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Tell me about BFing supply and returning to work
I am returning to work next week and have some questions.
Did you have any issues with your supply when you returned to work? S eats every 2-3 hours, should I continue to pump at that frequency while at work?
I have a small -- and growing -- freezer stash. Should I begin with the oldest milk? Should I pump for the following day and give fresh milk, or begin to go through my freezer stash oldest to newest?
I haven't worn a real bra in months. Did you continue to just wear nursing tanks and nursing pads while working? I have a feeling I may invest in some more cardigans and just continue to wear these. Most of my work shirts/blouses would show my nursing pads, so I am a little concerned about my wardrobe.
Any other words of wisdom? I am kind of beginning to freak out a little.
After 31 cycles and two losses, we've been blessed with a healthy baby girl!
Congrats to both of my amazing TTC Buddies, tdmd09 and sb2006!!
Life of Amberley
Re: Tell me about BFing supply and returning to work
Boo for having to go back to work soon. I haven't gone back to work yet but this is my plan.
I was going to pump every 3 hours at work bc that is how often A eats.
The first day I was going to use my freezer stash oldest first. After that probably what I pumped the day before as long as it is enough. It seems simpler.
I was going to wear my nursing bra but I feel my boobs are way too big to not wear a bra.
Hi Amberley! I go back to work in 2 weeks and am also beginning to freak out a little. Especially because LO is has been refusing the bottle the last 2 weeks. But anyway, for your questions:
I will nurse every 2-3 hours-- whatever my work schedule allows per day, and if every 3 hours still gives me enoug milk and doesn't affect my supply, that is probably what I'll try to do. If not, then I'll pump every 2 hours.
In general, I'll pump fresh milk for the next day, but rotate in one freezer supply and freeze on fresh one per day to keep my stash in motion. That first day will be mostly frozen, obviously.
I asked over on the breastfeeding board and they said they wear nursing tanks or nursing bras. So that's what I'll plan to do and see how it goes that first week and I can adjust my wardrobe that first weekend...
No words of wisdom-- but good luck! and let us know how it goes so I can benefit from your words of wisdom : )
Oh!!!! and have you tried Lily Padz? http://www.lilypadz.com/product1.php
they are way trimmer than cloth or disposable pads, and hold in leaks really well. I can take them on and off throughout a day without washing and they still stick--- I wash between days. I bought the special wash and it was only like $3 and has lasted me a month so far.
1/5/11 Femara Cycle #1 = BFN
2/4/11 Femara Cycle #2 = BFP: 3/4/11 - Starting Progesterone supositiories
Beta#1 15DPO = 108; Beta#2 17DPO = 179; Beta#3 18DPO = 259; Beta 4# 20DPO =659!!
TTC#2 Pulled goalie 5/12, PPAF 3/13, BFP 6/27 Beta 15DPO=248!
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Stillborn 10/19
Missing Noah Chart Teacher Bud
One more day/ One more time/ One more moment maybe I'd be satisfied/But then again/ I know what if would do/ Leave me wishing still, for one more day with you.""
My supply dropped a couple times when working but I was able to take fenugreek to improve it again. And you should pump as close to the same time she would eat. I pumped 3x a day at work.
I would personally start giving the oldest milk first or you may end up needing to toss it if it sits I. The freezer too long. At times I would give a mixture for the day - ie 2 bottles of older milk and 1 of fresh.
I wore nursing bras to work because nursing tanks weren't supportive enough. Lucky I didn't leak really so wearing pads wasn't necessary but if needed definitely use them. Even if there's a slight chance of seeing a pad, it's better than leaking everywhere!
Most importantly try not to stress too much because that can have a negative effect on your supply. If you notice a drop in supply, try to relax, look at a pic of your daughter while pumping or even have a piece of clothing with her scent on it.
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When I went back to work my supply was great for about 4 months an now I'm having some issues. But don't stress about it yet because you'll probably be just fine. If you can pump on her feeding schedule that would be best. If you can't pump quite as often figure out what works best and try that. You can always change your mind, but her feeding schedule would be best.
i always pump for the next day. When I first returned to work I was still able to freeze some milk at the end of the day and that was great. Now my supply is struggling but I still have lots in the freezer. When/if you use frozen milk, use the oldest first.
My boobs are huge so I could never pull off only a nursing tank. Wear what is comfortable and easy. I was able to buy some bras at motherhood maternity that are molded, so those hide nursing pads pretty well.
I went back part time but I still pumped every 3-4 hours as if I was nursing her. I would say my supply started to diminish a bit after a few months pumping but it pretty much just fluctuated. I always pumped the most at home, first thing in the morning.
I never had a freezer stash, so no advice there.
I wore nursing bras and tanks well until after I weaned. You need comfort and ease so keep sporting these puppies.
BFP #1 - 11/16/10 CP 12/1/10
BFP #3 Chart
I've been back at work for 2 months now. My supply fluctuates but I think that being sick and the return of AF had a bigger impact than being at work. I try to pump every 3 hrs and 2-3 times a day but it isn't always possible, so more often I am only pumping twice at work. I pump at home if M had a bottle at daycare right before I pick him up.
I generally pump enough for the next day. I keep Fridays milk on the fridge for Monday as you can keep it for 6 days in the fridge. I use some of my freezer stash to make up the difference if I'm short.
I wear nursing bras not tanks. I still wear pads in case I can't pump when planned and start to leak.
Hope your return to work goes well and try not to stress if you don't pump enough milk the first week or so, it took my body a while to get used to pumping and being able to relax enough at work to get letdowns (I was paranoid about someone walking in on me to start with which made me tense but now I'm over it and it is fine !).
After 31 cycles and two losses, we've been blessed with a healthy baby girl!
Congrats to both of my amazing TTC Buddies, tdmd09 and sb2006!!
Life of Amberley
I'm sure someone else covered all the basics, so sorry if I'm repeating a lot.
I did experience a dip in supply when I went back to work. I started Fenugreek and all that stuff to help. I pumped every 2.5 hours in the beginning just to keep up with having enough ounces to cover what she ate while I was away.
At first, I would give her 2 bottles of thawed milk and 1 bottle of fresh. (When she had a cold, I gave her all fresh stuff). Milk will last in the freezer for six months, so just keep that in mind.
I am still wearing nursing tanks to work and I wear pads (to hide nippleage instead of to contain leaks.) You can kinda see them, but I work in a very casual office with only women, so I don't care.
Take things day by day to see what works best for you! And remember that we'll be here for support.
BFP Chart
I didn't read all of the replies, but I kno a lot of people say to use oldest milk first, but I learned from my bradley class teacher who learned from a le leche league person that it's newest first. I don't think it will hurt lo either way but your milk will have different fat content and nutrients in it depending on what baby needed then...
As far as pumping at work, I did it about every 2-3 hrs at first... Now I try 2x a day and I bought a car adapter so I could pump in the car as well.. I don't know how your supply is, I've never had a stellar supply but it was enough... But I'm not as good of a pumper so I had to be okay with formula if I didn't pump enough. That's something to keep in mind that you're not a failure if you can't pump enough for lo.. Good luck going back to work. It sucks and it makes me sad still to go to work and I've been back almost 3 whole months!