When to start pumping? ?

Question

how long should one wait before breastpumping, or can you go ahead as soon as it comes in?

I'm very engorged, have plenty of milk, and even though my son eats regularly and has a good appetite, I'm left in pain between feedngs because my b*****s are so hard and sore. Is there any reason I should not start pumping now?

how much, if any, does pumping affect supply for baby come meal time?

when is the best time to pump?

Answer 1

You can pump anytime you feel uncomfortable.  If you pump close to feeding time, it's possible there won't be enough to fill your son, but then you just use the milk you pumped previously to supplement.

Be sure to get the breastmilk storage bags, label the day you filled them.  Remember they will store for 24-28 hours in the fridge, but if you aren't going to use them by then, put them right into the freezer.  They are good in there for 3m.  Don't defrost in the microwave, as you will get hotspots that destroy the good proteins in the milk.  Congrats!

Answer 2

"I'm left in pain between feedngs because my b*****s are so hard and sore. Is there any reason I should not start pumping now?"

Best to express just enough to relieve the engorgement; if you pump, you'll just tell your body to keep making too much.  

Answer 3

How old is your baby?  If he/she is still newborn then I would say don't pump much.  It is much better to express or pump just enough to relieve some pressure/pain, but not all the pressure.  Express just enough to relieve the pressure off your nipples/areolas.  Those should not be rock hard.  The more you pump, the more milk you will make.  And pumping is not the same as the baby actually suckling. There is going to be some serious discomfort until your body and your baby regulate the milk production.  Try some cold compresses on your b*****s to relieve the pain.  Do NOT use cold cabbage leaves.  This will dry your milk up if used too often.  Keep up the good work breastfeeding.  The beginning is difficult and at times painful but it is sooooo worth it.

Answer 4

You can start pumping any time, but bear in mind that pumping will actually INCREASE your milk production, and perpetuate the engorgement problem.  If your goal is to relieve engorgement, only pump a little out to ease the pain, but do not empty the breast.  It will take a few days, but your supply will naturally adjust to what your baby is eating (too much pumping will trick your body into thinking that you need the extra milk).

If you plan to go back to work or want to have a freezer supply for the occasional date night, go ahead and pump for a few days and stock up, but I would do it after the baby has nursed and when you are pretty sure that they will be down for a little while (naptime and bedtime) just to make sure that there is plenty there when baby wants it.  You then may need to continue to pump, a little less each day, to keep from getting engorged.

Answer 5

start pumping, refrigerate or freeze what you pump and your baby can have it later that day.  best not to be engorged for too long.

Answer 6

start pumping now!  you will produce milk depending on how much goes out...the more going out the more milk is being produced, if there barely any milk is being pumped or nursed out of you body the less it will make...this means your baby will have more to eat if you keep the milk flowing, just don't do it RIGHT before feeding time...do it an hour and a half before...and then an hour or two after....keep it regular if you want to store milk so daddy can feed the baby too!  If you don't pump much in between feedings then your body will go off that schedule and won't produce enough to pump at those times....So start pumping now, do it like an hour and a half before she eats and the same after...and anytime you think you might overflow...i pumped and fed so much that my body produced sooo much milk my baby always had  plenty and I had so much to store also...