Is it as painful as theysay to use a breastpump?

Question

I know to many this might sound crazy... I really do want my baby to have breastmilk but do not feel comfortable with the idea of breastfeedign many moms disagree with me, but I have tried gettign my mind around it and still no sucsess. Please do not throw me with stones I only want to know whether it is really painfull extractign milk with a breastpump and what pump would you reccomend. Thanks

Answer 1

i used a hospital grade pump and it wasnt painful at all.

it takes a while to get used to but i wouldnt say it is painful.

Answer 2

It's not painful at all, unless you're doing it wrong (just like regular nursing.)

I love my Ameda Purely Yours. It is a double electric (meaning you can pump both sides at once and it just plugs into a wall outlet.) It's also a closed system so I don't need to sterilize the pump. I work and pump and it has been very reliable, I've never needed to supplement because I didn't pump enough.

However, I'm more concerned that you have some unresolved issues with your breasts and their utility. Obviously, you DON'T need to answer me in this forum, your business is your business, but it sounds like you may be an abuse survivor or have some other traumatic event that might cause a distortion in the way that you few nursing.

A trained lactation consultant can help you work through your feelings (make sure that they are 'IBCLC' certified.) You might even attend a la leche league meeting before you have your baby to meet other nursing moms and demystify breastfeeding. Lots of survivors are able to nurse their children and even find it to be a healing experience--taking 'back' their body and using it for good, to nourish and grow a child.

I'll leave you with a link if you feel like you want more information.

Answer 3

I bought a breastpump, for my third pregnancy, and it didn't work too well, for me, even though it was supposed to be one of the best... Baby does it much better! And, yes, it was uncomfortable, too... I could handle the discomfort, if it were getting out enough milk, but, it really didn't... I'm 7 months along, with our last, and this time, I'll just manually express, when I need to. That worked much better, and was a lot faster, with less discomfort. (But, we're all different, so you'll have to see what works best for *you*.) Good luck! P.S. The breastpump didn't get much use, so it was basically wasted money... It was an electric, dual pump; hospital grade. *edited* I notice many women are saying it's not painful, unless you aren't doing something right, but, that's not true, per se... I happened to have mastitis, when I pumped (I got it 4 times, with my third child), and that was a big part of the reason is was so uncomfortable. In that case, baby nursing was much better, cause it's the natural way, and less tugging.

Answer 4

I used an Avent Isis manual breastpump and found that it really hurt at first. It took a LONG time to get used to it because they are so much harsher than a suckling baby.
I gave it up in the end because it was a pain in the butt and I could never get enough milk out to suffice our daughter for all her day feeds while I worked. i ended up breastfeeding morning and night when I worked and formula bottles during the day.

I also thought breastfeeding was going to be weird and not for me but I ended up loving it and fed the first for 7mths and the second for 8mths.

I know you don't want to be preached to but give it a go. It takes a week or two to adjust to but gets better and is really enjoyable.
AND its so much easier than preparing bottles and pumping 24/7. I couldn't imagine sitting there pumping for an hour for each feed and then giving the bottle for half an hour and then having to sterilise the pump again before pumping again 1/2 and hour later. Seriously way too much trouble.

best of luck though and congrats

Answer 5

I'm still breastfeeding my 7 month old. If you choose the right pump then there will be no pain at all! I'm using A*ent manual pump and it works wonderfully. You can try M*edela as well. But the most importantly, relax and and don't push yourself too hard. If you've tried and still no success then it's okay to turn to formula, it doesn't mean you love your baby less. Good luck!

Answer 6

I have a Medela pump it was expensive ($310) but well worth it, I generally can pump anywhere from 7-11oz with it, it just depends on how "full" my breasts are at the time, but I never get any less than 5oz in one setting. To me, it doesnt hurt, and I usually squeeze my breasts as I'm pumping to ensure all ducts are being emptied. Do not feel bad for not feeling comfortable, I actually like it better when I express milk and feed it to my daughter by bottle, rather than actually breastfeeding. I feel that she gets fuller and sleeps better. Good luck in whatever you decide to do! Also just a side note: most insurances will pay for the pump if its prescribed to you by your OB, I know mine did...

Answer 7

Breast pump did not hurt me, when I needed to use it. It just felt weird and I felt like a cow being hooked up to a milking machine.
However, the problem that I experienced with pumps vs. suckling, is that the pump would only relieve pressure from some milk ducts while other milk ducts would remain sore and engorged, while a suckling would stimulate all of the milk ducts and relieve the pressure equally.
I used an older model from the early 90s. I would hope that the newer models have remedied this problem.

Answer 8

it is at first just like when the baby drinks is but after awhile you get used to it and it don't feel like anything is going on ..

Any breast milk is better then none so remember that even if they nurse just a few times a day its better.

I bought the purely yours breast pump when I had my son at the hospital it was $200 and I love it but I hardly used it. I am a stay at home mom so I just fed him when he was hungry and I also use some formula (goodstart) as well.

Answer 9

It's like breast feeding ...if it hurts, then you are not doing it right. Also I find that the more tender and full your breast are the more it hurts, but it is a quick pain ... kind of how it feels when the baby first latches on, then it is fine.

Answer 10

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RE:
Is it as painful as theysay to use a breastpump?
I know to many this might sound crazy... I really do want my baby to have breastmilk but do not feel comfortable with the idea of breastfeedign many moms disagree with me, but I have tried gettign my mind around it and still no sucsess. Please do not throw me with stones I only want to know...