Expressing - which side & how much ?

[Mojomummy]

Dd2 is 6 weeks & feeding is going very well & she is gaining & quite happy

Have decided it's a good idea to get some milk expressed so I can think about a quick trip out with DD1, or DH can do a night feed.

I have expressed before, but not on a regular basis & can't seem to get my head round what to do. I've just pumped 2 oz from my always larger & spraying left side. Does that mean I should feed DD2 on the right side next time ? Is there away of expressing that doesn't mess up your milk etc ?

Thanks

If you feed soon after expressing use the other side, then top up with the expressed side if needed.

Otherwise it probably won't matter - your body will make more when needed anyway.

One word of warning - if you always express from the most productive side you may encourage any difference in production and end up with more lopsided boobs than before.

i use a double pump and express from both sides whether or not my dd had just had a feed. you get more milk from the side she didn't feed on and less but noticeably creamy milk from the side she did. it doesn't matter if you feed straight after either. letdown will take longer so your baby may fuss a bit. however, if 30 mins to an hour goes by between expressing and feeding, i don't think the baby would notice.

*ps i expressed at work twice a day, everyday so had technique down pat.

I was just this second reading this on Kellymomon this page here

thanks - I quickly expressed 2 oz from the bigger boob. Fed DD later on the other. then when I tried to give her the expressed milk, she wouldn't take it...arghhh! so fed again on the bigger boob. I think it's going to be ginormus tomorrow, which is a shame as we are off to a wedding...

Poor little mite didn't know what to make of the teat ( 2 types of NUK, but silicone ones). will get some latex ones & try again in a couple of days.

adath -thanks for the link - handy to know if I do ever get DD to take a bottle, I can leave the milk upstairs for DH to feed her

Now, the boob I expressed from is all itchy...& visible bigger than the other, better get breast nurse cooling in the fridge