When Breast feeding my baby... how often do I manually pump milk a day?

Question

My Lamaze instructor said that even when I am not breast feeding that I should pump milk and store it in the freezer. How many times should I pump breast milk a day? Are the bags that preserve the breast milk safe (the Medela brand)? Do they lock out odors from the freezers or would you suggest I get a mini fridge instead? What are the breast milk pads for? Is it to preven leakage?

Answer 1

I think you should pump every two hours, as often as you would be feeding your baby. I think your breast milk will be fine in your regular freezer. The breast pads don't prevent leakage, they soak it up so you don't end up with two big round circles on your chest. You leak a lot at first.

Answer 2

You should pump at least 3 times a day, so your breast stays stimulated even when the baby is not eating. This keeps the milk coming in. The Medela bags actually are the best brand out there and they keep the breast milk frozen for up to 6 months and it does lock out odors. You really don't need a mini fridge unless you are going to be bedridden after the birth. The breast pads are so that the milk won't stain your shirts or bras. your breast will leak when it is time to feed the baby and if the baby is not there to eat you will have a accident.

Answer 3

You are not producing enough breastmilk for your baby because you are feeding her formula. To make more milk, you need to nurse a lot more or express milk frequently (every hour or two). You can try purified lanolin cream (Lansinoh or Medela Tender Care) or gel pads between feedings. Ameda makes nice ones that are available at Amazon. If you can find a lactation consultant or breastfeeding volunteer, she will probably be able to help you adjust your baby's position and latch or identify another problem so you don't have so much pain with breastfeeding. You can hand express milk or use a manual or electric pump. Make sure, if you use any type of pump, that you can adjust the suction. Manual expression will probably not hurt your nipples, but you will have to do it very frequently. How old is your baby? The younger s/he is, the easier it will be to increase your milk volume.

Answer 4

You should pump after you breastfeed so you fully empty your breast and you can save it in the freezer if you ever go out and it will be fine in the freezer The breastpads help so you wont have milk spots on your shirt/

Answer 5

I do not understand your question. If you are breastfeeding your baby you do not need to pump. You only pump if you are going to be away from your baby.

If you are going to be away from your baby here is a calculator to figure out how much milk you need:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/pumping/milkcalc.html

However you should be careful about introducing a bottle as some babies will come to prefer it. And a) you do not want to be pumping all the time and b) pumping is not as good for you or the baby. You can feed your baby expressed breastmilk with a syringe, or a cup. If you are going to be away from your baby a lot a Lactation Consultant can show whoever is going to be watching your baby how to cup feed, which is quicker and easier than a syring.

There are breastmilk bags, or you can just use freezer bags.

The pads are to prevent leakage but they never stay put!

Answer 6

the more you pump, the more milk your body is going to make.
I would only pump if necessary. you dont want to be making more milk than your babys is eating right now.
not sure about the different brands of bags.
and do you mean nursing pads? if so, those are to help with the leaking, so the milk doesnt get on your clothes-they dont stop the leaking from happening.

Answer 7

why not u directly feeding ur baby from breast ,don't store milk in freezer & don't feed it 2 ur baby.Always feed ur baby fresh milk

Answer 8

just bottle it and sell it, makes good money. $2.99 per gallon.