Expressing and bottle feeding

[Snowy87]

As the title says…my LB is 8 weeks and I’m wanting to start bottle feeding in the day but still self feed in an evening and sometimes in the day if at home. With my first I moved him straight into formula as I didn't feel confident with expressing etc but LB is happy on breast milk and I have a good supply (plus it’s free) so I’m seeking advice on when and how often I need to pump during the day to keep my supply established enough to do both breast and bottle. I’ve given little one odd bottles but then he immediately wants me for comfort. Any tips would be much appropriated. Thanks

I’m honestly not sure. There is some information here on how much EBM they will need.

I’m not sure how many times you’ll have to pump though. Maybe you could ask one of the BFCs on the BFing Helplines? Have you got the numbers?

I'm pumping as I'm going back to work in a week so wanted to get established. Baby needs about 1-1.5 oz per hour you are away at least. You should pump whenever baby would be hungry to maintain supply.

Will you be doing the feeding or someone else? Because pumping is a tremendous amount of work, I would only do it if you are away and someone else (the nanny, grandma etc) is doing the feeding.

Babies are more efficient than any pump so it takes a lot longer to pump to get the same amount of milk.

Spectra makes a great pump but it's not hands free. You can get a pumping bra but it's still massive and you're tied to the sofa. I use it as I will be pumping at my desk at work.

The Elvie Stride is a great totally hands free one.

I think at that age, the baby will still be looking to suck for comfort as well unfortunately. So I wouldn't drop any night time feeds.