Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

I don't know if i should stop or what it is hard work it is time consoming.

I really wanted her to nurse and she won't lacth on at all. I tired yesterday she did for 10 mins and fell asleep. Then i tried again later on and she screamed her head off. Then i got upset so i stoped.

I don't know what to do i ask dh if i should stop pumping and just give her formula. he said to me do what feel right to do. I gave u the support whatever u do. i was there helping u with the pumping etc. So i'm here whatever you do.


But the thing is i'm only making 2-4 ounces and that is not enough to make enough bottles out of the day i have to pump before a feeding and if i'm out doing something then i get home she scream cause she is hungry and i have no milk to give her so i have to give her formula. Yesteday was the first day she got formula intill my milk came in.

She will be a month on tuesday.

I feel so bad if i stop but then i'm in so much pain from pumping my nipples are cracking and hurt so bad.
The one on the right burns.

If i do stop how do i stop the milk etc.


Oh man i don't know what to do



Tia

Message edited 6/2/2007 10:16:34 AM.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Christina -

If you want to stop, then do it.
If you want to nurse, you can do that too.

It's hard. It's definitely hard in the beginning to get the hang of it. As I've said before nursing, while the most natural thing, does not necessarily come naturally.

If you want her to get breastmilk, I would suggest that you continue to work on the latch. See a lactation consultant, speak to other mothers, call your pediatrician. Call the hospital & talk to them. Many hospitals offer a breastfeeding class & the instructor may be able to help you. They can all help you. I know many people that joined mother's groups in their area because they needed help.

I thought pumping was too time consuming unless it was when I got back to work. To pump instead of nurse means you're spending time pumping, then spending time feeding, then spending time cleaning the bottles. I would advocate nursing her over pumping any day.

It's also a supply & demand issue. Your body is going to produce what she (and you) take out of the breast. You need to make sure that you are eating & drinking enough to produce milk as well.

I did it for selfish reasons - I wanted to lose weight quickly. I loved having that quality time where I was the ony one that could feed them.

How your baby gets food is not a reflection of you as a mother. Hang in there.

Message edited 6/2/2007 10:41:14 AM.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

If you really want to breastfeed see a lactation consultant to help with the latch. It's really challanging to exclusively pump, although some women do it. If breastfeeding is important to you I would continue pumping to keep my supply up and get in touch with an LC ASAP. Does your hospital offer a breastfeeding hotline? I know Stony Brook does.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

If you really want to continue with BF then I agree with the others and suggest you get outside help since you are having so many problems. It's also perfectly fine if you want to just give her formula. You have to do what's right for you. A baby needs a happy mommy most importantly.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Whatever you decide--you shouldn't feel guilty!!! Sometimes things just don't go as planned. You have done the best that you can! If it's too much time to pump & you're not making enough milk & you're in pain, and you still want to stick with it...then talk to a LC. La Leche league would get someone to help you. If you feel you need to stop BF, then that is fine too. Whatever you decide will be the best decision for "you".

It's wonderful that your DH is so supportive either way. Good luck!

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Christina...if you need to stop, stop, you definitely put your best foot forward.

If you want outside help, contact these ladies. They take almost all insurances, you just have to pay a copay.

The Nursing Mother's Place Huntersville
In the Physicians Plaza adjacent to
Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville
Suite 380
10030 Gilead Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-316-5580

They are sooooooo helpful and nice.

They can get you on a schedule to increase your milk.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

The lc in the hospital gave me nipple shields to use to help with the latch on and ds got it right away. I know medela makesthem and i saw them in target....my sil wishes she had them bc her twins would latch on and she still pumps and feeds!

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Posted by nrthshgrl

Christina -

If you want to stop, then do it.
If you want to nurse, you can do that too.

It's hard. It's definitely hard in the beginning to get the hang of it. As I've said before nursing, while the most natural thing, does not necessarily come naturally.

If you want her to get breastmilk, I would suggest that you continue to work on the latch. See a lactation consultant, speak to other mothers, call your pediatrician. Call the hospital & talk to them. Many hospitals offer a breastfeeding class & the instructor may be able to help you. They can all help you. I know many people that joined mother's groups in their area because they needed help.

I thought pumping was too time consuming unless it was when I got back to work. To pump instead of nurse means you're spending time pumping, then spending time feeding, then spending time cleaning the bottles. I would advocate nursing her over pumping any day.

It's also a supply & demand issue. Your body is going to produce what she (and you) take out of the breast. You need to make sure that you are eating & drinking enough to produce milk as well.

I did it for selfish reasons - I wanted to lose weight quickly. I loved having that quality time where I was the ony one that could feed them.

How your baby gets food is not a reflection of you as a mother. Hang in there.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Posted by Janice

Christina...if you need to stop, stop, you definitely put your best foot forward.

If you want outside help, contact these ladies. They take almost all insurances, you just have to pay a copay.

The Nursing Mother's Place Huntersville
In the Physicians Plaza adjacent to
Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville
Suite 380
10030 Gilead Road
Huntersville, NC 28078
704-316-5580

They are sooooooo helpful and nice.

They can get you on a schedule to increase your milk.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Thank you all so much for the support

I'm going to keep on her to see if she latchs on and i have an app on monday for the laction consultent.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Christina- have you tried speaking with a lactation consultant?

Matty wouldn't latch on until he was 6 weeks old! He wasn't EBF until he was three months- that's how long it took us to get the hang of things. But, when i was pumping I was making lots of milk. My nipples were sore for months until he was three months old and regularly nursing- the whole thing was so stressful! An LC can help- they can recommend things for sore nipples- they sell lots of helpful things in BRU.

But, if you stop its really no big deal- she got one month of your BM and that is so good! You should be so proud of yourself! You have to do what makes you comfortable and happy now- try not to feel pressured about what you think you SHOULD do- do what is best for your health and your family.

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Re: Need some answers about pumping if i should stop or not

Posted by BriansBaby814

Posted by jinglemommy

The lc in the hospital gave me nipple shields to use to help with the latch on and ds got it right away. I know medela makesthem and i saw them in target....my sil wishes she had them bc her twins would latch on and she still pumps and feeds!

Yah she gave me the samething i think it is to big for her mouth cause it is to small. But that is what i used last night and she latched on for like 5 mins. I'm going to keep on that cause it is alot easier.