If you start to pump now, the stimulation to your nipples could cause you to start contractions. You also want baby to get all of that good collostrum when he/she is born.
I would not suggest pumping. If your breasts are really swollen and sore, contact La Leche League to find a lactation consultant in your area that can help you, or contact the hospital where you will be delivering to see if you can speak with a lactation consultant there. They may be able to give you some helpful hints for being more comfortable until baby is born.
2006-12-16 08:47:09
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I'm not going to rehash the above answers, but obviously everyone agrees not to start pumping now, because of the loss of colostrum (which your breasts will make until the baby consistently nurses every few hours for a few days after birth) and the slight chance of uterine contractions, but I'd also like to add another thought. Your breasts are leaking, but not producing actual milk. The milk is produced by milk expression and nipple stimulation, either by pumping or nursing. So, if you express the colostrum, that will trigger your breasts to produce milk. You will have to continue to pump once the milk starts, otherwise you'll either be miserably full or you will go dry before the baby is born, or possibly both. Once the "nursing" stops, you lose your milk within a week or two, just like if you stop breastfeeding your baby. And also keep in mind, once you start pumping, your breasts think they are feeding a baby, which means they will refill and be ready for the next "feeding" in a few short hours, so you really won't be getting any relief.
I have a few suggestions for you...
Make sure you have a properly fitted nursing bra that gives plenty of support. Once the baby is born, believe it or not, your breasts will be even more uncomfortable as milk flow is established. The good news is, once the baby gets into a good nursing schedule, they will soften up and almost feel normal.
I know this is gonna sound weird, but you might want to try cabbage leaves. Separate the whole leaves, rinse and put in the fridge. Once they are cold, place one over each breast. The coolness will slow colostrum production.
Avoid hot showers, expecially directly on the breasts. This will have the opposite effect of the cabbage leaves. It will stimulate milk supply.
(My husband hated this one...) Avoid any nipple stimulation, especially during intimacy. This is also a trigger for milk production.
These suggestions are what I used to relieve discomfort before and after the birth of my son. Just remember, heat helps milk production, and coolness slows it down.
You had mentioned that you are out of the country. You need to have arrangements in hand about how to contact your doctor at all times. You are technically full term at 38 weeks! Most babies are born around 40, but that is the beginning of the curve, as babies are born in their own time.
Good luck to you and your angel...Blessings
2006-12-17 15:10:28
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answer #2
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answered by Silverwolf 4
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Do NOT pump now. You need the colostrum to give to the baby right after birth, even though you are leaking now it's not breast milk is it some colostrum. You want to keep that for the baby because it has all the antibodies your baby will need to start life.
Also pumping before you deliver can cause you to go into early labor.
2006-12-16 09:10:48
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answer #3
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answered by Melissa J 4
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I think probably not, but I'm no expert. I think if you pump your breasts you will actually stimulate them into making more milk more quickly. Plus since you are actually planning on breastfeeding, your breasts will end up on whatever feeding schedule the baby has. I know that sounds dumb, but your body will "learn" what rate your breasts should produce milk, I think pumping will throw off your system. I don't think if you pump you will pump out the colostrum, which is the high-fat, high-nutrition stuff your body knows to make after birth, but it might. You could call the maternity ward where you plan on having your baby and ask one of the nurses, they are quite knowledgeable about most issues surrounding child birth and the first few days post-labor. Good Luck and Congratulations!!!!!
2006-12-16 08:49:29
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answer #4
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answered by nimo22 6
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You won't be pumping breast milk at this point because you're not producing any yet - its colostrum. And no, it's not a good idea to try pumping this. You'll stimulate your breasts to start lactating now, before baby is born, and baby won't get any colostrum which they need at the beginning. I know it's uncomfortable but you'll have to just deal....
2006-12-16 08:51:22
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answer #5
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answered by chicchick 5
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Are you sure it is milk??? My breasts started leaking close to the end of my pregnancy but it wasnt milk it was colostrum. So if you pump and milk start being produced your baby misses out on those first few days of colostrum and all the antibodies and good things that are in it. Have you talked to your doctor?
2006-12-16 08:46:04
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answer #6
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answered by memosgirl03 3
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NO!!!! this will cause your uterus to contract and might put you into labor. plus, breast milk loses some of its nutrients when it is refrigerated. so if you don't have to then don't refrigerate it, and right now you don't have to. the baby really needs the colostrum because it helps their immune systems. so you definitely don't need to refrigerate or freeze it. if you don't have to give the baby a bottle then don't, even if it is breast milk. my baby is 5 months and he has never had a bottle. i don't know if I'll ever give him one. I'm all for doing everything as naturally as possible when it comes to things like that. hopefully by baby will go straight from the breast to the sippy cup.
2006-12-16 09:29:40
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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Your milk isn't going to come in until a couple of days after your baby is born.. Colostrum is what's leaking now, and there's no point in pumping that.. Good luck to you
2006-12-16 09:13:55
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answer #8
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answered by Kat0312 4
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NO, you don't get the colostrum until the baby is born. There is a reason that this doesn't come in until the baby is here. You need to wait. Also, you should ask your doctor about this leaking issue...maybe he/she will have some good advise.
2006-12-16 09:46:07
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answer #9
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answered by Girly 1
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I don't know what the effects would be, but you could try calling the La Leche League chapter closest to you for advice. If they don't know they will definitely try to find someone that knows. Also, if it is ok to pump, you may want to consider donating the milk, which the LLL can also give you information about. Good Luck
2006-12-16 08:48:27
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answer #10
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answered by experiencedmotherof4 3
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