Breastfeeding and pumping.. what to expect?

Question

i really would like to breastfeed or at least pump and give my baby breast milk. i do not know what to expect when it comes to breastfeeding and/or pumping. Like is it hard, does it hurt, does it make your breast feel funny? need answers

Answer 1

I am currently breastfeedingmy daughter and plan to until she is at least 1 yr old - it is the best thing you can do for your child so I encourage you to elarn all you can before the baby is here. The book I liked that gave me all sorts of info is Complete Idiots Guide to Breastfeeding, but kellymom.com has tons of info.

It is weird at first to have this tiny adorable little thing suck on your boob, but it's a beautiful thing and it's a wonderful feeling to know that you are giving your child the best food available.

It should not hurt if the baby is latched properly - but it may take a few weeks or longer to get used to your baby enough to know what positions work for both of you. The football hold (on your side with face to the left or right of your breast so you can see the baby's mouth) seems to work bst in the beginning but some babies would rather be held in a cradle style. Every baby is different. I would try and feed your baby within an hour or so of birth to get started early and feed often. Colustrum (spelling??) is the best food for the baby aty this pouint so don't listen if anyone says you should supplement unless there is a medical emergency - and even then breastmilk is still usually best.

My baby latched immediately and didn't seem to have any issues except she would fall asleep very often in the beginning so i'd have to wake her up by undressing her or talking to her.

If it hurts - seek help - the La Leche League is an incredible source of help and their leaders willguide you through any situation and sometimes even come to your house to help. Also - Lactation consultants (certified) can help greatly as well. I know my baby's pediatrician has a lactation consultant as heir head nurse.

As for pumping - its a bit weird when yuo are hooked up cause you kinda feel like you are a cow and milking yourself..lol, and sometimes your breasts/nipples can be slightly sore afterwards if you turn th suction on too high - but try and match the suction to what you baby does.

You may feel what is called a "let down" at the beginning of feedings - some women do and some women never do. It's basically when the baby has sucked fast enough that the milk starts to flow freely - you will learn when this happens because if the baby pops off you will shoot milk everywhere. Sometimes it feels kinda tingly right before, sometimes my breasts just get a little hard to the touch right before.

Keep plenty of clothes/burp rags around to catch squirting milk - and don't worry if you squirt the baby in the face/eye/body or yourself - it won't hurt :). Oh and I LOVE Lansinoh's breast pads - they absorb like 10 times their weight in liquid and at the beginning when your supply is regulating to the baby's needs - you will probably be leaking quite a bit.

Oh and when you first come home from the hospital - if you milk hasn't come in yet - has ice packs or bags of frozen peas or something in the freezer because when your milk first comes in (ave is about 2-4 days after birth) you breasts will be rock hard and hot to the touch - perfectly normal but it can hurt to touch them so just put some breast pads in and drop ice packs into your bra and relax.

Good luck. sry if any typos, 1 handed typing with squirmy baby :)

Answer 2

I think you've got some great info already, so I'll just add a couple things from my personal experience. If you want to breastfeed and then pump so you can continue to breastfeed once you go back to work, start weeks before you need to. Pump several times a day for just a minute or two. This will ease you into the process and allow you to build up a freezer supply (in case you're sick or spill a bottle, etc.)

The other thing is just to say breastfeeding is not easy for everyone and I think there is so much pressure on moms to breastfeed. You're already doing the right thing by wanting what's best for your baby. So the best advice I can give is trust your instincts. Do what you and your baby need to do. When other people tell you what you're doing wrong, etc. just smile, nod and sing yourself a little song in your head!!

Answer 3

I do both but I pump more than breastfeed. Eiither way they get the breast milk. For me, pumping is better. When you pump and feed through the bottle you know how much they are actually drinking and how much they get. Another nice thing about pumping is the schedule. My baby is 2 months and eats 4 oz every 3-4 hours. Depending on the age of your baby, you'll have to ask your pediatrician how much and how often. But when you breastfeed babies need to be fed every 2 hours. So if your a stay at home mom and dont mind hanging out all day feeding around the clock. Another nice thing about pumping vs. breastfeeding, for me anyway, bec. my baby sleeps thru the night... Which is a blessing!

