Pregnancy Info HOME

DDT -- I'm bumping up a thread called "Is it safe to just pump" that will answer some of your questions. But in brief: you will probably find it is NOT more convenient to pump and then breast feed, no matter what you think right now. Many women who exclusively pump run into supply issues, so yes, there's a chance your milk will dry up. You do not have to freeze all your expressed milk. Milk can stay in the fridge for I believe 5 days. Check the La Leche League website for more info on milk storage. Can I ask why you prefer to pump and then feed? It's something I've heard women say before and i don't quite understand. I'm pumping while at work, and it's definitely more difficult for me than nursing. Also, you're still looking at warming up bottles, washing all the bottles and nipples, not to mention the time it takes to pump. Oh, and it was very difficult for me to find time to pump at home when I was first starting (trying to build up a reserve for when I started back to work). It takes me a lot longer to pump than it does to nurse my son. This is not a stupid question at all! It's great that you want to give your lo breastmilk, and if you do decide to exclusively pump you are still giving your lo the best you feel you can give. Good luck!

I find exclusevly pumping great. I didn't plan for it. My baby had issues latching so I started pumping. I buil my whole milk suply only by pumping. LC told me to to pump about every 3 hours and at least once a night until there is no milk coming out and then for 3 more minutes. That helps build your supply. In the begining it was a lot of work and I don't think it is easier than brestfeeding, with pumping after your supply is well established you may cut the number of pumping sessions. At about 10 weeks I'm getting enough milk for 5 meals doing only 3 pumping seesions .
Take care