Another Breastfeeding and Pumping Question

Updated on October 26, 2010
S.K. asks from Chicago, IL
4 answers

So I work only half a day, 4 days a week. I breast feed my son before I leave on one side and then pump from the other side for his bottle. I feed him again when I am back 5-6 hours later.He nurses only on one side always. So I pump on the other. I nurse him on demand rest of the day.
Do you think this will work or will it lead me to dry up soon cos I am missing one feeding. I am thinking it's ok as he anyways doesnt feed every 3-4 hrs during the night?
I am avoiding carrying my pump set to and from work as I will be pumping just once while I am at work and once at home. But if that will cause me to dry up , I will need to do something about it.
How do I know if I am drying up? If I feel I am making less , will pumping often for few days bring the milk supply up again? It's worked in the past for me - whenever I feel my supply is very low I pump often or nurse often for couple days and it's all fine. That's one reason for me to not pump during work - cos I thought I will be able to bring it back up.
But want to hear from you moms if this worked for you as your baby grew older too? Mine in 6 months old(4 months adjusted) now. Thanks!

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More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

You are just fine. If you are pumping the oneside he is not eatting, your body is already making additional feedings. "I LOVE one-sided babies. M. has it so easy. No, this will not make you dry up. The only problem is if you are waiting 2-3 hours to feed him once you are home. Congrats!! You are a nursing dream. If everyone was like you, I would not have a job. BTW, not filling full is not an indicator of your milk supply. If baby is still satisfied after feeding from one side, your milk supply is just fine. Just be sure to get in your water while at work. Congrats again.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.P.

answers from Boise on

I would think that this would work if you are feeding right before you leave and when you get home. I pump in the morning (pump all one side, and about 2 ounces on the other), then feed on one side (the one I only pumped 2 ounces from). I then pump 4 hours later, 4 hours later, and nurse from one side when I get home. I am able to provide for my daughter, and a baby that someone in town is going to be adopting as soon as he is born.

If you aren't losing your milk (wet diapers are still happening, and he doesn't still seem hungry), then why hassle with the pump transport. I ended up buying another pump after forgetting parts too often at home. As long as you are able to know when your supply goes down, and you can get it back up, I think you are having an easier time with it than M..

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.N.

answers from Chicago on

Your body goes with the amount needed typically. You could bring a hand pump to work and leave it at work just to make extra milk for later. How old is your son? As they get older they demand more milk so I always have a time where I can pump and store for nights out etc. otherwise i'm on demand but Im also a sahm so it may help to get more info from a working mom:) Otherwise call your local la leche...

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