Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

So I've been undecided about breastfeeding especially now that it's twins. But I decided Im going to try it because even if I cant do it for that long, anything is better then nothing. So I added a breastpump to my registry but now I have some questions....

1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle? I see some people on here get upset when they can only pump.

I think that's it, for now.....

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

I have the Medela pump in style and it comes with 4 bottles and 1 nipple. The bottles attach directly to the pump. I just screw on the nipple when I am ready to feed!

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

I gave birth to DD 2 weeks ago and so far, I haven't needed the bags. I am only producing 1 to 2 oz of milk per pumping session and DD drinks it all up by the time the next feeding comes around. However, I figure that as my milk supply increases, I will definitely need the storage bags. They are more compact and easier to store than the bottles.

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle? I see some people on here get upset when they can only pump.

Good question.... I am grappling with the same issue. DD prefers the bottle over me. In the beginning I was VERY upset about it because this is something that is supposed to come naturally. I am slowly getting over it and starting to realize that as long as she is getting breast milk, who cares how she gets it! However, my pediatrician strongly recommends I keep putting her to breast for the bonding experience. It really is a nice feeling to have your little one look up at you as you nurse them.

Good luck!!

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

I nursed last time so I hope this helps:

1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

I used Medela and you have to use their bottles. The come with the pump.

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

In the beginning when I wasn't producing a lot, I just stored in the bottle. I had 4 bottles. As my supply became bigger, I pumped and put them in the bags. At six weeks, I was putting about 4-6 ounces away each day. I would date it and put it in the freezer. If I stored them flat, it took a lot less room. I went back to work at 8 weeks and ended up having a little over a weeks supply.

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle?

I will tell you, in the beginning it was painful. As time went by, I loved the experience. I felt as if he drank better and more when he nursed. My opinion. I went back to work at 8 weeks and he weened himself off me at 11 weeks. I was the one not ready and crying. In the end, I pumped and used the bottle for 6 months. You have to do what's best for you and your baby. Nothing is wrong or right.

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

The pump comes with 4 bottles, but I also used the Dr. Browns bottles, which also fit on the pump. It was easier since I went back to work and was pumping and DD got fresh milk every day to pump into the bottles, less washing.

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

If you are going to use the milk within a couple days the bottles are fine. Or transfer them into the bottles you will be using if within a couple days, otherwise you will need the bags to store in the freezer label and date.

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle? I see some people on here get upset when they can only pump.

Its definitely a bonding experience, and you shouldnt introduce the bottle too early. Its a lot of work pumping, and breastfeeding was much easier to me.

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

I EBF 2 children - DD#1 I BF and pumped, DD#2 refused bottles so I only BF her and didn't pump after the 1st month or two with trying to get her onto bottles. I give you a lot of credit for trying with twins - 1 at a time is dedication enough I couldn't imagine 2!

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

I nursed my twins for 14 months, I hope I can be of some help!


1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

Any bottles will fit.

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

I stored the bottles in the fridge if it was going to be up to 24 hours. If I was freezing the milk, I used the bags.

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle? I see some people on here get upset when they can only pump.

Pumping was a PITA. Nursing them was so much easier and faster.
I only pumped once a day so I could have some milk in the freezer for if I was going to be out or something during a feeding, or sometimes DH would do a middle of the night feeding with the pumped milk so I could get some extra sleep.

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

1. Are there special bottles that attach to the pump or will any bottle that I have attach to it?

The medela pumps come with bottles- you can also attach medela bags to the pump which can go right in the freezer.

2. Can breast milk be stored in the bottles themselves or do I have to get the special bags or whatever?

Yes, I store the milk in the pump bottles in the fridge. But if I'm freezing the milk I transfer it to the Lansinoh freezer bags- they hold the best.

3. Aside from the bonding experience, whats the difference if they get the boob directly or if the breastmilk is given to them in a bottle? I see some people on here get upset when they can only pump.

No nutritional difference at all. However, it's a PITA to pump- the best part of BFing is the convience and if you have to pump and than feed the baby it can be time consuming and difficult. Think about having to feed your newborn every 2 hours- it takes 20 min.s to pump and can take 30-45 min.s for the baby to eat. Add in set-up and burping, and by the time your finished it's time to pump again. Also, in the beginning it's best to have the baby nurse from you so that your supply is well established. The pumps are great but will never fully mimic a baby nursing. However it can be done and is a great option for babies that won't BF.

Just want to add I had a horrible start with BFing- my DS would not latch. However, I stuck with it- pumped and used a nipple shield and by 3 months he was nursing just on me- no shield. He's 4 months now and we're still going strong even though I'm back to work and have to pump 3 x.s a day for daycare. It was so hard in the beginning but now it's great and i love our nursing relationship! Good luck!!

Re: Clueless about breastfeeding! Some questions...

If you have the time and the option, I strongly reccommend taking a breastfeeding class. We went to one and it boosted my confidence about being about to do it and I got a ton of great info.