When to start pumping?

[jadesmomma]

I am the mother of a 3 week old :) Breast feeding is going really well, but I have to start thinking about going back to work in a month. I am looking at buying a pump so the 2 days a week I am at work I can still provide the best food for my baby.

My question is: When is it ok to start pumping and how do I introduce the idea of taking a bottle once or twice a day to my baby? Is a month too soon for her to try it?

[cmj749]

I am in the same predicament!  I have a pump (Medela Pump in Style...love it!) and I'm having trouble adding pumping to my routine.

I started pumping as often as possible (about an hour after my little one nursed) at 2 weeks old.  It works okay if I remember to pump, but sometimes I forget.  That's the hardest part for me..remembering to actually do it.  I've found that if I put the pump out, close to the area of the house I'm often in, and have it ready to go, I'm more likely to actually do it!

I've given my 3 week old a bottle twice a week and he's been doing really well.  I feel like 2 times a day is too often for me because I don't want my baby to grow too accustomed to the bottle and not want to nurse with me.  That's just my opinion, I don't in any way want to make you feel guilty, that's just what I've been thinking about lately.

I hope you can find a rhythm and that you and your baby can get into a work routine that is good for you two!  Good luck.

[Marissamom]

It's a good idea to start pumping once a day now to get used to pumping and build a freezer stash, but I wouldn't introduce a bottle until 6-8 weeks and then do it only every couple days until you start working (remember to pump an additional time to replace the feeding at the breast).