- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Ann Calandro BSN, RNC, IBCLC Lactation Consultant | ||
 |
Can you tell me when it is safe for me to start pumping my breast milk for future use? I have been told that if I start too soon, my body will think that I am feeding twins and will produce extra milk. My baby is almost 2 weeks old.
As soon as you are ready to start pumping, go ahead! Some mothers begin the first week, and others wait a while. If you are going back to work fairly quickly, you might want to go ahead and start storing up some of your precious milk for your little one.
It is true that pumping some in the early weeks may cause you to overproduce. That's OK, because if you are planning on doing a little pumping every day, you are going to need to make extra milk. Unless you pump as much as your baby nurses, I don't think you will need to worry about making enough for twins!
Many mothers pump in the mornings a time or two each day, because they find their supply is highest at that time, and it is a less hectic time of day. Baby is happier; you are more rested. Be sure to learn to effectively hand express or to get an efficient breast pump. Talk to your lactation consultant or a friend who has used a breast pump that has done a good job for her before deciding which brand to purchase. Unfortunately, there are a good many breast pumps on the market that are not at all helpful. I know because I work in a hospital, and I speak daily with breastfeeding mothers. I have heard all the stories about pumps that didn't work at all. Unfortunately, there are way too many of them.
Congratulations on your new baby! Enjoy your little one!
Sincerely,
Ann Calandro, RNC, IBCLC
Related Expert Q&A
- I stopped pumping because it hurts so much. Is there anything I can do to tough up my breasts to tolerate the pump?
- I noticed that there was blood mixed with my pumped breast milk. What could be causing this?
- Do I need to pump while I am on a business trip or will my supply stay steady?
- When is it safe to start pumping breast milk for future use?
- Are there any laws pertaining to pumping breast milk at your place of employment?
More Answers by this Expert
- My breasts are so large now, I am worried I will smother my baby if I try to breastfeed. Also, will my breasts return to their former size?
- Is it necessary to give multi-vitamin supplements to a breastfed baby? Doesn't Mother's milk provide all the nutrients a baby needs?
- Are there any laws in effect that hinder women from breastfeeding in public?
- What are an employer's legal responsibilities and duties for breastfeeding and/or pumping at work?
- I am pregnant, and my nipples are like a faucet, particularly when I'm sleeping. Is this normal?