Pumping Before a Tubal

I'm not sure about the pump & dump, but when i was on maternity leave and was preparing to go to work i had to store milk for the baby sitter to use while i was gone. my daughter was always on a 3 hour nursing schedule...she did that her self. so whatever time she nursed, i'd wait and hour and a half and pump. it incresed my supply and also helped me build up good amount to store. i used an electric even flo brand pump. it had a charger adapter as well as batteries so i could take with me to work or on the go. it was about $40 at walmart and worked really well.

WAIT.you do not need to pump & dump. I am both a nurse and Lactation Consultant...we have moms at our hospital that get their tubals come back to the floor and nurse their babies...30 minutes post surgery. It is a common misconception with anesthesia you have to pump&dump...but that is not fact based. Once you are awake and aware there is not enough anesthesia in you to cause any problems. I would recommend pumping right before surgery for comfort and in case you are uncomfortable after surgery and CHOOSE not to nurse. NOW, since she eats every 11/2 -2 hours...which is NORMAL for some breastfed babies, then you might want to pump a few extra times in case you miss a feeding during the tubal. So, I would recommend that you-over a course of a few days- pump after a few feedings...put the leftovers away to speak:)- then once right before surgery. Then you will have plenty stored up for a couple of feedings...2-4 ounces in bottle. Your volumes may be low when pumping after a feeding, but is really high in fat...cheescake dessert if you will:), and you can pool all those together in the fridge.

Good luck and hope the correct information helps you out!C.

I wish I would have known that it was not necessary to pump and dump. Is that true for being totally out? I had a D&C 6 weeks post-partum and was instructed to pump and dump for 12 hours.

I would make absolutely sure that you really have to pump and dump. Sometimes doctors who are not knowledgeable about breastfeeding tell you to do that, but it's really not needed. You can call your local La Leche League leader and ask them--they should have a huge book with all medications and their safety for breastfeeding. If you do have to pump, they will be able to tell you the best way to go about doing it. If you can't get in contact with them, check with the hospital lactation consultant before the surgery.

Actually, it would be best if you started pumping extra milk now so that you have enough saved by the time you get to surgery. If you only pump for 12 hours, you might not have enough. Your body is used to making just enough milk for the baby in a given time period, so if you start pumping after each nursing session,your body will learn that there is more of a demand, and so it will increase the supply. This takes time. You will want to pump immediately at the end of each nursing session, without waiting. I would advise you to contact the certified lactation consultant at the hospital where you gave birth for more advice on this subject. Good luck!

Both work. Just be aware that your milk supply will increase and it may cause some engorgement for a day or two... Start pumping asap in order to build up the amount that you need. Use an electric pump. If you don't have one, I would recommend renting one for the month from the hospital or a local medical goods store...