Natural Breast Feeding vs The Pump?

Question

Will saving my money and letting baby nurse straight from my breast change the appearance or texture of my nipples? I will have the time and hopefully the energy to breast feed as much as I need to, so thats not an issue. Should I go ahead and pay the 150-300$ for a breast pump? HELP!

Answer 1

Pumping is so much more work. Just go natural. You are guaranteed to have the right amount at each feeding, as your body produces according to need. You don't have to worry about bottles, finding the time to pump, storing the milk, etc. You may still want a small hand pump so you have some milk in case you want to get out, but I wouldn't rely on it. You can get good hand pumps for a lot less, if you decide you want one. Avent makes a great one for about $50.

Answer 2

Heheheh...

Pregnancy and engorgement following delivery is what does the damage, not the actual feeding of the baby. Your beautiful nipples might get a crack or two during the first month, but this can be remedied and alas, it will eventually heal.

Your breasts WILL be forever changed by pregnancy and the initial "coming in" of your milk, but not necessarily in a bad way. I sort of like, how my breasts look more mature and not so pre-adolescent (I used to be quite the teenage boy up top, now I feel like a grown woman).

The investment for a breast pump may or may not come in handy, depending on how you want to feed your baby, but I wouldn't run out and buy one to save the looks of my knockers. That would be rather pointless.

PS.

I pump full time due to a failure of natural nursing. It is the biggest ***** from hell, I wish I was able to do it from the breast, and not have to sit with a milk machine attatched to me for around 4 hours a day and night. Plus sterilizing stuff, and more stuff, and more stuff... Save yourself the hassle, and only pump for special occasions or if nursing actually doesn't work... This is NOT the easy alternative, trust me.

Answer 3

Well from experience.... I can tell you that a pump is not that neccesary when you stay at home and can breastfeed anytime.... like me. On the other hand in case you need to go out one day or for whatever reason you cannot feed your son, you might want to invest about $50-$100 on a manual breast pump or electric. A manual breastpump is quiet and smaller than an automatic pump, and does the same thing, but might be a little cheaper. I ended up with three breast pumps and hardly ever use them. The manual one I bought cost about $70 and is useful and ready for whenever I need it. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

I breast fed both of my children dont waste money on the pump. I had seveeral different ones and they were painful and didnt always work. there is nothing like the bond you get when you nurse. Find you a lactation support group. I would be glad to help you with any issues you have. My breast pretty much stayed the same altho age and gravity has done a bit of dammage hehehe. Breast is best for baby and for mom as it gives you time to sit and unwind for a few mins and wonder at the amazing gift that God has given you.

Answer 5

No, it will not change the appearance or texture of your nipples. I was never successful at pumping; I guess I just didn't have the patience. My children nursed straight from the breast. Having the baby at your breast produces milk a lot more efficiently than a pump does. It is really up to you, but I never needed one!

Answer 6

Your breasts will change whether you nurse or not. Pregnancy does that.

I suggest nursing for a while, and seeing if you need the pump. I nursed two kids and probably only pumped a half dozen times all told. The pump comes in handy if you need to travel or work and leave food for someone else to feed the baby.

If you decide you need the convenience of the pump, you can always buy it later. You may not need it at all, though.

Answer 7

Natural is easier and better for the child at first. There are several reason why you may choose to get a pump.

1) the child needs milk while you are at work. You can pump ahead of time and have it ready for the child care.
2) When you are sick you are not supposed to feed you child b/c they may contract the illness or get the antibiotics you are taking when they dont need them. Again you can pump ahead and freeze it just to be safe. You dont want you or your child to be sick if it is not necissary.
3) The child gets teeth "OWW!!"... Enough said I believe.
4) The child gets teeth and you would prefer they be on a sippy cup instead of taking a chance with the straightness of their teeth. Studies here are mixed. Some say suckling can cause crooked teeth some say breastfeeding will not.

When it comes down to it... It is your money and your choice. Breastmilk is a wonderful way to start out a child's life but you do not have to force yourself to bare all for your child to get their nutrition. There are also factors that you cannot control such as the latching abilities of your child. My daughter had breathing problems from birth and I found out that is why she wouldn't latch. (She couldn't.... I was essentially suffocating her everytime the nurse said to try it again)

Answer 8

I breastfed my oldest daughter for 1 year. Nothing ever happened to my nipples except they were toughened up by the time my second daughter was born. In that 1 year I had purchased a breast pump and honestly I thought it was a waste of time. Everyone is different though. I just found it easier to just whip it out and feed as opposed to cleaning the bottles, pumping the milk, storing the milk, heating the milk, etc...

Answer 9

Natural Breast

Answer 10

Pumping can be a lot of work, and is not easy for some women. If you want to pump and bottle feed full time then you would be better off with a double electric hospital grade pump.

If you are able, why not save yourself the hassle and just nurse your baby :)