When to express?

9 replies

Felix90 · 27/12/2013 23:06

I am currently bf my 5 day old dd and have bought a breast pump today. I expressed a bit earlier (just under 1oz) just to try the pump out and she took this from the bottle then finished off on both breasts.

I am just a bit confused about when I should be expressing along with still feeding her from the breast too? I'd like to build up a little stash so OH can feed her occasionally and for if we go out anywhere etc.

Currently she's feeding every 3-4hrs for around 20 mins to half an hour. When should I aim to express around feeds and typically how much expressed milk should she be taking on one feed if she's feeding from the bottle?

Thanks in advance!

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MoreThanChristmasCrackers · 27/12/2013 23:33

Hello I have no help to offer but found this in un answered.
Maybe an experienced bf will come along to help so giving you a bump

Original poster

Felix90 · 27/12/2013 23:36

Thank you

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MoreThanChristmasCrackers · 27/12/2013 23:40

No pun intended btw. Just realised

I did try a breast pump for a while and just expressed when they were full, but didn't feed for long and this was so long ago I don't remember.

fruitpastille · 27/12/2013 23:42

I found expressing was too much effort for not enough benefit! But the best time for me was in the morning before dc woke and I felt fuller. You can express more with practise and if you do it in a routine as your supply will adjust to it. I think an electric pump is best for regular use. I borrowed a small medela one. For going out I had to do a few ounces each day to get enough. You can store it in the cooler partbof your fridge for several days or freeze. The amount needed will vary. A newborn perhaps 3 or 4 ounces?? It's been a while.

workingtitle · 27/12/2013 23:44

I expressed like this -
Finishing off the breast DS had been on at each feed or taking a lot off the other breast (he has only ever fed on one side at a time)
I did this every feed til about week 4 but it was too much work and I felt that my supply had increased/stabilised, so subsequently just pumped once a day from one boob, early in the morning. I found I could express the largest amount between anout 1 and 8am and always used hand breast compressions to maximise the output.

workingtitle · 27/12/2013 23:46

Ps I used a medela swing pump and took about 150ml a time which I bagged and froze

MissRatty · 28/12/2013 03:13

I have been expressing after each feed, 5 mins each side, twice (2 pumps per boob) as directed by my midwife. We were doing top up feeds to get little one's weight up, but now do it for the same reasons as you. I also have the medela swing, so do 5 minutes once the main suction bit starts.

MissRatty · 28/12/2013 03:15

PS. Little one took to the bottle well, and has no nipple confusion. Kellymom has a guide as to how much to give...kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping/milkcalc/

Original poster

Felix90 · 28/12/2013 03:35

Thanks everyone! I have the medela swing too and it seems great. Thank you for the advice!

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