Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

or EBF SAHM's... talk to me!

Okay so help a girl register...

I registered for the Medela Harmony and I'm already set with feeling that will work for me.

I registered for organic washable breast pads as I hear you don't know how much you'll even leak and the washables are more absorbant, less visible, softer and less irritating than the disposables.

I registered for Lansinoh storage bags based on your replies to my post on that.

And I registered for a Peanut Shell nursing cover.

Now....

Bottles: Glass or plastic, which brand, nipple level, what did you use them for (breast milk, water, formula, just in case and haven't used them yet), how many and what size?

Anything else I need? Creams, lotions, etc.? I'm very large chested so I'll do my best in finding bras and tops.

I'm 10 pages away from reading The ABC's of Breastfeeding, will start So That's What They're For next, picked up from my library today Laugh & Learn about Breastfeeding dvd. I have a positive and confident breastfeeding plan/mindset. And I'm signed up for the hospital breastfeeding class. I should be set! And yes, I know it's not going to be perfect or easy but I'm going for it!

*UPDATED* I'm confused.

Question... If you are exclusively breastfeeding, when and why are you giving bottles?

I'll be a SAHM who will EBF, emphasis on the E on the B. I thought that's what it meant. I only wanted to have the manual pump on hand to assist with engorgement, plugged duct, medical, etc. No electric pump, no double pumping. Same with the storage bags, just a few because they say if you pump it you should store it. I'm not looking to stockpile breast milk in the freezer.

As for the bottles, same thing... to have a few on hand in the event that BF does not work out, medical reasons, if after proper time we want to try to let DH feed, etc.

From the replies, it looks like I'll register for one of each the favorite bottles to wait and see which works best.

But I'm just curious, why all the bottle feeding with EBF? Just so I get the term right, whether on the breast or bottle feeding breast milk, only breast milk is still considered EBF? In the future would I have to specify "on the breast"? Thanks!

Message edited 3/27/2009 9:01:10 AM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...

Sounds like you are right on top of things!

Are you planning to pump a lot? If so, I know some girls on here recommend this for hands free pumping.



You maybe should wait to see if BFing works out okay before investing.

I got a few sample bottles to make sure I had a variety on hand in case DS liked one or the other, but he took the first one we tried (Avent) with no problem. We introduced the bottle (of BM) about 8 weeks of age. We started with the small 4 oz bottles but quickly outgrew them...although I still use them occassionally if I know he just needs a little something.

Something that helped me tremendously at the beginning with sore/cracked nipples were Soothies. They are a gel thingy that you can put in the fridge - what a relief. They are a little pricey but again, worth it. I got a couple of pairs in the hospital and then picked some up in CVS after we left (only needed these for the first week or so and you may not need them at all)

At 4+ months, I still keep track of DS' feedings so recommend getting a little notebook or journal. They gave me a week-long one in the hospital and I just continued from there.

Best wishes!


eta: we started with 4 4oz bottles and 4 8oz bottles and the smallest nipple level (1 in Avent). Depending on when you plan to iintro the bottle would determine what you need in terms of nipple/bottle size.

Message edited 3/26/2009 9:24:06 PM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...

So long as we latch, double pumping is not going to be my bag! But thanks for that image. I come from a family of successful breastfeeders, never pumped. I just put on the little manual pump just in case. I just need the 2009 low down on the bottle frontier.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...

Hey Denise- I really like the Dr. Brown's bottles. We use the BPA-free plastic ones. I like them because they reduce the amount of air that the baby gets, which I find similar to BF. Half the time when DD is breastfed, I can't get a burp out of her because she has taken in so little air.

I don't know when you're planning to go back to work, but you may want to reconsider going with a double electric pump. They are expensive, but I feel mine has been worth its weight in gold. It's priceless in the beginning for building your supply--you can pump for a few minutes after baby nurses in order to increase.

ETA: I'm all about the disposable nursing pads. You are going to be up to your eyeballs in laundry, my feeling is why make more work for yourself...and then God forbid you don't get to the laundry when you're supposed to (as is the case with me right now) and then you're out of pads! But that's just me.

Message edited 3/26/2009 10:30:58 PM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...

My lactation consultant reccomends teh playtex ORIGINAL nurser bottles (drop-ins) if you are going to introduce the bottle because the nipple shape is closest to the breast.... MY DD is 5 weeks old and has been bottle fed because she couldn't breasfeed for a bunch of medical reasons and we are current'y working on re-introducing the breast and so far so good

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Bump for a new question!

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I registered (and recieved) the Playtex Drop In starter set.

Ryan is 9 months old and I can count on 2 hands the amount of times he has had a bottle.

I always keep (4) 6 ouncers frozen in case of emergency.

I only pump to keep up the stash in the freezer, again, in case of emergency.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Posted by BnBdreamin
But I'm just curious, why all the bottle feeding with EBF? Just so I get the term right, whether on the breast or bottle feeding breast milk, only breast milk is still considered EBF? In the future would I have to specify "on the breast"? Thanks!

