Expressing

[charlie84]

I am looking to start to express when LO is about six weeks, so daddy can do a feed every now and then

The question is when do i express? Is it before or after LO feeds?
How much am i looking to get off that would be a decent feed?

 

[clarey]

I started expressing when Eva was about 4 weeks too and only got a tiny bit at the start, now I find I can get around 3 ounces at a time and she needs around 5oz for a whole feed, but I expect this varies a lot form baby to baby.
I was told to express after a feed as your milk is flowing best then, start with the one you were feeding from if its not empty and then drain the other one as well, so by the next feed you will be full again!
This works for me although I need to express twice a day to get enough for a feed without having to top her up myself (kinda defeats the object of being able to hand her over for a break!)
As long as you are consistent it shouldnt affect your supply beyond the first couple of days, I just find if I forget or cant be bothered to express I get a bit engorged feeling and LO gets half drowned when shes feeding poor thing!
Hope this is helpful!

 

[andreag]

I expressed every day from about 6 weeks as I was going back to work when C was 4.5 months. I used to do one boob in the morning whilst C had the other. Because I was doing it every day I got 6-8oz off every morning once it was established (this took a few days). When we started doing a dreamfeed, I used to express after her last evening feed and at bedtime to get about 5-6oz. It does work better if you do it regulalrly as your body adapts to the pattern. Having a bath or shower also helps, and you need to be relaxed (ie don't try the first time in the front room when the window cleaner is due, as I did!)

 

[charlie84]

Well girls i did my first express this morning. LO slept through the night and i woke up with full boobs so thought i would give it a whirl.

Well after Calleigh had her morning feed which was quite large as she hadnt fed for 8 hours i managed to get off 5oz

I found expressing quite easy so i am really chuffed. Now its a case of whether she will take a bottle.
I am going to use the TT closer to nature one that came with the pump, but do have an Avent bottle also.

 

[andreag]

Well done you - and sleeping through already - tremendous!

Make sure Daddy gives the bottle and you are well away from the action.

Good luck!

 

[charlie84]

Well done you - and sleeping through already - tremendous!

Make sure Daddy gives the bottle and you are well away from the action.

Good luck!

Thanks

Yes daddy has been warned i cant be near or she might not take it so i will go and relax in the bath for an hour

So pleased that she sleeps longer at night, me and OH have been enjoying the sleep.