Expressing for the odd bottle
Help!
I exclusively breastfeed and need to pump some milk for a couple of bottles so I can leave the baby with my partner.
Every time I’ve tried, my little one is so grouchy and unsettled for the rest of the day. It’s as if the milk I express results in him not getting enough in subsequent feeds. I don’t want to pump everyday, just slowly build up a small supply every now and then for the freezer.
Help! What I doing wrong, or can you not just pump the odd bottle?
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I pump for the odd feed and it's fine. It is normal to not get much milk first times you try a pump. How long are you pumping for? And hiw long after a feed?
I pumped this morning after his feed on the opposite breast. Only took 5-10 mins and I got 4.5oz!
Sounds like you're doing tge right thing
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Easiest way to explain (hope it makes sense) if you’re ebf your body makes enough milk for your baby. (Unless you’re blessed with oversupply) If you then start to pump, the breast won’t have as much (remember they’re never empty) but it’s very normal for your LO to be grouchy when they next feed as it’s not on tap like normal and it means they have to work a little harder to get their milk, it will also signal breasts to make more milk for next time, so try pump around the same times (morning works best for me) and try to wait 45 minutes after a feeding to pump. Gradually you’ll notice pump amounts increase and your LO will be fine with feeding after pumping. ☺️ good luck x