I want to breastfeed baby but I had a bad experience with my nipples chapping and hurting before. I am thinking about getting the breast pump and expressing milk for baby instead of feeding directly from the breast. Or should I even bother?
2007-09-13 05:47:24 · 18 answers · asked by Newlywed 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I would try to breast feed. What you are talking about is called exclusively pumping. It is possible to do, but I warn you it is difficult. I exclusively pumped for my daughter for 12 months. Now she is 12 1/2 months and I still pump a little for her. I made the right choice for myself and my baby at the time, but if I could go back in time, I would have given breast feeding more of a try. I exclusively started to pump, because my milk didn't come in at all for 9 days. My daughter had been latching on great for the first day or two, but she need formula to survive. I was recovering from a c-section and trying to breast feed, pumping and everything else was too much to do.
If you exclusively pump you need
1. a good pump- I have an Medela In Style
2. lots of bottles
3. tons of time- it takes twice as long as both breast feeding and formula feeding because it is the work of both methods.
Go to the link to learn more
http://www.mother-2-mother.com/ExclusivePumping.htm
Good luck with whatever you chose
2007-09-13 08:27:13 · answer #1 · answered by Starsfan14 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't ever want to supplement with formula, then you shouldn't just pump. The pump isn't as effective as the baby at getting your milk out. The sore nipples last the first week only, unless it's due to a bad latch. I had that problem for about 3 weeks because my son's tongue was improperly positioned. I talked to a lactation consultant and she was very helpful. I was on the verge of giving up. Also try the cream and breast milk on the nipples. Some breast milk is better than none! I would cherish the moment you can have bonding together. Once I went back to work after 8 weeks, my supply dwindled and now I'm pumping every 2.5-3 hours to try to bring it back up.
2007-09-13 06:20:32 · answer #2 · answered by Astragalo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A lot of times, chapping and painful nipples are a result of a bad latch, or the baby's mouth not connecting with the breast properly. A lactation consultant can really help with this if you experience it again. You can also ask your midwife or doctor, but some doctors are not very strong breastfeeding proponents and may not be able to help you with the situation. Pumping your milk exclusively instead of letting the baby nurse may be short-lived as it is very hard to keep up your supply that way. If you are committed to breastfeeding, good for you! It truely is the best food for your baby, and has so many health benefits for both of you including keeping baby from getting sick as much to keeping you from developing certain cancers. Please do some reading online before you make your final decision, and don't give up without seeking assistance if you develop similar problems as before. I wish you the best.
2007-09-13 06:04:35 · answer #3 · answered by rowan.rayne 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know the pain! The first initial latch is the most painful part and then it gets better. I mostly use a pump during the day and just breast feed at night when im half asleep so i don't feel the pain as much lol It doesn't work for everyone, but some peopel can just pump use the cream for chapped nipples it works, and just make sure you and your baby have it down before leaving the hospital. its a learning experience for both! good luck
2007-09-13 06:00:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your nipples will get chapped and hurt for the first few days while they get used to the friction. You can buy something called Lanisoh Purified Lanolin that you rub into your nipples. It will help keep them from looking like "shredded beef" (as my husband calls it). I have pumped and straight breastfed and had the same thing happen...also check with a lactation consultant. Improper attachment to the nipple will also cause pain and chafing...
And breast milk is best so don't let one bad experience keep you from doing it again. PLUS it's a ton cheaper than formula (which runs close to $30 a can).
A good breast pump is Medela Pump In Style. Pricy, BUT if you plan on having more than one kid, definitely worth it.
Good Luck.
2007-09-13 05:57:06 · answer #5 · answered by Miss Sunshine 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I pumped for every feeding for my daughter's first 2 months. I barely got enough milk, but I was able to give her breastmilk for every feeding.
My nipples hurt, but not as bad as when breastfeeding, and it took up a lot of time. I had to pump every 2.5 hours for 30 min to get the milk she needed, and then I'd spend 20 min feeding her every 3 hours or so. So it was tough - I couldn't really go anywhere and I got pretty down.
You'll need to get a good double pump. I had the Medela Pump-in-Style and it was great.
Good luck!
2007-09-13 06:15:03 · answer #6 · answered by MS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a normal part of your nipples getting used to breastfeeding. If you can just hang in there, it will go away. Use your breast milk to heal your nipples. Make sure your nipples are completely dry before you put your pad back on. Also, if you can let your breasts "air" out. Talk to your pediatrician about this, they may have something to put on them to help. Please don't give up to easy. It's the best thing for you and for your baby.
2007-09-13 05:58:54 · answer #7 · answered by kymmy_kins 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The chapping should only last for the first week or so. If it's going on any longer then that your baby probably isn't latching on correctly! Meet with a lactation nurse or someone from the La Leche League in your area, they can help you make sure you and baby are getting a good latch!
2007-09-13 05:57:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mine were the same way, but if you keep thinking that you are giving your little one the best start in life...it might be easier to handle. There are all kinds of products out there for soothing them when they are irritated. It shouldn't last too long if they baby is latching properly. Once you get past the first couple of weeks, it's the most memorable, enjoyable experiences you'll have. Pumping hurt me sometimes as well, if not more. It's definitly worth it though :) Good luck!
2007-09-13 05:56:51 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
You can use the Lanolin cream and after each feeding just express some milk and rub it on your nipple. Drink plenty of liquids and avoid using soap on your nipples. After all, the benefits of baby drinking directly from the breasts is not equal to drinking from a bottle.
2007-09-13 05:56:53 · answer #10 · answered by shobana 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