breastfeeding question?

Question

i am 35 week pregnant and i am trying to get some information about everything i have questions about. i tryed searching it on google and all but i didnt find anything that accually explained much to me. ok so i want to try and breastfeed when my baby born, but i was wandering would the baby get more milk if she were accually attached to the boob, or if i use a pump would i be able to pump out more... you see what im saying... if she will get full faster with being attched i will try that but if i can get the same amount of milk by pumping as i would by her being attached then i wont worry to much about it... i just know that sometimes babies want to use the nipples from the bottles and its easyer to pump it and put it in a bottle and take the bottle out, like out in public or something. this is my first baby so im new to the hole breastfeeding thing. so any help is apprecated. please no rude comments, its just a simple question.. not a retarded one. thanks

THANK you guys so much, you guys really did help me out alot. i got alot of good information and some links that i know i will need and use. again thank you so much!!

Answer 1

If you really want to use breast milk I would consider expressing with a breast pump and giving it to the baby in a bottle.

My reason is that you are going to be very, very tired once the child is born and by feeding directly from the breast you make it impossible for anyone to help you out by taking a shift so you can get some sleep.

If you normally breastfeed and occasionally put some in a bottle the child is likely to refuse the bottle - best to start right out with it. If you take this advice you will bless me with all your heart when your child is 3 months old ")

Answer 2

OK, so from my experience, you should breastfeed first before trying to pump. The way a baby's mouth works stimulates more milk because how it moves, and also a maternal bonding issue is at play. Your hormones will be triggered with your baby there to let down more milk. You do not get as much milk if you only pump. That's why they suggest feed first, then pump. Your body will eventually make all the milk your baby needs, even if it is slow at first. Request the hospital staff do not feed your baby a bottle. Sometimes the nursury will feed them at night or when you are asleep. Request they bring the baby to you for all feedings.

In the hospital, you can request to talk to a nursing coach. There are even support groups thru WIC that can be useful for answering questions. It is convenient to have a bottle, but be careful. Babies get programed to prefer the bottle because it flows steadily and faster. If you switch between the two, he may refuse the nipple or get frustrated. That's why I went to formula.

However, my kids are healthy and beautiful so whatever works for you!!! Good luck and congrats!

Answer 3

The baby can drain your breast more effectivly than a pump--even the best pump.

Why would you want to pump, store, and feed when you can just feed? You risk introducing bacteria into the milk when you pump. This will also take WAY more time than just letting baby suckle at the breast.

Yes, it's nice for your partner to be able to feed baby (I pump a bottle's worth of milk every few days for hubby to feed and bond with baby) but much easier for you to put baby to the breast.

It's easy to discreetly breastfeed in public (I've breastfed my son while grocery shopping, and while doing my Christmas shoppign this year. Many people asked to see the baby and were shocked to learn I was breastfeeding him! (sometimes I'd have a blanket over him, but most of the time I didn't.) I can give you tips on breastfeeding in public discreetly with nursing clothing if you email me

There are benefits baby gets from suckling at the breast that he can't get froma bottle :

enhance the baby's development of oral muscles and facial bones--promotes good jaw development as well. It's harder work to get milk out of a breast than a bottle, and the exercise strengthens the jaws and encourages the growth of straight, healthy teeth. infant care and feeding, is easier and less time consuming. There is no preparation involved, and you don't have to prepare, warm, or transport bottles, provides extra closeness that helps your baby bond and develop trust. The skin-to-skin contact offered by breastfeeding reduces the stress babies experience when they enter the world from the warmth and safety of the womb. Breastfeeding provides comfort during illness or pain.


If you have any questions related to breastfeeding please email me--I'd be happy to help.

Answer 4

Its great that you want to breastfeed, breastfeeding gives your baby everything it needs.
AFter the babys born it takes about 24 hrs for your milk to come in.
Letting baby suckle is good.
Make sure your relaxed when you put the baby to your breast, and don't get upset if the baby don't want to take the breast the first time.
This is just as new to the baby as it is to you.
And if you get upset, your milk won't come down, and the baby will sence your upset and that will upset the baby,
Just offer the other breast, if the baby don't want it. then give the bottle, and at next feeding time. offer your breast again.
Also, if your nipples are flat or inverted, then the baby might not want to latch on to you.
When baby does start to nurse it's the most wonderfull bonding experience..
But beware, your boobs will hurt and can get engorged.
So your gonna need to pump inbetween time.
Also, when baby starts nursing as long as she's getting enough milk from you, you, don't need to switch back and forth from breast to bottle, because babys can get whats called "Nipple confusion"..
If when your out and you want to breastfeed...some of the restrooms in the malls have an area thats private where you can breastfeed, or if your uncomfortable breastfeeding in public,
you can pump before you go out and put your milk in a bottle and take it with you....wa-la....baby is still getting your milk.

Good luck and congratulations!!

Answer 5

Tho pumping my be more convenient depending on your lifestyle I personally would recommend feeding directly. I am very fortunate to be able to stay home with my baby (4 month/girl) and breastfeed her on demand. I told by my lactation consultant (ask if your hospital/Dr has one on staff, very helpful) that the actual nursing stimulates milk production better then pumping and have found it to be true for myself. Not only does my daughter seem to get her fill in less time nursing directly then from a bottle but I really enjoy the bonding time with her. She's just gotten to a stage where she plays with my hair and clothing while nursing and gives little appreciative hums and coos when we make eye contact. It's a really amazing feeling to know you are doing something for your child that is just a "mommy and me" thing. Once getting past the soreness (you most likely will experience) in the first week(ish) it's really great!

Answer 6

Do whatever you can to properly latch your baby, so you can establish long-lasting breastfeeding relationship. You can always introduce a bottle, while getting baby to breastfeed after getting accustomed to the bottle is not that easy. Also, it's a good idea to rent a pump for the first couple of weeks to help build up your milk supply. I really recommend breastfeeding classes to get answers to all your questions. Breastfeeding is pretty individual experience, so don't rely on answers here.

The following web sites are helpful:
http://www.lalecheleague.org
http://kellymom.com/

Answer 7

first off try going to webmd.com, there is alot of information there, as far as a little advise.
the baby will get the same amount of milk either way you feed her, and keep in mind that for the first week you will not produce much milk you will be producing colostrium which is what the baby needs for their nutrients.
as far as breast feeding in public, you can place a receiving blanket or regular blanket over our shoulder draping down in front of you to cover the baby while nursing, that way you will not offend anyone.
or you can pump and take bottles with you
whatever you prefer
you say this is your first baby, your breast will be very tender and you may want to give up breastfeeding, but stick with it, it will get easier.

Answer 8

don't rely on the pump!! Pumps are not nearly as affective as your baby is and how much he eats and suckles determines your milk supply. The pump is useful for lots of reasons but rarely are they as productive or comfortable as your baby. They are harder on your nipples and you really don't need that when you are just starting! I would really stay away from the pump for at least two weeks. And for goodness sake there is some incredible bonding that is happening during breast feeding don't miss out!!

Answer 9

When your baby sucks your nipps your brain says..."oh I need to produce more" so the more you pump, or the more the baby sucks, the more milk you would produce. That link at the bottom has everything on it. About half way down the page it confirms what I said above.

Answer 10

My kids both got seemed to get full faster breast feeding than using the bottle.. it seemed to go much slower.