When to pump without creating oversupply??

[ZoeyMakesThree]

DS is one month old and i want to pump to have some milk stored up just in case he needs a bottle. I have the most milk in the morning but i am worried to pump then b/c i dont want to end up with an oversupply. So when should I pump? I already have a really fast/forceful let-down.

[tibeca]

What will you be needing the milk for? I have personally found that unless you will need to be away from your baby regularly, pumping regularly is just too much hassle.

In my own case, I generally start pumping a week before I plan on being away from my baby for a few hours. My goal is to pump 1oz a day until the day I leave baby, then pump: a full feed while gone, when I get back or have baby nurse as soon as I return. That means I would have about 7 oz available (and I've never been gone more than 3 hours).

If you are just wanting a small stash, then pumping 1 oz in the morning won't cause a HUGE problem, but you'll have to decide how much milk you want to keep stored. For estimates, you should assume your baby consumes between 25 and 32 oz per day, or 1-1.5 oz per hour separated. Also take into consideration storage. Storing in a deep freezer will last 6 mo (optimal) to 1 year. A regular refrigerator with separate freezer is 3 months and 1 week in the fridge. Where and how do you plan on storing your milk? How devastated would you be if you never used the milk and ended up throwing it away or giving it away?

I know many SAHM's that never, or only rarely pump because the trouble of pumping, washing supplies/parts, etc isn't worth it. They pump on an as needed basis and are very happy with the situation.

[masja]

I pump the opposite breast while dd is feeding, I've found I usually get a good 3oz that way

[keen1981]

Add 1-2 sessions a day. Over supply can come on fast! It's better it go slow.