Breastfeeding Question

[VivaciousJewelz]

Okay, so I'm pregnant and I'm planning on breastfeeding (if possible) and I had just a couple questions for moms that have done it before (especially working moms/moms who know about pumping).

I'm probably only going to be able to take a month of leave when my baby is born and when I go back to work, I'll definitely have to pump, so my question is, should I pump all along (from the beginning) and just bottle-feed my baby breast milk that way to avoid the whole "nipple confusion" thing?

Thanks in advance for the help/advice!

[MrsPinecone]

I would breastfeed as much as possible. Exclusive pumping is HARD, and an insane amount of work.

My best suggestion is waiting at least a week or two to establish the bfing relationship and your supply, and then introduce a bottle. No pump will be better than the baby at telling your body it needs to make milk.

Freeze some to get a head start on a stash for when you go back to work, and then pump at work while nursing at home. Use the pumped milk for the daycare feedings.

Breastfeeding Information & Resources

The boards at Babyzone and Kellymom both have very knowledgeable members. There is also a board linked for moms who work and pump.

[cashqueen]

I bf/pumped when I went back to work. Though I stayed home for 4 months so had more time to bf before I introduced a bottle. I'd probably wait 3 weeks so that he/she is used to nursing, then introduce the bottle. The bottle is 'easier' and if you give it too early that is what causes nipple confusion. I pumped twice a day for 8 months and bf whenever I was with him. It's a lot of work, but so rewarding. It made me feel good that I could still do something for him even though he was not with me.

[chriscree]

I agree with both the pp.
just wanted to add I tried three different "low cost" pumps before I bit the bullet and bought a more expensive one. It was so worth it. If you are doing this for a long time or plan on having any more kids. It was the Medela. Lasted forever and ended up selling it to a friend after I was done.

[darmomof2]

i bf and pumped with both of my girl's the first one i was home 4 mo and it work out so much better and then she got to where she would just wait to eat until i came to feed her and my second got so use to the bottle that she quit bf at 9 months and it was hard on me. But i agree just get a good pump not a walmart special i got a medela and i used it with bot girls and sold it for 1/2 of what i paid for it so it was worht the money.

[chip4]

I pretty much agree with everyone hear. Just one thing to add. I found I got alot of my milk stockpile from when I just came home from the hospital. I know many say not to pump when your so engorged (or your supply will continue at that level) but I did. They tell you other things to do such as releasing some milk in the shower etc. Well that seems like a waste of milk to me. So I pumped, and my supply did level out.

When I returned to work, I tried to pump enough bottles during the day that my son/daughter would need while I was gone the next day. I also pumped when I returned home at night and a little on days off/weekends.

Good luck, it truly is a blessing to have something so wonderful to offer your child.

[cody82414]

Fantastic that you are researching beforehand. It's SO important to get as much information and support as you can get!

If there is a La Leche League in your area, a breastfeeding resource center, or best, a lactation consultant, get in touch with any and all! Where do you plan to deliver? Check at the local hospitals if they have anyone on staff who can be of assistance with the first feedings. You want to establish a good latch right away.

I too would put off the bottle as long as you can, and be certain that your caregiver is patient. (I can give you many more tips on making the transition for the caregiver easier.)

Do check out KellyMom. She has so much information, and if you have the question, it most likely has been asked before!

It is SO rewarding, and I wish the best to you and your babe :O)

[mnnice]

Just another thing to think about. I had two children that were both breastfeed.

Think about childcare options too. If there is nearby daycare options it can help too. With DS2 I didn't go back to work until my son was six months old (which does possible for you, but hold on it's relevant) I pumped very little for him (mostly on days off), but I did go every day at lunch. This isn't going to work with a 4 week old, but it's way more pleasant and one less time you'd need to pump. The bonus is that you also get to see and know the childcare providers much better too.

[mum2hba]

Originally Posted by chip4 I pretty much agree with everyone hear. Just one thing to add. I found I got alot of my milk stockpile from when I just came home from the hospital. I know many say not to pump when your so engorged (or your supply will continue at that level) but I did. They tell you other things to do such as releasing some milk in the shower etc. Well that seems like a waste of milk to me. So I pumped, and my supply did level out.

I agree with this. The easiest time for me to get milk a lot of milk for a stockpile was when I was engorged, before my supply regulated. I was able get alot of milk with not a lot of effort. Although, that was with my 2nd and 3rd child.

With dd #1 when I first started pumping I was lucky to get 1/2 an ounce. As I continued pumping, I was able to get more everyday, but those first couple days of pumping where not fun. With dd #1 I went back to school full-time 6 weeks after she was born. Every morning, I would nurse her on one side, and pump on the other side. It was a little awkward put it made getting milk eaiser. I didn't pump at school, so as soon as I got home I would repeat the process, she nursed while I pumped. She only took 2 bottles a days, so it worked out really well, the bottle I got the night before, and the bottle I got the morning of would be enough milk for the day. I had some milk stashed in the freezer just incase I didn't pump enough.

[Nitenites]

A good pump is a MUST. This is not the place to be cheap! I got my pump from Ebay - lactation consultants buy brand new pumps at wholesale prices from the mfg, and then sell them on Ebay. So I paid about $100 less than what I would have if I had paid retail.

Ameda and Medela are the two most reliable breastpump manufacturers. Stay away from Evenflo. The Avent pump isn't bad, but it's not really designed for everyday use.

And don't say "I'm going to breastfeed if possible." Of course you can! There's a learning curve, just like riding a bike. Don't give up! Surround yourself with support, DON'T KEEP ANY FREE FORMULA IN THE HOUSE, and you'll do just fine! (this isn't meant as a slam on women who switch to formula; just trying to be positive!)