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Posted by BnBdreamin

*UPDATED* I'm confused.

Question... If you are exclusively breastfeeding, when and why are you giving bottles?

I'll be a SAHM who will EBF, emphasis on the E on the B. I thought that's what it meant. I only wanted to have the manual pump on hand to assist with engorgement, plugged duct, medical, etc. No electric pump, no double pumping. Same with the storage bags, just a few because they say if you pump it you should store it. I'm not looking to stockpile breast milk in the freezer.

As for the bottles, same thing... to have a few on hand in the event that BF does not work out, medical reasons, if after proper time we want to try to let DH feed, etc.

From the replies, it looks like I'll register for one of each the favorite bottles to wait and see which works best.

But I'm just curious, why all the bottle feeding with EBF? Just so I get the term right, whether on the breast or bottle feeding breast milk, only breast milk is still considered EBF? In the future would I have to specify "on the breast"? Thanks!

Message edited 3/27/2009 9:16:01 AM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Posted by headoverheels

i was EBF - but i pumped at work. i still considered myself EBF BECAUSE DS was ONLY getting BM - IMO it doesn't matter how he gets it because it originated from the breast

you really should have a couple of bottles on hand and a little bit of formula JUST IN CASE. honestly having a few tiny bottles of RTF saved my live those first few weeks - because when i was completely exhausted and i couldn't move, DH could feed the baby. and i still considered myself to be EBF

the thing is, you never know what will happen. it can't hurt to register, there is no guarantee you will need it but i think it's smart to have these things on hand.

and in the case that you need to pump a little to relieve engorgement you need someplace to put that milk when you want to feed it to DC!

Message edited 3/27/2009 9:19:29 AM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I EBF (from the breast )DD for the first year.I didnt have any bottle or formula on hand - maybe I was naive but I figured I would be able to BF and if I was not I was just going to run out and get a small supply at a store.

I had a manual pump that they gave me at the hospital and I only used it when DD was 6mths to express milk to mix her solids with.

If you really think you are going to EBF you may not need bottles or formula.

If you are not planning on pumping and using bottles so you can get a break from a feeding then I dont see you needing a pump either.

I use the term EBF to mean that this is the only type of milk your child is getting - if you give formula then you are not EBF you are giving formula and breast milk.

Good luck

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Groovy. Thanks! Yeah, I want to have just a small bottle feeding "kit" just in case. I can always run out and fully stash myself but in that moment (that I'm not at all expecting, think positive!), I don't want to panic and start poking a pin hole in my dish glove! I already have two free samples of formulas and I'm sure more will come. But I'm truly hoping they will not be needed.

Thanks!

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I BF for 13 months and was weaning to whole milk but only stopped cold turkey at that time b/c I needed really strong antibiotics that they didn't recommend bfing on.

Here is my take... I BF my DD off my breast as much as possible - when I went out to say my parents home I BF - but after a while we did classes, or had play dates, etc. A lot of the moms didn't BF and honestly made it uncomfortable when I needed to - and I wasn't comfortable BFing at the mall etc (basically in public). So I used those opportunities to pump and give DD bottles. Also DD had bad reflux esp in the morning - so the ped recommended giving a pumped bottle to control the amount she took first feeding when she woke. Okay, I look at it this way - feeding of the breast only is great - but there are going to be times where you want to be able to give your DC a bottle. Like if you want to go to dinner with your DH or have an appt that you can't bring your child to etc. If you don't pump it is very hard to do that b.c no one else can feed your child in your absence. I personally can relate to that b.c DD refused to take bottles of pumped milk for 10 weeks and it was very hard - I had a few Doctor's appts and wanted to do an occasional dinner with DH but b.c she ate every 2-3 hours it was hard b.c you have to plan completely around that.

I would at least have some supplies so that you have that option. It is hard to say which ones at the best b.c your child will pretty much dictate which ones they like. DD would take the avent in the beginning but eventually would only take dr brown narrow neck bottles. BTW I have the medela pump in style advanced and the dr browns narrow necks attach right to the pump so if you pump to go out and not freeze you can pump right into them (they have BPA free ones).

Glass btw I was told wasn't recommended b.c if I remember correctly some of the important aspects of the breast milk adhere to the glass where they don't for the plastic - there are several BPA free versions out there so I would go with a selection of those and see if you decide to pump which ones work for you.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

For me, I am not comfortable BF in public. It was mostly due to the fact that I couldn't sit upright after the back surgery, but it's still not something I'm comfortable with.

You will definitely want to have bottles on hand. I am VERY dedicated to BF, but I want to have dinner alone with my husband every now and again I don't like the idea of not being able to be away from her if I need to. So it was important for me to introduce bottles early on.

