When Is the best time to express?

[IHeartLockhart]

I've started feeding DS from both boobs, it's going well so far but now I'm confused about when to express. I used to do it after he'd fed on one full one on a morning, I'd empty the other one with the pump. Now he has 1 and a half boobs and Idon't have much left to pump out. They seem to be constantly empty whenever I go to pump.

So when is best to fit it in, am I missing something?

I should add I don't usually need to express every day but we're going away next weekend and I've been trying to build my freezer supply up. I like to have a few bags back up in there in case of emergency etc

I find first thing in the morning is most successful. Don't worry too much about your DD not having enough, your production will be increased by him suckling and he'll keep going until he gets enough. Just make sure you express every day, about the same amount - you want your supply to level out there.

DS I mean not DD!!

Feed him both sides first so he gets what he needs, then express from both sides. Morning feed usually best but more important is to choose one feed per day and stick to it so your body gets used to producing more at that time (I recommend the feed before a likely nap so you can do it in peace). You will probably find the first day or two you don't get much / anything in which case stop after 5 mins each side. Then gradually your supply will build up. If your dc is younger tends to be easier. I tended to find expressing was an 'all or nothing' thing - so either get into the routine and do it every day for a few weeks til you have a good stash in your freezer, or just forget it. Annoying I know as I always used to think you would be able to express a quick feed and then nip to the gym or whenever but didn't work that way for me.

I used to express in the morning and then feed dd.

She was much more efficient at getting the milk out than me, so she would still get what she needed.

I hated expressing with a passion though, unless my boobs were exploding I found it really difficult to get any amount of milk at all.

I agree with dangermouse that you need to express daily if you want to get any amount. It is difficult to produce extra on a one off basis.

DH used to feed DD the bottle of breast milk or we would fridge it for the grandparents to feed her while we were out.

It may be easier for you to express every day and just feed your ds any that you don't want to or don't need to freeze.

I try and fit one in in the morning between feeds when DS is quiet and then I do one in the evening too if DH gives him a bottle (ie when I'd normally feed him). We're thinking of introducing formula in his nightly bottke though as he seems to guzzle more than I can express easily.....

Thanks everyone. I hadn't thought about making sure to do it at the same time every day but that does make sense. Hopefully I can get enough out in the meantime in time for the weekend! Really don't want him to have formula