Expert: ruth kraft - 3/29/2010

Question
I am a new mom and have been breastfeeding my son for 6 weeks. He has been eating about every three hours. I usually give him the first breast for about 15 minutes and then I offer the second. Whenever he is finished I will pump the rest of the milk in the am and once in the pm. I am trying to build up a supply for work. When I pump after I have feed him, I usually only get about .5 ounce. My husband has also offered a bottle to him at night and I will pump but I am only getting about 2 ounces (both breast combined). I heard to pump in the morning but should I pump before I feed him or after. I am just trying to find a schedule that is right to help me build a supply for work and to get the most milk from my breast. If anyone can offer any suggestions or an assisted timeline that would be great as an example of a feeding/pumping schedule. Thanks for the help.

Answer
Pump after you feed him at consistant times. If you can pump during the times you will be at work to keep the same schedule then you will have the best success. for instance, if you are going to work from 9 to 5 then pump once before work after you feed the baby, then pump again when your first break will be, then your lunch and then your second break if you get one. then in the afternoon and evening just nurse the baby as you have the least amount of milk then. Then, when you go back to work, you will have "trained" your breasts to the schedule that you want them to have and have adeqate milk :)and even more so :)

I hope that helped!
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