Best time to hand pump?

[squizita]

My dd is about a month old. I want to get to grips with using my hand pump, as I have a biopsy coming up and it would give me peace of mind to know I could provide milk (not to mention just generally it would be a help).

I am going to try to get her to take a bottle a day/2 days to try to get her used to it for the future. But before that...

When I have the fullest breasts, naturally, tends to coincide with her feeds!
So when would be the best time to try?

As I mentioned, I'm just planning on pumping for DH to help out if I need to go out or have a long hospital appointment - plan to bf most of the time!

Definitely in the morning. I used to feed from just one side, so I'd feed the baby and then express from the other side.

Sorry to clarify - hand pump or manual Avent pump.

Rogan thanks - super idea as I have one bigger boob which she fusses at 1st thing anyway! She mostly feeds from the other that feed (weirdly she's ok afternoons).

I would feed on one side then pump the other side once baby is settled, then next feed you can give a bottle and pump again to end up with a back trail of bottles, pop them in the fridge and happy days

Thanks Sophie! Will give it a try.

Sensible brain wants to in case of day surgery.
Selfish brain also thinks a bottle of ebm a day could mean a nap or bath for mummy now and then!

definitely will give you bath/me time. I expressed and found it a massive release.
only advice is if you express enough to have a 'night off' you will explode in the night lol so be prepared to have to wake up and even express a small amount to relieve the pain

Thanks! Yep got warned to take many many breast pads and express in the loo the first day/evening when baby is with dad!

yup haha
I didn't have this advice and me and dh woke up swimming lol