best time to express ??

**MummaFug** · 18-01-2009 23:42

When is the best time to express BM ??

I am breastfeeding my DD but would like to start expressing so that in the future I can go out and have EBM for the "just in case" moments.

I expressed today, 1hr after her feed and only got 60mls - is this normal ??
BUT then she didnt seem satisfied after the next feed.

I failed at the expressing with DS aso just made sure I was around when I knew he was hungry BUT would LOVE to be able to have a stash of EBM for DD.

Any hints ???
How much should I be getting each pump?
When is the best time to pump ??

I am just scared that I wont have enough for her when she wants it as I expressed.

**Jinglebells** · 18-01-2009 23:54

I always found expressing after the first feed for the day I would get more, so maybe you can do that

there is no official amount you should get from expressing, as everyone is different,

I would express during a feed if you can, if not then straight after, that way your getting the last of the milk out, and not "confusing" your body with another feed by doing it that, that way your body shouldn't think it needs to make heaps more when it doesn't need too

also you can express right after each feed, doesn't matter if you only get 20 or so mls, as you can put it all together to freeze, so say you got 20mls 4 times during the day, thats 80mls to go in the freezer, just make sure the milk is all at the same temp before you put it all together for freezing, so put each freshly expressed milk in the fridge before adding (hope that makes sence)

**mim1** · 19-01-2009 20:28

Yeah, the timing is tricky, but I agree that after the first feed of the day (under and hour, preferably straight afterwards) is best. 60ml of EBM is actually really good for 1 hour after a feed. I'd probably only do it once/day if you're just wanting a little bit to store away. Its good to have it stored in small amounts anyway, so you don't have to defrost 200ml and then waste it all because it's refused.

I had to express 60ml/day to mix with my ds's medicine and it usually took expressing after 2 feeds to get enough.