I would also HIGHLY suggest having a frozen supply. You just never know what's going to happen. What would happen if (GOD FORBID) you needed to be hospitalized and couldn't see the baby for a day or two? I had to have my back surgery when DD was 5 weeks old, and I could not BF her for 24 hours due to the anesthesia. Granted that surgery was planned, but if something were to happen to me, I would want to make sure that DD still had plenty to eat.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

To me, EBF doesn't mean exclusively fed from the breast, it means exclusively fed breast milk. I choose to feed DC one bottle of formula at night because it keeps them asleep a little longer, but I EBF all the other feedings. I have a frozen stash because I don't know they might need it. What if I want to go out for longer than two hours? Also, on the weekends, it gives me a chance to sleep a little longer because DH can do one of the middle of the night feedings.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I would not bother at all with milk storage bags in your situation. That's for when you're pumping a lot more. I also would not register for bottles at all. Pick up one at the supermarket this weekend & that's all you'll need for now. DH can always go out to the store after the baby is here, if need be. I would definitely not register for an expensive pump either. I have one as a hand-me-down, and love it, but use it so rarely. I never needed to pump to increase my supply or anything like that. I also feel perfectly comfortable nursing anywhere as long as I am covered up so I don't give bottles in public at all- IMO, it's way more of a pain to do that because then I have to figure out how to warm up the cold breast milk when I'm out at the mall or something.

ETA: Wow, I just read some other posts on here and noticed how different my answer was! It's funny how we all do things differently. I have a small (freebie) can of powdered formula in my basement just in case there is an emergency & I can't feed DD (she doesn't get formula now though). When I need to be away from her (very very rarely), then I pump one bottle that day or the day before to have it fresh. I do not need a frozen supply at all.

Message edited 3/27/2009 11:42:32 AM.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

with DD#1 i rented a hospital grade pump and wound up using avent bottles. i rented the pump because i didn't know how the BFing was going to work, and i did want to have a stash on hand for DH to feed if i need to run out and/or am just going crazy...

with DD#2 i rented a pump for a week and then bought one. i have the ameda purely yours which if you buy without the bag, is pretty inexpensive. i love it. i had the medela the first time around and much prefer the ameda due to cleaning of parts. with all the BPA hoopla i use evenflo glass bottles for now and have had zero problems.

i must say with DD#2 i have hardly pumped and she's 4 months now. i did have to pump a bit to create a stash when DH and i attended a wedding and stayed in a hotel overnight. there is no way a non-powered pump would have worked for me to create the stash needed. i pumped again this week because i will need to run out on saturday and DH will have to give her a bottle.

try renting one for a week from the hospital, and you can then see if you'll want to buy...good luck!

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I am *almost* exclusively BF DS. He is 7 1/2 months and we just finished the first of the sample size formula containers! I did buy a can of formula as well, but only because I hate to run out of stuff .
I am very comfortable BF DS when we are out, I use a cover and have no problem with it. The only time I give formula is when I am out with my parents or ILs and want to have a glass of wine or something, I will make a bottle and pass off the baby for my mom or MIL to feed him. It gives them great pleasure to feed him as well. (I just went away with each of them - on separate vacations - for a week each so he got a bottle a day when we were away). I HATE HATE HATE pumping so I will supplement with formula when I give a bottle.
Also, DH and I like to go out once a month or so. We need to leave a bottle with a sitter and that is always formula. In the very beginning, I did pump to keep up my supply if I was away from the baby for any amount of time.

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

Posted by BnBdreamin

*UPDATED* I'm confused.

Question... If you are exclusively breastfeeding, when and why are you giving bottles?

I'll be a SAHM who will EBF, emphasis on the E on the B. I thought that's what it meant. I only wanted to have the manual pump on hand to assist with engorgement, plugged duct, medical, etc. No electric pump, no double pumping. Same with the storage bags, just a few because they say if you pump it you should store it. I'm not looking to stockpile breast milk in the freezer.

As for the bottles, same thing... to have a few on hand in the event that BF does not work out, medical reasons, if after proper time we want to try to let DH feed, etc.

From the replies, it looks like I'll register for one of each the favorite bottles to wait and see which works best.

But I'm just curious, why all the bottle feeding with EBF? Just so I get the term right, whether on the breast or bottle feeding breast milk, only breast milk is still considered EBF? In the future would I have to specify "on the breast"? Thanks!

Re: Exclusively Breastfeeding Stay at Home Moms...*UPDATED with new question* Please come back!

I pumped because if I did have to leave the baby to go to the doctor or somewhere there was milk for him. As long as it is breastmilk, it is considered EBF.

It was also helpful to have abottle if we were going somewhere that would be challenging to Breastfeed in public.

You may never use a bottle but I pumped and found that it was helpful at times. DS did not really like the bottles so it was a challenge.

Also, considering I became pregnant again while BFing - the extra breastmilk came in handy for a couple of month:)