So, I am def an on the go mom and getting ready to have baby # 3. I would like to breastfeed and pump. Is it realistic that baby nurse from one side and pump the other to store the milk? An then alternate each feeding? Please let me know if that is realistic?
Thanks in Advance!
The only way that I was able to get any milk by pumping was to have my son sucking on one side and the pump pumping on the other. So yes, completely realistic.
I totally did this with my youngest in preparation for him going back to daycare from my maternity leave.
Not all breast pumps are created equal, though. Make sure whichever one you get has the one sided pump option (I had Medela pump in style). I am not very familiar with other brands or hand pumps, but that is the one feature that I found was not consistent across brands and even year of models.
Best of luck!
I usually let my son nurse on both sides and then pump both sides right after too (just to make an extra bottle for later). I don't think there would be anything wrong by making things go by a little faster by letting the baby nurse on one side while pumping on the other. Just make sure if you choose to use bottles that there wouldn't be any nipple confusion in the beginning. Good luck!
Absolutely, your body will adjust. I have fed both of my babies on just one side. I pump both in the morning (about 2 ounces from the one I feed on, and totally on the other, or until the bottle is full). While at work, I pump both. On weekends, I just alternate. Just make sure you know what side you are on, pumping on the other side, may make it harder to tell what side you are on.
If you are asking if it is realistic to do both at the same time? I haven't done this...I usually either wait till her nap, or after burping, put her on my pillow, sit in front of her and play with her, while pumping.
Yes it is totally realistic! I used to nurse my son on one side and pump at the same time on the other before I went to work because he could never get anywhere near emptying them from overnight and I have a 1 hour commute after dropping him off at daycare. I used my Medela Pump in Style dual or single pump with the single pump option. He looked at it weirdly the first few times but got used to it. I only did that for a few months until his needs started dropping once solids were introduced. It also helped me because then I didn't need to pump the SECOND I got to work.
I didn't do this at night, however. I would wait until he went to sleep and then pump them both completely. BTW- he got up 2-3 times a night too for ehem 9 months. Currently prego with #3 and hoping hoping hoping for more sleep this time :)
Best wishes!
Totally! My sons always nursed on one side at a time. When I was going out and needed a bottle, I'd pump one one side while nursing on the other. I always got more when I did it that way, the let-down was stronger. Go for it:) Your body will make as much as you take out from it.
I haven't tried that, but what worked for me was to nurse on both sides and then immediately pump both sides right after she finished nursing. I started early on, about 2 weeks after she was born, and it was great for us because it increased my supply so we never even noticed the growth spurts and I had almost 300 oz in my freezer when I went back to work at 8 wks.
Congratulations on the new baby!
Yes, this is absolutely realistic! This was actually the only way I could pump in the beginning, couldn't get the milk to let down unless my son was nursing. After I was done pumping & he was done on the one side, I would offer him the other breast I pumped from, just incase he needed/wanted a little more and even though I wasn't getting anymore from the pump, he usually could get a little extra from the other side. I found it best to do this in bed, so I could prop baby on a pillow and have more room for everything! The first time you try, you think you don't have enough hands to accomplish it, but after a little practice I found it very easy.
I guess it depends and how much milk you have and how much your baby eats; mine never got to the 2nd breast before falling asleep, so it would've been realistic, but if you don't have much supply and/or your baby is a big eater, it may not.
What you can do however, after the baby stops eating, pump whatever is left on both sides, to stimulate your breasts to get more milk, and eventually, you may get enough to store.
Good luck to you!
It is realistic as long as you're not expecting to hold the baby to nurse and hold the pump at the same time...I've tried it! Nurse the baby, put her down or hold her in some easier position, then pump the other breast. Another idea is to hold the baby in a moby or other type of carrier to nurse while you pump other breast. But honestly, I saw nursing as my break time and I wanted us both to be very comfortable while doing it, so I gave the baby my full attention and enjoyed the bonding. I am about to have #4 and am in the same busy boat, but I think it's worthwhile to plan to fully enjoy the magic of breastfeeding while it lasts; it's not a feeling that you can take a picture of or write down. It's an experience that is really special. I know you'll be able to manage everything just fine :)
