Expert: ruth kraft - 4/9/2010

Question
Hi there.

I'm a stay at home mom with a brand new little one.  She's about five weeks old.  Now that I'm nearing the six week mark I've been trying to read up on pumping.  I'm not pumping so that I can go back to work or anything. Really I just want to have extra around for outings and just so that dad can give a hand every now and then if I'm making dinner or just generally busy at home with household things.  

My question is about scheduling my pumping so I'm not taking away from my baby while still getting a good supply of milk to put back for what I need.  I've read that you should try to pump right after your baby feeds... or an hour after... I just want some sort of clarification as to when!  I'm so confused.

I've already had to deal with having an overactive letdown and just managed to get my milk supply regulated from that.  Will pumping bring back the problem or will my body just produce enough for me to pump and feed without producing that 'fire hydrant' effect when my baby's trying to nurse?  

Thanks a lot for any help you can give me!
Erin

Answer
Hello :) my suggestion would be , feed the baby in the morning and once or twice a week pump after you feed him. Maybe an hour or so afterwards is fine. If you only pump once or twice a week, youshould not get an overabundance like you had. If you want to pump every day, make sure you do it at the same time and will be able to keep it up for long periods as your body will see that as an extra feeding the baby is getting.

I would wait until you get past your 6 week mark as the baby is going to go through a growth spurt at 6 weeks which alone can make you feel crazy as they build their supply on their own.  after that , it will be much easier  :)  

So, for the use you are wanting, I think once a week would be fine. What you don't use that week, you can always freeze and save for later ;)

I hope that helped!
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