returning to work

[Harmony]

i'm not going back to work for another 9 weeks or so, but i'm wondering, when should i start building a freezer stash of bm? how often and when should i start to pump?

[Melanie]

Now. You should start now, otherwise you're going to be stressing about it later. I always chose to pump right after baby went to bed for the first time at night. That way, I had longer to build back up enough for the middle of the night feeding, and I could relax knowing he/she was sleeping. As you get closer to your work date, you may have to pump more than once a day. Are you going back full time?

I liked the Gerber freezer bags.

[KarenP]

Or try to get a pump session in first thing in the morning, as that is when your supply is the highest. And baby is more efficient than the pump, so she will be able to get some out after too.

[megbender]

I started right away (granted I went back at 1 wk for 1 day/wk). I plan on starting right away again this time as well. I pumped every morning first thing then fed baby.

[ElizabethN]

I liked the Gerber freezer bags.
I hate the Gerber freezer bags - I have much better luck with the Dr. Brown.

I agree with everything else Melanie said. :)

[Harmony]

thanks, guys. i only work part time, usually 8-2. but i got a raise a while back, so i'm considering going in at 9 instead. and my boss is pretty accomodating, so i'll be able to pump any time i need to during the work day.

i'll definitely start now. i've used the lansinoh zipper bags (the 2 days she was on formula) and they work pretty good. i'm renting a medela lactina right now, so i may try the medela pump and save bags when these are gone.

thanks again. :)