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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Timing expressed breast feeds and nursery

14 replies

mamatomany · 05/09/2010 13:38

I am getting so worked up about this so excuse any rambling please.
DS is due to start nursery tomorrow, he's 12 weeks.
He has had a bottle from day one so he's used to those however I had planned to come in and breast feed him at lunch times but the timings with my lunch break and his sleep don't work.
So I decided to express and feed him a couple of formula feeds so I could build up my bank of expressed milk to send into nursery so they have more than enough.
But it aint happening.
I need more milk quickly, any suggestions please ?

OP posts:
ClimberChick · 05/09/2010 20:43

Sorry what do you mean by it's not happening? Stock is not building up, or your not getting much out?

Are you expressing in addition to feeds, or when you miss a feed due to him giving formula?

When I was building up to work, I found expressing at the roughly the same time helped. For the first few days, I'd only get about 1-2oz out, but after four -five days it went up to 3-6oz. Pumping for at least 20mins, if it's not uncomfortable is good, to try and stimulate.

I was frantic about getting a stock in reserve, but other than the first day, I've not needed to use it. LO takes about 10-12oz while I'm at work

MumNWLondon · 05/09/2010 21:09

If you are happy to give formula why not send that into nursery not the EBM???

ClimberChick · 05/09/2010 21:14

Just to add, I echo MumNW, if your happy with formula, then why not just skip missing feeds to express. Then just express when you go back to work (if you want to) and give your LO formula then. Otherwise what your doing (if I've read it correctly) will result in no less formula overall but increased stress for you.

Sorry quick hijack

pinkfizzle · 05/09/2010 21:16

op I think it would be best if you visited at lunch times and bf - as I am sure the baby would adjust to want bm.

I never ever could express.

Maybe someone can come on and give you some advice.

MumNWLondon · 05/09/2010 22:01

Also wanted to add, I can only really express in the morning, and can never get more than 2oz. I do have a stash in the freezer but it takes 3 days to fill a bottle. I don't know what pump you have - the best way to increase your output is to hire a hospital grade pump. However I can't really see why you'd faff with that given you've said he's mixed fed anyway.

I am going to work tomorrow for KIT day, have taken 10oz of milk from freezer (will miss 2 feeds) and will pump at lunchtime - to replenish freezer stock!

re: the timings, either negotiate a different lunchtime with your boss or try and change his sleep, will be much easier.

FWIW I am going back when DS2 is 6 months old. I am planning to give him formula in the day, I am undecided on the morning and night time feed. For me expressing etc at lunchtime is not something I want to do long term.

Original poster
mamatomany · 05/09/2010 22:33

The truth is I don't really trust the nursery with the formula, i'm sending in a carton for emergencies but felt there would less chance he'd be kept waiting for a feed if they have expressed breast milk they literally just have to take the cap off and pop in his mouth rather than faffing around opening the carton etc.
Because he's breast fed most of the time, he's only had a few formula feeds whilst i freeze some ebm, he gets very upset really quickly if he's not fed straight away.

OP posts:
ClimberChick · 05/09/2010 22:42

is he used to having EBM cold then?

are there any specific expressing questions/issues you want help with?

Could you ask the nursery to prepare the formula bottle when he's asleep so it's ready when he wakes?

I'm thinking about the issue with your lunch break and his nap being incompatible. Isn't there a chance that his routine would change anyway or could you send in food and still feed him. Will he feed of you regardless of where you are in the routine or are you reluctant to tinker.

Sorry prob not much help, just trying to come up with suggestions for you

Original poster
mamatomany · 05/09/2010 22:51

No that's great I hadn't thought of getting the bottle ready.

On another thread somebody pointed out that ebm doesn't need refridgerating so he could have it at room temperature hence less delay.
I think the routine will have to change though, I didn't want it to but the more I think about it the more stressed I'm getting and I want an excuse to check up on him anyway, am far from happy about leaving him there.

OP posts:
MumNWLondon · 06/09/2010 11:30

He might not drink the EBM at room temperature though - my DS2 will only drink it really nice and warm so probably no difference in preparation time better EBM and carton of formula.

Re: EBM not needing to be in a fridge I bet the nursery will not agree to this, they will probably have H&S guidelines stating that any milk thats been out for an hour needs to be chucked out.

Personally if I was worried I'd send in cartons of ready made formula.

pinkfizzle · 06/09/2010 11:39

Mama - Ask the nursery to prepare a feed in advance. Have you had settling in with the nursery? Have you visited the nursery at different times to see how the babies are? Are you happy with the nursery?

I never see babies at nursery hungry and have found the staff really in-tune with the babies. This has really helped me deal with my baby being in nursery.

Have you thought about leaving a clear routine, and/or discussing your concerns with the staff?

I think you would be more happy with leaving him then.

It is really tough but I am sure you will build a positive relationship with the staff, and your baby will build a relationship with the staff.

Original poster
mamatomany · 06/09/2010 17:16

Thanks for all the responses Grin
Well it was better than expected, the milk was fine at room temperature and the nursery were happy not to refrigerate or throw away unfinished feeds.
But I think what will work best is me going in to feed at lunchtime, I had to keep poking the poor fella to keep him awake but I would have exploded if he hadn't fed.

OP posts:
ClimberChick · 06/09/2010 20:42

Glad it went well, must have been hard for you. Liking the imagery of mamatomany exploding though Grin.

Original poster
mamatomany · 06/09/2010 20:57

Thank you, it was I hate nurseries we've been through loads and I have only ever found one I liked and we cannot afford that one at the moment :(
There was a little boy of 7 months who started the same day as mine and he was in tears, screaming the place down couldn't drink his bottle type upset.
When his mum picked him up I heard them say he was a bit unsettled :( but it won't do anyone any good for her to know the truth I guess.

OP posts:
pinkfizzle · 07/09/2010 21:59

Mama - I hope it goes well - my nursery has told me when my baby was upset one day - as he teethed badly and they told me what he was like. I would prefer to know and to be called.

I am shocked that the 7 month old boy was not settled properly - surely first day they would be in touch with the mum and would take the settling in seriously?

ANyhow I hope it works out.

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