Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Do you need a pump?

I'm going to try breastfeeding this time around, may or may not work-the plan is to supplement with formula after we get the hang of things.

In any case, I plan to have a cocktail or two so I know there will be times when I cannot breastfeed since I don't want to pass any alcohol to the baby. Do I need a pump for those times when I become engorged but can't safely BF? Or, does the engorgement "go away" on its own if you don't pump?

Sorry for the dumbness of the question but not drinking is not an option-I really need a drink at some point. Been waiting 9 months for one!

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

You will be uncomfortable, but it will be relieved when the baby eats next. In the beginning I found it necessary to pump because I was sooooo engorged. I had bought the pump and not opened it bc I didn't know if I'd need it- I ended up opening it the night I came home from the hospital! If you are unsure about whether bfing will work out for you, you can always buy an inexpensive hand pump to just have on hand.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

I would get a pump. You can rent if needed.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

I couldn't imagine breastfeeding myself without a pump...but that is just me...

I wouldn't get one if you think you would only need it if and when you drink...

You are allowed to breast feed and enjoy a drink (or 2 ) on occasion. Alcohol runs through your milk like it runs through your blood..so the rule of thumb is if you feel you are ok to drive you are ok to breastfeed. One drink would do nothing if you have to breastfeed soon after..and if you have a few and don't have to bf for a few hours it has prob passed through your system (blood and breast milk) by then

Good luck
Have fun

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

I've heard about these test strips that you can use to test your milk to make sure you are not passing alcohol - not sure if they work, but thoughgt I would pass on the info....

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Hey Lady! You absolutely can have a cocktail! Make sure it's immediately after you bf, that way, the drink will be out of your system by the next feeding (2 1/2-3 hours later).

It would be a good idea to have at least a hand pump just in case of engorgement. Renting would be a good idea. It would be about $70-80/month. Some places will rent by the week also.

Good for you for giving this a try!

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Posted by Mrs. Patticakes

Hey Lady! You absolutely can have a cocktail! Make sure it's immediately after you bf, that way, the drink will be out of your system by the next feeding (2 1/2-3 hours later).

It would be a good idea to have at least a hand pump just in case of engorgement. Renting would be a good idea. It would be about $70-80/month. Some places will rent by the week also.

Good for you for giving this a try!

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Posted by Silibee3

I've heard about these test strips that you can use to test your milk to make sure you are not passing alcohol - not sure if they work, but thoughgt I would pass on the info....

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Just a thought....are you really drinking in the beginning, cause I was pure exhausted & up throughout the night, so by the time I did start having drinks the BF was pretty established. At which point you could buy a pump.
I personally think they are great to have and you can start to establish a freezer supply. This way you can free yourself whenever you need & god forbid there is an emergency (I had a kitchen accident & needed stitches and DD was under 4months. Thankfully I had pumped 1x/day, so I had a supply to give her.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

IMO if you are BFing you NEED a pump. You might not leave the baby at all in the first few weeks, but there will come a time where you want to go out without the baby and you will need milk in the fridge to feed them. Did you check with your insurance - my pump was covered 100%. If you are planning on BFing for a while I would definitely buy a decent pump. And with the alcohol, like others have said, a drink here and there won't hurt the baby.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Posted by FlowerWife

Posted by Silibee3

I've heard about these test strips that you can use to test your milk to make sure you are not passing alcohol - not sure if they work, but thoughgt I would pass on the info....

i saw these at BRU yesterday, a box of 20.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

I'd get a breast pump. I know there are people who can BF and not need a pump, but I honestly don't know how they do it. Even when I was on a four-month maternity leave, I still had to go out for appointments, bridal showers, weddings, "stuff" and I had to leave some BM with the baby because we'd be separated for more than four hours.

For the first one, I waited to pump until a few weeks in, but for #2 I pumped right away to build up a supply in the freezer.

Also, my LC told me the best time to drink alcohol was WHILE DC was latched on, so I would occasionally have a small glass of wine while I nursed. By the time we were ready for the next nursing session, my body had already metabolized the alcohol and I was 'clean' again.

I trusted my gut about pumping and dumping. If I felt tipsy at all, I dumped.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

I've never let a cocktail (or 2 ) prevent me from BFing.

Re: Breast Feeding question-selfish question about pumping and drinking

Posted by sunflowerjesss

I've never let a cocktail (or 2 ) prevent me from BFing.