When can I start expressing breast milk and bottle feeding ebf newborn?

[Smicha]

My DS is 12 days old and is ebf. I want to start expressing milk so DH can do some of the night feeds at weekends and I can sleep! Just wondering when it's best to start expressing, I haven't tried yet, and when I could introduce a bottle without confusing him? Thanks

[MigGril]

you could start expressing now but it's not recommended to give a bottle until at lest 6 Weeks. once feeding is well established.

Have you considered taking your baby to bed with you, this is fine if you follow the safe sleeping guidelines www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Parents/Resources/Resources-for-parents/Caring-for-your-baby-at-night/.

Or asking your DH to take baby away in the morning after a feed so you can get a couple of hours extra rest. Morning is often a better time to do this as they don't always cluster feed at this time. As long as dad can keep baby relaxed he should be fine without a feed for a while.

[MigGril]

www.unicef.org.uk/BabyFriendly/Parents/Resources/Resources-for-parents/Caring-for-your-baby-at-night/

[BrianButterfield]

It is still important for you to feed at night as this is what helps increase your supply and get it really well established. I wouldn't do it until 6 weeks or so (although I don't know what 'official' guidelines are).

[nobodyreally]

I expressed at this stage but just so I could pop out or have a rest in the day. If u didn't bf all night you'd be in agony by the morning.

[Smicha]

Thanks for the tips! Think I will start expressing but wait a while until I feed him from a bottle. Hadn't though about the need to Bf at night for my own comfort! Totally new to all this and fumbling through in a way that seems to be working I hope Think I may go to a local Bf meeting tomorrow as I have tonnes of questions.

[flipflopson5thavenue]

BFing at night is what builds your supply up. You'd do better to nap during the day at weekends than skip night feeds this early on.

[nobodyreally]

Also if u do manage to express (I always found morning easiest when supply was greater) stock it up in the freezer in the special bf bags. That way you haven't got to worry about wasting any, by not getting round to using it in the fridge. But always replace what you use. So if u use a frozen one so you can pop out. As soon as you get back express, that way you'll always have a supply in hand and won't feel trapped by always being the one to do feeds. You'll find your own rhythm. I also recommend medela pumps, which r by far the best IMO. good luck