help me get into a manageable expressing routine.

[jorgesolatario]

That's it really! DS is 16 weeks and apart from a couple of expressing sessions when he was about 10 days old and shredding my nipples (!) he's been ebf. I'm now at the point where I'd like the option to leave him for a few hours if necessary, and for DH to maybe do a late evening feed. My "deadline" is the end of March when I have a good friend's special birthday party to attend.

I used my (Phillips Avent) hand pump last night and got out 40ml in 20 mins, very demoralising! I've now found my electric pump so I'm hoping it still working and plan to try it later.

I also have a 2 year old so I don;t have the luxury of time to express 2-3 times every day like I did when DS1 was small.

Ideally I'd like to be able to express for 1 feed a day, and be able to build up a small freezer stock for the odd night out.

Thanks!

I think the main thing is to do it at the same time every day so your body gets used to it. Maybe if your 2-year old naps?

I found when i expressed at work it got easier once I was doing it at the same time every day. at first I didn't get much, but could then get enough for a feed each time by expressing from each side.

Hope you get on ok :)

It's not true of everyone but many women have more milk in the early hours and first thing in the morning, so a better time to express is likely to be in the morning.

40ml is a pretty good start!

Also, are you doing any massage before/during expressing? I found it very helpful. I used to express after DS's morning feeds and give him EBM by bottle at night.

I express whatever milk is left over after first morning feed usually about 2-3 oz then freeze it.
It works for me

This is what I do - may be a bit naughty but I've recently met a few other mums who do the same.
If you feed at night, 'save' a boob so it's full in the morning. Then express as soon as you can after you get up and have settled your children - 16wk old back in cot and 2yo in front of CBeebies!
The general advice is to express after feeding but that never ever ever worked for me!
Oh - and eat porridge.
This should get you 3-7oz a day.
Good luck!