When to start pumping?

[Kjens12]

How soon after your milk comes in would you suggest pumping? I am not exclusively pumping, I just want to have storage for when someone else is watching my little man. Also, I think it will be good for my husband to be able to feed him and spend time with him. I'd rather pump sooner opposed to later. What are your experiences? Also I will be using the ameda purely yours,  since my insurance pays for it. What are your experiences with that pump? If I don't like it I will end up buying a medela.  

[Kjens12]

That is an excellent point, I didn't think of that. I will probably pump while he feeds the little man every now and then. During the weeks I plan on definitely doing all the feedings. I can nap when the baby does, and he works long hours at a physically demanding job. It would be nice to be able to pump then go back to sleep while he either stays up with the baby or gets him back down. I feel like my plan will change though once we are actually in the situation.  That is just what I would like to happen.

[mrs_farris]

Even if your husband takes a feeding,  it is recommended that you pump during that time so you won't decrease your supply. This is especially important in the first few weeks because babies ar more active at night and will better stimulate you to produce more milk. Skipping a feeding isn't recommended. You would be better off learning how to nurse in a side lying position and having your husband bring baby to you. This way you are still resting.

[RippedonScotch]

for me the hospital had me pump the day after my son was born to try to get more of a supply in.  I had breast reduction surgery when i was 20 so there was only a 50/50 shot i was going to produce enough on my own.   even with pumping I couldn't get him enough so we ended up doing some nursing and some formula.  So I know what to expect this time as well.

[Kjens12]

I have read frozen milk is good for 6-12 months. There are lots of cool charts online about how long it can be stored in different temperatures. Medela has a simple clean chart that I really like. Were any of you too overwhelmed to pump until things settled down? I'm hoping hubby can take a night feeding on the weekends since I get severe headaches when I don't sleep enough.  That being said I plan to sleep when the baby sleeps.

[luka_n_baby2]

Your supposed to wait at least 30 days so your baby can get your milk supply up. The baby works harder then a pump so it builds your supply.

[jeshoff2014]

How long can you keep milk frozen in the freezer and still use it?

[Kjens12]

That's a really good point! I'd like him to be able to mostly nurse, just bottle feed on occasion. I'm hoping he does well with both.

[lexus0782]

In my experience you want exclusive nursing for the first 30 days. Testing out bottles n pacifiers before then can confuse baby and he or she will reject mommas breast. Baby's have to work for the milk when nursing and bottle feeding is no work and they get frustrated n refuse breast if u start too early. However, I did start pumping after 2 weeks to help my milk supply increase. I just waited after 30 days to introduce bottle.

[Kjens12]

I've heard medela is a lot more efficient,  which is very tempting! I won't be working though, so I am going to test out the Ameda since it's free. We have the money, I just don't see the point in spending it if I am content with the one from my insurance. I'd like to pump soon after because I really think my husband and my family that comes to visit will want that bonding time, and I would like them to have it as well.

[jennnnny8675309]

You pump I've the baby is here, nipple stimulation can start contractions. I have heard many people who want to pump early and it isn't a good Indra, shoo says the doctors. When I was in the nicu with my first there were women in there with babies that had tries that. Milk really comes in when the baby us here anyway. As for pump, I love my medela! It is all about preferences though.
:-)