How long were you told to wait before starting expressing your milk?

Question

I was told 6 weeks by my midwife. My friend says 4 weeks.
In your own experience, how long did it take you the first time to express a reasonable amount?

Answer 1

I pumped at the hospital the first day that my milk came in because I was so engorged. However, for breastfeeding, it is recommended not to offer a bottle until breastfeeding is well established, usually after 4 - 6 weeks. So, that is what your friend and midwife are recommending.

Answer 2

I waited about 1 month until I started pumping. No matter how long you wait, it will take you several times to get the hang of it, so don't expect to make very much the first couple of times. Maybe only an ounce... but you'll get better with practice.
The reason your midwife said to wait is because its very important that you spend the first 6 weeks regulating your milk supply before you try something new... you don't want to start expressing too soon because than you might send a signal to your body that you need more milk when you really don't... or maybe you don't express as often as you should and you chance reducing your supply without meaning too... just wait until you and your baby are in a pretty good pattern, then you can try expressing.

Answer 3

The lactation consultant at the hospital I delivered at told me I could start pumping as soon as my milk came in (which was the day I left the hospital). I tried pumping within the first week because I was so engorged. I didn't really start pumping until around 3-4 weeks because we were getting ready to try introducing the bottle and I wanted to have a little bit of a supply built up. It takes a while to pump a good amount, your newborn eats often, but not large quantities of milk at each feeding. Be patient, I know it's frustrating to pump and only get 1/2 or 1 ounce at a time, but it takes time to build up your supply. Pumping first thing in the morning works good because your breasts are typically fullest at that time.

Answer 4

I did it in the first week, they showed me how in hospital on my first day! The only reason they tell you not to is because if you do it too much then your milk supply doesn't regulate.
Your body knows how much milk to produce by how much baby sucks, so if you're pumping then you might upset the applecart. On the other hand, if you have engorgement (too much milk to start off with) or mastitus, they tell you to express straight away.
If you're confident with your feeding, and haven't had any problems with milk supply my advice is try it when you're ready.
Too much bottle early on can cause 'nipple confusion' though. If your baby thinks your boob is a bottle he'll just suck on the nipple rather than latching properly, and believe me, that hurst like hell! However, there is some evidence to show that if you get your baby to take a bottle a couple of times in the first three weeks, then they will be easier to feed with a bottle later on when you want to have a break.
Good luck with it - and remember, you know your baby best at the end of the day!

Answer 5

With my first it was about a week ( i did it by hand as could never master the art of the pump), second right away as she was in intensive care(hospital pump was great), third about a week. I cant see why you would not be able to pump as long as your milk supply is in and the baby is getting enough. Pumping will increase your supply, just make sure you are eating healthily, resting and drinking enough water then you will be fine.

Answer 6

In breastfeeding class, we were told that the rule of thumb is to make sure that breastfeeding is well and truly established before introducing a bottle (whether for expressing or topping up with formula). She said that this could be as early as 3 weeks, but if you have problems with breastfeeding, it could take longer.

Answer 7

I pumped after 4 weeks so that my husband and I could go out and leave a bottle with the sitter. By six weeks I had to be back at work so I needed to make sure that pumping would work

Answer 8

I only ever pumped in the beginning to get my supply regulated, have only ever used breast, now transferring to bottles of formula gradually and he is fine, the more you feed and pump the more milk your body will make, just make sure in the beginning that you pump after you have fed your baby not before, just in case you get a supply problem.
Good luck.

Answer 9

I've had three children and have never waited any length of time. With each, I have even been pumping while still in the hospital. Sure helps with engorgment and it keeps in the freezer .

Hope that helps

Answer 10

My son was whisked away to neo natal at 15 minutes old and I started expressing when he was about 2 hours old, I did'nt get very much at first so he had to be supplemented with formula.