Pumping the breast milk?

Question

Okay my hubby and I have been in a dis agreement for a while sinse I found out we are expecting . We are both for breast feeding, except the fact that I would be more comfortable and for personal reasons rather be pumping the milk and then sharing feeding responsiblities with my hubby with that so we both can bond with the baby and also alow the baby to get benifits of the breast milk. On the other hand my hubby wants me to feed through the breast not through a bottle. Any ideas where we both can come to a agreement before the baby is born?

Answer 1

Exclusively pumping is very hard, many women can not maintain an adequate supply this way. Pumps only get 50-80% of the milk in moms breast, completely emptying the breast is what really stimulates supply. ANY bottle feeding regardless of what is in it increases the risks of ear infections. Bottlefeeding can have a negative impact on tooth, jaw and speech development.

The bonding from breastfeeding really isn't so much from the actual food, per se. It is from the skin to skin contact, and the optimal placement of the baby so that newborn can see mom. A newborn sees best about 10-12 inches away, miraculously this is the exact distance from mom's face when a baby is feeding.

Offering a bottle does not necessarily provide skin-to-skin contact nor allow the baby to see the person's face. However bonding between dad and baby can be optimized by skin-to-skin contact, and proper eye contact. This can be done without bottlefeeding. Dad can snuggle the baby, play with the baby and bathe the baby. In fact the kinds of play that dad does with newborns is just as important as breastfeeding.

Also it is by far easier to breastfeed a baby that is at least roomsharing if not co-sleeping in the middle of the night then to hear the baby scream while dad heats a bottle. Trust me you won't be sleeping while dad is heating a bottle.

I'm not saying you can't ever offer a bottle. But it is probably best for everyone involved if you work through your issues, with a counselor if needed. Breastfeeding is the normal, natural way to feed a baby. I understand that upbringing and the general society can make women uncomfortable with actually breastfeeding, but I think it is worth working through these issues.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

I agree with mystic;
There is more to breastfeeding than just the breastmilk. Pumping is going to take up alot of your time (every 2 hours) and a pump is just not as cuddly and warm as a baby would be!! Plus, a pump is pretty inefficient, while your baby would be getting the perfect amount out, every time. It is easier to breastfeed at night, as well, especially if you co-sleep or room-share (which I highly recommend).
Of course, you could pump every once in a while, but it is not necessary. I exclusively breastfeed my daughter (no formula or bottles, ever, though solids are now a part of her diet as she's a year old now). She LOVES her daddy, and they play together, make silly faces, read, take baths, everything! They are very bonded, so a bottle is really not necessary for the bond issue.
Breastfeeding at the breast will promote excellent jaw and teeth development, hand-eye coordination, and a bond that you wouldn't believe! It is so wonderful and easy to breastfeed, why taint it with plastic and an artificial nipple?
I would really explore my feelings on breastfeeding, and whatever issues I had, if I were you. Maybe talk to a therapist, or read up on breastfeeding and how beautiful it truely is. Our society has brainwashed and conformed so many women into thinking that breasts are sexual, when in fact, they are not. They are first and foremost a way to nourish you baby. Remember that, and congrats on your new baby!

Answer 3

You can do both. During the day, pump and when the baby wakes up for those late night feedings just breast feed. That is what I did. I thought it was so much easier at night. I didn't have to get up and make a bottle.

Answer 4

Well, you can do both and probably will do both. Frankly, it's a LOT easier to just nurse the baby than hook up the pump and sterilize all the pieces and bottles and nipples when you are done with it. It's SO much easier to just lift up your shirt and go, plus the milk is always at the exact right temperature.

I suggest you take a class (together) on breastfeeding and prepare to do both, then just see how it goes when the baby is born. Breastfeeding is a learned art, it does take a little time to get it right, as does pumping.

Answer 5

If you are for pumping only, and feeding by bottle, then do it. I pump and bottle feed. So, just like you said, you can share the time with the baby. If you pump every two hours, for a few days, that will help you establish your milk supply.
I've tried actually feeding by breast, and i didnt like it.
It's up to you, because he's not the one who's got the breasts to feed a baby. Good luck, and more power to the moms who pump!!!!

Answer 6

You might change your mind about pumping exclusively the moment you put your baby to your breast for the first time. I was thinking about formula feeding but when my daughter breastfed for the first time, I realized that I wanted that relationship to continue no matter what. As for pumping - hun, you'll HAVE to pump to keep up milk supply and relieve engorgement, nevertheless. Also, there will be times you'll want to go to the store or see a movie where you'd have to leave some expressed milk for your husband or another caretaker to take care of the baby for a while. He seems rather ignorant of how time consuming breastfeeding can be.

P.s. Your supply will be best if you breastfeed your baby and then pump in between feedings; that way your baby can set how much milk it needs.

Answer 7

I honestly think that if you're more comfortable with pumping, then your husband should respect that decision. After all, pumping will definitely give both of you a chance to bond. When my son was born last year, I had to start pumping within 2 weeks because he had problems latching on. I was actually glad because it gave my hubby a chance to share in the feedings and also gave me some extra sleep in the middle of the night.

One way to compromise is to pump and nurse. This way, your baby can be fed in ways that both of you are comfortable with and a part of.

Good luck! :-)

Answer 8

I think the others have given you very good answers. I'd just like to add that in addition to pumps being inefficient (and this causes your milk supply to dwindle), it is also a lot of work. The constant pumping, the cleaning and sterilising of the pump parts and the bottles.....ugh! And the labeling, storage, thawing frozen milk..... more work....time better spent being with your baby.
I pumped and breastfed when I had my first child (was working part-time then). Now with my second, I exclusively breastfed her and I am so glad. I don't miss the pumping and the washing up even one little bit!

Answer 9

Both ways is the best to go. You husband is being very lazy and selfish if he doesn't want to help with the feeding process. Pumping the milk also helps your breast, because when the baby isn't hungry...but your sore and need to nurse. You can pump and store for later.

ps...the hand pumps are horrible! lol At least they were 7yrs ago. I'm about to have another and I'm gong to look for the updated ones..........

Answer 10

What are your husband's reasons for using the breast instead of a bottle? If the baby is still getting breastmilk I don't know why it would make a difference. Using the bottle will allow your husband to participate in feeding time, but the baby will still be getting all of the benefits of breast milk.

BTW, we are planning on doing the same thing. Congrats to you!