How often to express?

[daffodil2424]

My baby is 10 days old . I have been expressing breast milk and also using formula milk as he has had difficulties latching on . However after purchasing nipple guards he can now latch on and I would like to mostly breast feed him. I am unsure as to whether I should continue expressing as well ? Do I need to express so that my breasts do not become too painful? When is the best time to express eg. After every feed or just when we need the milk e.g. If someone else is to feed him? Any tips/ advice gratefully received as it feels like a minefield!

[hayley_m86]

When my son got into more of a feeding routine I used to try to feed him on one side and then, either shortly before or after, express on the other side. If I couldn't express I'd just get him to have a short feed on the other breast, so it didn't get too painful. He was breastfed until he was 11 months. I also expressed when I went back to work, although he stopped having afternoon feeds, so I only did that for about 2 months. Good luck!

[daffodil2424 in reply to hayley_m86]

Thank you so much for your reply! I think I will now stop trying to express from both sides at every feed and just express from one side every so often so that my partner can feed him in the evening whilst I get a few hours sleep! Thanks again.

[AMLW]

Hello. I had to use shields too but once he got to 4 months he suddenly self weaned himself off them! But great news you've managed to latch baby with them. I would now stop expressing and leave your baby to sort out your supply. Expressing at this stage can cause over supply and mastitis so leave baby to it. If you need to express you should leave this until baby is 6 weeks. Congratulations and good luck.

[daffodil2424 in reply to AMLW]

Thank you so much for replying! It has put my mind at ease that your child used the nipple guards until 4 months and gives me hope that I might be able to stop using them at a later date. Thank you!