Bernice I would just nurse her and if you feel like it after pump but don't stress yourself out trying to fit in pumpings just enjoy your baby and if she is nursing often that should do just fine for your supply.

Thanks Laurie. I have a friend who pumped religiously after each feed to keep volumes up, but it sounded quite a stressful excercise and I was a bit concerned that it would take something away from the sheer joy of feeding... if you know what I mean. Your advice is appreciated.

Bernice,
I pumped after most feeds until I got to a full supply (about 2-3 weeks). Then I continued to pump after the night feeds and the first morning feeds for a few months. I was able to build a freezer stash this way and it helped me increase my supply. I slowly dropped out pumping sessions and now at 5 months, I don't pump after feeds at all.
Good luck.
Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer. Sounds like it worked really well for you.

I was wondering this as well -
We're being induced on Tuesday (can't believe she's almost here!) and I'm pumping about 9oz per day right now. I find that all my milk production happens in the first 10 min. (I get about an oz per side in that time) and then nothing for the next 10 min. Does that mean I should feed on one side for 10-15 min and then switch to the other side?

thanks in advance -

I would feed on each side as long as the baby wants to at first. Most of the time our feeds took 40-50 minutes in the first weeks. They are not very efficient in those first weeks.
Jennifer

KKB you want to make sure baby gets the hind milk so letting them nurse as long as possible is good. I would nurse on the first side until baby is satisfied then switch sides burping and changing diaper in between letting baby nurse until satisfied on that side.
Forget the time, don't limit how much baby can nurse and you will be fine. When nursing you will have more than one letdown.
BTW you are doing awesome with your milk production. Way to go!!!

Thanks Jennifer & Laurie -

Should I also pump after I'm done nursing? Every time?
Karma

Bernice - how's the production going?

You can pump after feeds if you want to. It isn't mandatory and if it causes you stress don't do it. If you can fit in a pumping or two then go for it.

Wow Karma... TUESDAY is soooo close. Please let us know how it all goes, when you catch your breath that is.

My production is rising again, managing between 8 - 9oz again... phew.

Thanks Laurie - I'll see what I can manage.

Bernice - seems like we're right on track with our production! We're pumping nearly identical amounts. Glad to hear it's gone back up again.

How's your little one doing?

Hi Karma

We had the specialists appointment last week, and her heart is hanging in there. We are back on track for a natural water birth, and we were reassured that she should be just fine for the rest of the pregnancy, labour and the birth. When she is born she will need paediatric evaluation on her heart, but there is a good chance that the problem may correct itself after birth as Foetal hearts function slightly differently from that of a new born. Phew... very relieved.

Well,our little girl Addison Mae arrived on June 11th @ 1:11am weighing 7lbs2oz. She's absolutely perfect!
She latched on right away during our skin-on-skin time and fed like a champ from both sides. It was amazing! Breastfeeding is definitely NOT easy, and I'm finding it to be a challenge, but I'm thrilled that I can do it. She seems to be going through an increased feeding spurt right now, and wants to nurse every 1.5hours at most. I'm exhausted, but we're loving our little girl.

I'm feeling stressed about making sure I have enough milk for her. Currently she feeds for about 12-15min on each side, and in the last 24 hours I've had to feed her twice on each side a couple of times before she's satisfied. Usually though it's just once on each side. The feeds though take about an hour start to finish, which I'm hoping is normal at this stage of the game (she was nearly 2 weeks early). I'm worried about pumping after each feed because she needs to eat so frequently that I'm afraid if I pump I won't have any milk left.

I'm hoping to get to the Newman clinic this week for a little extra support, including with her latching (she's good on one side, not the best on the other).

Hope you're doing well!

KKB Congratulations!!!!!!

Congratulations on the safe arrival of your baby girl!! Well done with the feeding, let us know how it goes.

Soooo happy for you.