Supply ?

holley79 wrote: Like I said on the BP post I bought the Medela PIS. I know that your supply is determined by stimulation and consistent breast feeding. After my milk comes in should I go ahead and start pumping and storing. I plan on going back to work when Annika is 3 months. Will this assure that I have enough milk for storage and feedings?

Does anything that just came out of my mouth make sense? It doesn't to me. I swear I am going to have to contact a LC.

MyLuvBugs replied: lol You're funny! In my experience pumping and storing wasn't an option. I bearly produced enough to feed Lorelei 1/2 the time. My boobs just didn't produce a lot of milk. Even with constant pumping and feeding and stimulation. I even took herbs to try to get more, but nothng worked. Are you producing milk now? B/c that would be awesome! Definately store it if you have it!! But even when you go back to work, you will NEED to take breaks and pump. BELIEVE ME, when they get full, it's either go pump or leak alllllll over the place.

holley79 replied: No I don't think I have anything in there yet. I am trying so hard to "cram for this exam". LOL. Good thing this isn't a pass or fail. We have a locker room here at work that is really nice. I use to be a smoker but quit. So I will take "smoke" breaks to pump.

Guess we will just go with the flow and see how it is.

CAMSMOM1 replied: [COLOR=red][B][SIZE=7]Hello! I haven't breastfeed in a few months, but I had the same questions as you did. So hopefully I can help some.

I had a breastfeeding consultant, and she gave me good advice. It's a supply and demand thing when it comes to the amount you produce. The more you feed and pump, the more you will produce. Also, the amount of fluids you drink really helps keep the supply up. She suggested water (of course) but also apple juice she said is great. Get a good pump, one that you dont have to do manually. (get electric) Get freezer bags made just for storing breast milk. Breast milk can stay good for 6months frozen. It was a lifesaver for me when I went back to work and also when you are going out and don't want to breastfeed in public.
Mornings are good time to pump when you are full, try to do it an hour or so before your baby wants to feed. Pump both breasts.
I didnt start pumping until 3 weeks or so past since his birth. That's when my milk was coming in steady. Also, once your baby starts sleeping through the night or doesn't feed every 2 hours, that's the time to pump to keep up your supply. I know it'll be hard to do, since you want to sleep. But your will be so full, and being "to full" can cause breast infections. I know, cause I got them often from being to full.
Hope this hellps! Try pumping in between feedings, keep up the fluids, and start storing...you'll need it soon!
Ann

jem0622 replied: Wait until after 3 or 4 wks of on demand nursing to pump. When you do pump, make sure you do it immediately after nursing. Or, take a quick warm shower and then pump. Freeze the pumped milk in 1-2 oz increments and make sure you lay it flat in the freezer (takes up less space). Package it well and put it in the back of the freezer. Makes perfect sense if you can be disciplined enough to do it! GL!

amynicole21 replied: Yep, just like Julie said. Be sure to wait a few weeks to start so that you can make sure you don't create an oversupply problem.

holley79 replied:
Ok that makes sense. I really do appreciate everyone's advice. I swear I feel like there is so much to figure out but I guess it'll come natrually soon enough.

I want to really try bf and be able to continue after returning to work. I have the storage bags and this BM storage container for freezing. Hopefully everything will work out good. I'll give it a fighting chance. LOL

1moremakes4 replied: Great tips! I haven't been able to get the pumping thing down yet, but maybe I'm not doing it at a good time or I'm not "full" enough when I try.

TsurugiButterfly replied: Any idea where I could find these storage bags? The only local drugstore I have is a CVS and they don't have diddly in the way of things to store milk in.

MyLuvBugs replied:
That's awesome advice. Where were you when I needed help with this? lol

MyLuvBugs replied:
Target. They sell a bunch of Platex and Gerber ones. Also, Babies R Us has a bunch.

sydsmomm replied: I started pumping once a day after about 5 weeks, that is usually when your milk supply has really started to establish itself. I actually had TOO much milk in the freezer, but I was affraid of not having enough so I started pumping early. I would say pump every other day to build up a supply, but only once a day. I have the medela electric pump which is SUPER! Have you considered a sling for nursing in public? I love my sling and it is so easy to nurse in public without getting any looks! Although there is NOTHING wrong with nursing in public anyway! =) I bought mine at this great website: http://theplumfactory.com They also have very adorable tees for babies and toddlers! I love the gerber breastmilk storage bags. You can get them at Target or online if you do not have many stores near you! Good luck! =)

holley79 replied:


This is what I was looking for. I couldn't remember what the recommended time frame was for waiting to pump. I think I'm goign to go for the 3 week mark. Poor DH was at his wits end when I had to run some errands yesterday and she got hungry while I was one. I had just fed her prior to leaving. I have been banned from leaving the house without her in tow or until I am pumping.