when do I express for the odd bottle feed?

[LostMySocks]

My DS 6 weeks old and I'm hoping to express to provide the occassional emmergency feed, let me leave baby with DH while I go out and to let me have a few drinks at Christmas while I pump and dump. However I can't find any information on the best time to pump.
Can anyone help? should I do a few days in a row to build up a freezer stock or do it on an ad hoc basis? I have a good milk supply but don't want to run short of milk for DS who is EBF?

Ok, firstly you almost certainly don't need to pump and dump! (unless you're really full and uncomfortable) You would really need to be absolutely bladdered to give a dangerous amount of alcohol in your milk to baby. The most conservative rule is that if you're safe to drive you're safe to breastfeed but most sources I've read indicate that you're actually safe quite a bit beyond that (the main danger is dropping the baby, not giving them alcohol poisoning): babyandbump.momtastic.com/breastfeeding/2015181-alcohol-breastmilk-reposted-dr-jack-newmans-fb-page.html

If you want to have a few oz of milk in the freezer for times when you're not around, I'd recommend pumping after the first feed of the morning when your supply is highest. You don't need to go all out (in fact you probably shouldn't as you can give yourself oversupply by pumping too much), just pump an ounce or so and freeze it. Also don't be too disappointed if you don't get much the first time you try as it can take a while for your body to get used to letting down for the pump.

Reposting with actual linky clicky thing:
babyandbump.momtastic.com/breastfeeding/2015181-alcohol-breastmilk-reposted-dr-jack-newmans-fb-page.html

Good advice.

It's also worth freezing in 1 or 2 oz amounts, you can defrost the bags very quickly by placing them in lukewarm water, especially if you freeze them flat so they remain quite thin. That way you won't waste any milk by thawing more than is wanted.

Try expressing one boob whilst baby is feeding from the other.

I always found that having a warm shower in morning and expressing straight after gave a better yield

thanks ladies. another question. how much milk would he need in a bottle?

Hi Lost
I feed my 6 week old DS exclusively expressed breast milk and he will normally take between 90 and 120 mls in one sitting (I believe this is at the high end of 'normal'). Hope that helps!

The "auto cut off" switch doesn't work with bottles - babies will keep guzzling and guzzling. I think my daughter was having about 2 oz at that age, but it was a while ago so it's a bit hazy.

While I was exclusively expressing for my DD I used the Medela Calma Solitaire teat - it replicates breastfeeding in as much as baby has to actively work to get the milk, same as at the breast, so she could start and stop as she wished. I think there are other brands who have designed teats on a similar basis for mums who are breastfeeding to make it easier to switch between.

I do advise is to do some trial runs to make sure he is happy to drink from the bottle before you do have to go out and leave him. DD used a bottle for her first couple of weeks, but when we then tried it again a few weeks later she struggled and had to re-learn it as she was used to the breast by then. It will also give you an idea of how much he does like to take so you're not spending your evening out worrying if you have left enough milk!

thanks again. We'll start experimenting