When should you start pumping? (Day 5 π)
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Day 5 already, Reader! And today's gift is one you'll definitely use. Here's the question I get from first-time moms more than almost any other: "I want to breastfeed, but I also want to pump so I'm not the only one who can feed the baby." And the follow-up is always: "So when do I start?" Because nobody wants to tank their supply, end up with painful oversupply, or be the only human on the planet who can feed their baby at 2am. 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 5 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. π If you're just joining the Summer Baby Prep you can get the free gifts from days 1-5 HERE.β xoxo, Valerie Trumbower, PCD(DONA), CLC Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Lactation Counselor P.S. Newborn sleep and feeding are closely connected, when one isnβt going well the other usually isnβt either. Click here for the 3 steps I teach my doula clients to get sleep and feeding off to a great start.β |
New Parents Academy
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