Expressing before first feed?

[Persephone76]

I'm trying to express c. 2 bottles for an afternoon in about a month's time where I'll be leaving my now 3 month old with her Dad for a few hours. I've got to do it in advance and freeze the milk as I get such small amounts normally!

I have been expressing in the evening and it takes about 45 mins to get c. 30ml/1oz. Today I tried expressing first thing in the morning before my baby fed (sleeping from 12ish - 8am now) and I got 50ml in 10 minutes! Is it a problem to express before she feeds like this? Will she get enough from me if I've just removed 50ml?

[thenewaveragebear1983]

I would think so, your breast milk doesn't fill up and empty like a jug, its a constant flow. I was advised to express before morning feed and at other times to increase supply but I never actually did it so I don't know if that would work.

[figginz]

I was always told it's a river not a lake. So go for it! And have a great time solo.

[Junosmum]

Mornings are best, in the evening your supply reduces and then picks up again between around 4 and 8am. I often express whilst DS is on the other boob at his 9am feed and get loads.

[Junosmum]

And ds really doesn't seem bothered!

[Persephone76]

Ah that's great to hear! Thanks all, it'll be much quicker and easier to get my 2x 210ml bottles this way!

[dgcoco5]

I express one boob in the morning after DD had her feed on other boob and usually manage to express 5-6Oz. Like you my DD sleeps from 11ish to 8am so just about enough milk supply!