Answer 4

In my experience, I think that if I would have just breastfed my baby instead of trying to pump my breasts then give my milk in a bottle. If I would have done it this way I would probably still be breastfeeding. I think that if I would have had a good breast pump it really would have made a big difference. I really wish I would have stuck with the breastfeeding. It is soo worth it.

Answer 5

First of all- it is much cheaper and there are no bottles to clean. I breast fed for one year (sometimes I would pump or give her formula for times my husband was with her). You never have to worry about keeping the milk cold or warm. It may hurt in the beginning. The baby needs to learn how to latch on and suck. Your boobs will also be sore and very full. Soon enough, they will get on the schedule of your baby and be full when your baby is hungry then your baby will empty them out. Oh and you will also feel like a cow ready for milking. I think that the worse part of it for me was that I hated to sleep in my bra. But, at least you don't have to worry about that time of the month becuase it doesn't come while you are breastfeeding.

My first child hated to be breastfed- she screamed till she was purple in the face from the day she was born. The formula costs alot although it is easier to feed her in public- I won't show my boob to anybody. Bottle feeding her with formula just worked better.

My second child had no problem with breastfeeding. I did however pump because I wanted her to know how to drink out of the bottle. This way my family members and friends could help out too.

I have another on the way next month. I plan on breastfeeding and pumping. But, if it doesn't work out then we will bottlefeed.
Do whatever fits your schedule, body, and what the baby likes. Don't worry about the pressures of what other people tell you.

Answer 6

I would say that unless you need to relieve initial engorgement, don't bother with pumping at the beginning. I mean, don't try to build up a freezer stash or anything. Just get into the groove of things. At the very start, you may need to feed every two hours - that's from start of feeding to start of feeding, around the clock. My son was jaundiced and required this. That was only the first week or so. Then I think we moved more to three hours. If you're going to be home (you'll probably at least be on maternity leave, right?) then you don't need to mess with bottles much. I have a stay-at-home mom friend who never used them. I went back to work and pump, and over the months I have found I can't pump very much, so I have to supplement with formula. If you are going to return to work, you might want to start establishing a freezer stash a little before returning, but don't stress yourself about it early on. Do it as you feel comfortable. I know it can all seem overwhelming with the bottles and pumps and storage bags, etc. But you will figure it out quickly. Really!

Answer 7

At first, your breast may feel a little funny when you're engorged. The first time you feel "let down" you will think "what the heck is wrong with me??" All normal.

If you are planning on mainly pumping, get a good, dual electric pump. Don't bother with the hand pumps. They aren't good enough for daily use. I bought a new Pump In Style from eBay for a reasonable price. And if you think about it, spending $200 on a pump is much, much less than what you'll spend on formula in a year.

It may be awkward or uncomfortable at first. My oldest had a hard time. My youngest was a breeze. Depends on the kid. Check out the site below for some good tips.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Good for you for wanting to do this - it's best for you and for baby. It's a natural, beautiful process and you get so close and comfy with the baby. They guide you in the hospital, and depending on where you are, a health nurse may come to your home if you need help, or you can always contact La Leche to help you if you need it. Most women have absolutely no difficulties at all - sometimes babies have trouble latching on, but they get the hang of it. It does not hurt, you may feel twinges, but that's all hormonal. Wish you luck!

Answer 9

well my wife breast fed our son for awhile the only painful thing my wife said was when her breast filled up with milk that was the sign of its time for him to eat. but at times he would be asleep & he would not wake up to eat she would work with him by brushing her nipple up against his lips she was in pure agony she had to release all that pressure she was hard as a brick so she had no choice but to pump her breast & ended up bottle feeding him afterwards. but it sure was a beautiful sight to watch my wife breast feed our son thanks for bringing back old memories.

Answer 10

no its not hard at all i nursed both of mine and it can be a little painful but i promise it is worth it nah it dont make your breast feel funny!