Tips on when/how to start expressing

[beanstalk]

DD is nearly 2 weeks old and feeding well so far. I want to be able to express and give her a bottle of ebm on a reasonably regular basis to allow DH to get involved in feeding and give me a chance to catch up on sleep. With DD1 I waited until she was 5-6 weeks old as I didn't want to upset my milk supply but by that time she refused a bottle (and continued to refuse one until 6 months). So I want to try earlier this time but not sure where to start.

What's the best time to start expressing? How long does ebm keep? If stored in the fridge how do you warm it? Has anyone found that trying this early adversely affected milk supply?

[Guimuahahahahahaaaaaaa]

Bump for you, and have a look on Kellymom - lots of pumping info, including storage etc.

[Longtalljosie]

I did it at about 3-4 weeks, for the same reason as you. DD took to a bottle in the end but we really had to work at it...

[iloveholidays]

I waited until DD was 6 weeks old before I expressed, but only on the advise of my midwife. I think looking back, it wouldn't have much impact on my milk supply as milk supply goes up and down over a few days anyway to catch up with the babies demands.

EBM can last 24 hours in the fridge, although I always freeze mine in special bags you can buy from boots. Can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Either get out the night before or defrost in a bowl of warm water (not boiling) when needed.

I have to be honest, we tried my DD with a bottle at about 7 weeks and she did take it, but I found it such a faff sterilising etc so didn't really bother much after. I'm still breastfeeding now and she's 7 months next week, but I've been extremely lucky that its worked so well for us both. I now give her milk in a cup if I need to go out. I warmed it in a bowl of hot water.

Congratulations on the birth and hope it all goes well.