When should you start pumping?
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As this Countdown to Labor Day Series ends today you should be proud of yourself! You did something most first-time parents don't. You prepared before your baby arrived. That alone puts you ahead. If you've been wondering when to start pumping, what supplies you actually need, and how to set yourself up before baby arrives, today's gift was made for you. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- π YOUR DAY 12 GIFT: A week-by-week breakdown so you can prep before baby gets here without the overwhelm. It walks you through getting your pump ready, figuring out flanges, and knowing exactly what to do when it's time to start. π CLICK HERE to grab the Pumping Checklist π π€ NEWBORN NUGGET "When should I start pumping?" The honest answer almost nobody tells you: if breastfeeding is going well, wait until 3 to 4 weeks postpartum. Aim to start by the one-month mark. Start too early and you risk oversupply (which sounds great until you're dealing with clogged ducts and a baby who can't keep up with the flow). Start too late and it's harder to build flexibility into your feeding routine. Waiting that first month protects your supply, lets baby get established at the breast, and still gives you plenty of options later. ππΌ ONE SMALL THING TO DO TODAY Call your insurance company and ask about your pump. Say exactly this: "What lactation benefits do I have? Do my benefits cover a breast pump?" Most US plans cover one, but some require a prescription from your OB. Knock this out now so it's not something you're scrambling to do in the third trimester. And if you need a prescription you can ask at your next appointment. This is the final day of the Countdown to Labor Day Series and Iβve loved sharing these free gifts with you. If you're planning to breastfeed, my free class is the next best step to feel ready before baby arrives. I'm honored to be part of your prep, and I'll keep sharing tips and tools to help you actually enjoy the newborn stage, not just survive it. Have a great day, Valerie Trumbower, PCD(DONA), CLC Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor β |
New Parents Academy
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Hi Reader, Quick question: Are you planning to pump at all? Even occasionally? If yes, here's something worth knowing before baby gets here: Breastmilk storage is one of those things that will constantly have you second guessing yourself. How long has this been sitting out? Is it still good? Do I toss it or do I use it? And when youβre tired, the last thing you want is to guess...or worse, waste milk you worked hard to pump. Before we get to todayβs gift, one quick tip: When you freeze milk,...
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