Breast feeding?

Question

My girlfriend is going back to school and is not going to be able to breast feed any more or like she use to...my question is....can she stop producing milk cause she's not gonna feed like she used to? Any suggestions....so she still can produce milk...my boy is 5 months

Answer 1

As already suggested by others, the best things your GF can do is invest or rent an electric pump (they are so much better than the manuals) to express her milk so the supply doesn't dry up. The longer you go without BF or pumping you brain will tell your body you don't need to make more milk thus decreasing your supply.

She would be wise to continue BF until school starts but times when she is not feeding pump and start saving up milk. Pump every 2-3 hours and store in freezer bags...if her supply is good she will have enough within a few days. Pumping also allows others to feed the baby, giving mom some time to herself to rest and relax. If possible she should pump at school. I don't produce much milk to begin with so I don't have to worry about freezing, but make sure you store in smaller quantities because whatever is left has to be thrown out. When she gets home, have her BF though, little BF is better than no BF...your baby always get more milk out of you than a machine will.

I use a Medela double electric pump, it allows me to pump from both breasts at one time, decreasing the time. You need to pump. Advent and Gerber also make pumps, but I love mine. If you can't afford to purchase one, La Leche or your hospital can help you locate one that you can rent for a minimal fee.

This is the best thing to do, I think, and if your boy doesn't mind formula you can always use that as a supplement is her supply is running low or out. But remember to pump when away from the baby.

Contact a lactation consultant or the local la leche org, they are great at offering advice and tips. Good luck :o)

Answer 2

She's still going to produce milk and her breast may be tender for awhile since she's not going to be breastfeeding... If she still wanted to continue she could get a pump and use a bottle... She can start pumping before she goes to school and freeze the milk in little marked zip lock bags.. There are some made by Gerber... They can be frozen,dated and thawed when needed. . If she chooses to go this route I would suggest freezing small portions of breast milk as oppossed to 6-8 oz. at a time since if the baby doesn't drink it all you will have to throw it out.... Also, the baby will soon be ready for solids so she won't need to breastfeed as much.... If she is planning on BF, she will also need to keep drinking her water and taking her prenatal vitamins...Good luck and I hope that helps....

Answer 3

Feed as often as she can while at home, and try and express at some stage during the day while at school. If possible, could you or someone else take your baby in to her at lunch time so he could have a feed?

Continuing to breastfeed once you go back to work or school is possible...I went back to work full time shortly after having my first child, and continued to breast feed her till she was three.

Answer 4

Yes - if you don't use it you lose it. But she can express and store the milk for the baby to drink during the day. You can buy electric or manual breast pumps. Get advice from your local health centre nurse.

Answer 5

she can pump her breast milk and refrigerate it for later. In time from not nursing her milk can dry up. It is different for different people so i cannot tell you exactly how long.

Answer 6

yes she can pump to keep her supply up. then you can feed the baby the breastmilk instead of formula