Expressing. When/where/how much etc....

[lifeas3plus1]

Ds is 3weeks old now and planning on introducing one bottle of EBM a day/night from 4weeks.

So, what do I need to know?

I have breast pump, bottles and milk storage bags.

When would be the best time to express?

How much should I try to get the first couple times in order to feed a 4week old until I know for sure how much he needs?

If I express say 2oz in the morning and 2oz at night can I mix them together to make one 4oz feed and can I put the first 2oz in the fridge until I add the next 2oz or do I need to freeze separately and mix together when defrosted iygwim?

Is there a best time to introduce the bottle? First thing in morning? Last feed at night?

Anything else I need to know?

Sorry for all the questions. I'm new to this expressing stuff.

Congratulations on your newborn. Most people find expressing first thing in the morning easiest and most productive.
this link gives lots of advice about expressing and also storage. Due to its antibacterial properties breast milk can stay out of the fridge for 10 hours and in the fridge for days. So if you are expressing in the morning pop it in the fridge and then add to it later. Just go by the age of the first expressed milk when looking at how long it is kept. I think at 4 weeks my LO took 2-4oz. Its only 5 weeks ago and I can't quite remember! She was only having the odd bottle then though.
HTH

Hi,

We did one bottle a week I think from about 4 weeks, he took 3oz at most, prob only 2 at first.

One a day is a lot of work expressing and cleaning pump bottles if it's not necessary - I was way too lazy for that at 4 weeks :) I just introduced it as I thought it might be handy when I went back to work at 6 months and expressed.

Best time to express is usually said to be morning, and might be the best time to give the bottle too if you are doing it every day. I expressed while DH gave the EBM at first to keep me comfortable and not mess up supply.

You can mix the 2x2oz for one feed, but I think that they should both be at the same temp before mixing. (ie put both in fridge till cool then mix).

Lots of info on www.kellymom.com

x-post hope you enjoy Kellymom!

Thank-you both. Very helpful.

One bottle a week sounds more realistic than one bottle a day.

I just need him to get used of the bottle because I really need to re-start driving lessons and get my test out of the way (and I'd quite like to go to the hairdresser too )

Will get myself set up to try and express in the morning.

Thanks again.