going back to work/oversupply question

[lsmama]

hello.  DD will be 12 weeks old next week and i will be going back to work for 1 month as a high school teacher.  then i will be home with her for the summer.  i will likely be pumping 2-3x during the day.  i'm a bit concerned, however, b/c i tend to have oversupply and block feed when i'm with her.  if i double pump 2-3x per day will this cause my supply to increase?  if i single side pump, i will be leaking all over the place.  generally i can get 5 oz in 8 - 10 mins.  thoughts?

[PatioGardener]

If I were you I'd pump one side fully and the other ("off" side) just partially to prevent engorgement and lots of leaking. I had incredible over supply (had to block feed in 10 hour blocks!) so I know what it's like. I had to use disposable nursing pads or I'd leak through everything.

I guess I would err on the side of increasing my supply a little rather than getting mastitis etc while working - especially knowing that it is just for 1 month and then I'd have the time and space to get things under control again.

But that said, I only pumped for comfort when my babe was in the hospital, and had a full year of mat leave, so there may be someone who can give you better btdt advice.

Good luck!

[anjsmama]

Yes.

 At least, that's my experience. I returned to work at 12 weeks 3 days (April 25) and am working through June 1 (& then I'm home forever! ). But yes, pumping brought my oversupply issue back pretty much instantly. I tried as PP suggested draining one side and just easing the other (to keep similar to the routine of block feeding like I do at home) ..  but the oversupply and engorgement came back anyway. I found I pretty much have to drain both breasts at least twice (and preferably 3 times) a day at work to stay comfortable. The good part has been oversupply hasn't been much of an issue in the evenings or days off with DD... I notice it most upon waking in the morning and while I'm actually at work. I had a week of vacation last week and things evened right back out to comfy within 3 days, so I know once I'm done working we'll be okay. Also as PP mentioned, I was afraid of getting mastitis (as I did with DD early on) which is why I opted to drain both breasts once I started getting really uncomfortable. 

I admit it sort of sucks being full a lot of the time again, but I just focus on our normal feeding routines (frequent feeds, 4 hours per side) whenever I'm not working & the fact that I'll be home with her again soon. Best wishes Mama - maybe you will find something that works better for you!