Pumping breast milk for toddler.

I really want to reintroduce breast milk to Aurora (two years) once this LO is born and I start breastfeeding. I have both a manual pump (which did me no good when I was BFing Aurora), and an electric pump which I just need to buy the tubes and bottles for.

When should I start pumping for her? Is about a month PP enough time to regulate my supply for the newborn? I don't want to cause my body too much stress trying to provide for two babies, when it's only ready to produce enough for one. So, will me consciously knowing I'm feeding two children with my supply help naturally improve it, or will I have to pump more and more to get enough for Aurora, too? Would it be ridiculous to take Fenugreek right away just to help out? And what would be a good amount to set aside for her? Just whatever I get to pump, whenever I get to pump? Or should I shoot for a certain amount of BM for her a day...? Suggestions, please.

I don't know about the other questions, but I just wanted to say, talk to the LC at your hospital, she gave me all my tubing and stuff for free!

I've never done this. But, just some thoughts....

I wouldn't take fenugreek right off the bat if it were me.

I think a month PP sounds good to start pumping, although I'm sure you could start earlier.

If it were me, I'd pump in the morning, since supply is best then, from the boob the new one doesn't nurse from. I woukdnt shoot for a certain amount a day, just work on getting your body to let down for the pump.

Best of luck to you!

I'll definitely ask a lactation consultant when I'm in the hospital! I'm more worried about providing for the newborn first, but I'd feel so much better about my lack of breastfeeding with Aurora if I could make up for it somewhat now. Which also makes me wonder if the breast milk would even be good enough for her? Since it's composition is supposed to change according to your baby's needs, right? So, I was thinking, I'd probably half it with whole cow's milk, so she gets more fat from it. At least, that's what I assume would be the best thing to do... I wouldn't give her BM all the time, either.

i am 10 days PP right now and have been pumping and nursing since my milk came in. i need to or else i feel like im going to explode but i have plenty to feed LO and save. it doesnt seem to hard on me but that maybe because my body is producing so much on its own. i would just try pumping from the begining and see how it goes.

Quoting Thorian's Mommy:" i am 10 days PP right now and have been pumping and nursing since my milk came in. i need to or else ... [snip!] ... but that maybe because my body is producing so much on its own. i would just try pumping from the begining and see how it goes."

See, I'm really hoping I'm the same way. I don't want to stress my body out too much by pumping extra for Aurora. I was thinking about the Fenugreek to help make that easier, but I'm just scared that if I shock my body, SOMEHOW, that I won't be able to continue breastfeeding. I cried when my supply stopped with Aurora, and I really, really want to do everything I can to keep that from happening again  

Quoting The Biscuit Farmer.:" See, I'm really hoping I'm the same way. I don't want to stress my body out too much by pumping extra ... [snip!] ... cried when my supply stopped with Aurora, and I really, really want to do everything I can to keep that from happening again  "

It's supply and demand, if you are pumping the demand is greater and your body should just respond with little problem. Just be sure to drink enough water and get enough calories.