your pump flange is the correct fit for you. The Medula website has the information. The one that comes with the pump isn't always the best fit for lots of moms.
This website has great info http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/
Eat lactation cookies http://realilfemum.blogspot.com/2010/08/lactation-cookies...
Good luck and remember 2 oz is really good so if you got one on the first go then you are half way there.
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Freshest is best, so pumping as close as you can to the time that you are going to be gone is a good idea. This might sound silly, but it's amazing how our body's work. When you pump, have your baby in front of you and look at him/her. It helps! Or you can do as you are doing and pump an ounce during feedings. Whatever works.
