Really weird question, please no smart *#s comments?

Question

My first child came at 38 weeks, my second at 35 weeks, and now I'm 33 weeks and we are expecting the new baby any day because I just had a baby last june. I really want to breastfeed and haven't been able to in the past. Since I already have colostrum, how wrong would it be to start pumping for the new baby? Would it cause contractions, because that's not the goal?

The first time, it took 2 weeks for my milk to come in and the second time sonce my son was a preemie, I wasn't allowed to put him to my breast for about 10 days. I pumped, but it wasn't enough to keep my supply up.

Answer 1

You should ask your doctor to be sure, but I've never heard of a woman pumping her breasts before the baby is born before. Milk usually doesn't come in until a few days after the baby is born anyway, so I don't even know if you would be able to get a decent supply of milk. It might cause contractions, so bring it up at your next doctor's appointment.

Answer 2

Contact La Leche League when you give birth and a lactation consultant can help you learn (at the hospital) how to breastfeed. It did not come naturally for me or my baby and it was really tough and painful for a week and FINALLY- I swear on the 8th day everything fell into place and my daughter started nursing like a champ. The hardest part was that she had trouble latching at first (which is normal) and I was scared she would starve if I didn't suppliment with formula- (she did not starve at all, and she was a 10 pounds 3 oz baby!)

I would not start pumping until about 2-3 weeks after she is born, or when you are engorged to get some relief...Also, I do not suggest pacifiers or bottle nipples AT ALL until after 3 weeks. It can be so confusing for your baby. Finally, my daughter did not like bottles at first (but she was headed to day care) and the only ones she took are the playtex nursers with the disposable liners) I went through $50 of bottles before I found out what worked! It took her about a week to figure out the bottle nipple so start 2 weeks before your baby will need to take a bottle. Also, she still won't take a bottle from me cause she knows I have the mama milk.

Good luck! You are giving your baby the best head start in life that you can. I donate my milk because I make more than my baby needs. The hospital tests my blood and the human milk saves premies lives and reduces the rate of death (when only formula is used) so it is God's magic food! I've heard people say that it is gross, but it is no different than donating blood to save lives...

Answer 3

Not just because it can and probably would cause contractions, you should not pump before your baby is born because he/she needs to nurse directly from your breast to get your milk supply going, and to keep it going. The baby is much more efffecient than a pump, and will stimulate milk supply if you have a correct latch and other things are done correctly, it sounds like you just need some help learning how. Talk to a lactation consultant now, before your baby is born, so that you can learn how this works, and why it's important for your baby to be able to get colustrum directly from your breasts. Good luck & congrats~

Your addition just makes it all the more important that you talk with a lactation consultant now, before the baby is born, to make plans for when he/she is born. It still in no way makes it a possibility that you should pump now.

I really should add too that I'm proud of you for trying so hard to breastfeed, it's the best you can give your baby, so don't give up, you can do it~

Answer 4

Do not start pumping yet as nipple stimulation can cause the release of oxytocin, the hormone that causes contractions. You already have a history of preterm labor, and 33 weeks is too early to deliver. Complications involved in a 33 week preemie are even more pronounced then in a 35 weeker like you had previously. Consult a lactation consultant. The question is why did you have problems nursing before? If you have flat or inverted nipples, that is something you can start working on now by wearing shells that draw out the nipple so baby can latch on. If there were other problems, discuss them with the lactation consultant, and she/he will advise you on how to proceed.

Answer 5

You've seemed to already gotten a lot of good answers. From personal experience... I really wanted to breastfeed so I thought I would pump early on and start the milk building process early. First off...it will hurt! there is no milk yet and pumping dry is really uncomfortable for you nipples. When I pumped it did cause contractions, not major ones that made me go into labor but everybody is different. I would wait until you were closer to your due date to start stimulating your nipples.
If you really want to breastfeed my best advise is when your baby is born have him/her suckling as much as possible because it will help bring your milk in faster. Plus the colostrum (I think thats how you spell it) is really good for your baby.
Good luck with everything!

Answer 6

It may start contractions! I wouldn't take the chance at 33 weeks.

The birth of the baby will help let down your milk, put your baby to the breast as soon as he is born, then every hour or so, until your milk comes in. your baby could use the practice and you too!

if you still have troubles, ask your doctor for a referral to a lactation consultant or check out the La Leche League, they have people who you can call 24 hours a day.

Answer 7

I've heard that stimulation of the breast does cause contractions. When I was having my son my nurse told me to massage my breasts to help the contractions along. I didn't do it lol. I would have been embrassed. So I would guess pumping could cause it to speed up contractions. But then again, the stimulation of the breasts may only work if you're already in labour. I would call the doc to see.

Answer 8

Have you spoken with a lactation specialist to discuss your past problems? I took a breastfeeding class through the hospital where I delivered. The lactation specialist that taught the class helped me with problems while I was still in the hospital. She followed up with calls to my home to make sure everything was going well. I was even able to call her with questions when my daughter was over 6 months old. I don't know about pumping before the baby is born. I would ask a professional before doing so. Best of luck.

Answer 9

Don't start pumping because it's too early to risk going into labor. Have you talked to a lactation consultant? I don't know what reasons kept you from successfully breastfeeding before but you can give it another try. If you have flat or inverted nipples you can help them by wearing special breast shields, that's something you can do now and be ready to nurse your newborn.

Answer 10

Very Likely that it would cause contractions! You should wait until you have the baby before you start pumping..you dont want to have a premature baby if you can help it!