Expressing

[MadameJ]

Despite the fact that I fed dd1 until she was 2 and currently still feeding dd2 I have never really expressed (apart from a few days whilst dd1 was in nicu). I would like to express for 1 of dd's feeds so I can have a little break in the evenings and maybe get some sleep. She drinks confidently from a cup.

Ok, so where do I start? Do I express every day, how much should I aim for. Any help would be great as I really have no clue!!

[CityDweller]

From what I understand, it's best to express every day, at the same time. It may take your body a while to respond to pumping, so don't worry if you don't get much out to start with.

You have most milk in the morning, so some recommend to pump after the morning feed. Logistically that never worked for me, so I introduced an evening pumping session (after supper, in front of telly) when DD was about 4mo. I would get enough to make up feeds for the occasional ones I missed. Now DD is 10mo and I pump at work (twice a day) and in the evenings and that gives me more than enough milk to cover when I'm not with her (she's now on 4 feeds per 24 hrs and I miss two of them when I'm at work)

Hope that helps...

[CityDweller]

Oh - also, there's a useful calculator on the Kellymom website to help you guesstimate how much ebm to leave for a feed, based on how many feeds your DC has each day. Can't link cos I'm on my phone...

[MadameJ]

Thanks for that info it was really helpful, I will have a look on Kellymom now x

[MissRatty]

In the early days when I was doing this I was pumping for five minutes per side, twice, after each feed (left five mins, right five mins, then repeat). It worked and also built up my supply (which you won't need to do, but getting more out of each session may help build up a few stocks in the fridge or freezer).

[MissRatty]

Sorry, would have been more helpful if I had finished the post! Just to say that timing wise just do it to fit with your schedule, and best to do it after feeds or instead of so LO isn't faced with an empty booby!