SAHM - BF and pumping

i'm planning to BF exclusively...will i need to pump as well? i have heard that sometimes that baby can't keep up with the milk being produce.

what are you girls doing? if you pump, which pump and bottle you girls will use? i have the starter set of BORN FREE from my shower.

TIA

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

You won't need to pump, but you might want to if you want to be able to leave the baby if you need to go out for something or if you want your DH to be able to give a feeding. My DS only got a very occasional bottle while I was BFing. I hated pumping and found it much easier to just feed him myself.

Your baby should be able to keep up with your milk. It's all supply and demand so your body will regulate itself to produce however much milk your baby needs. If you were producing too much milk and started pumping it would only increase your milk supply even more!

I had a Medela double electric pump. A lot of pumping moms seem to like the Medela Pump in Style, but I didn't think it was worth it since I wasn't pumping a lot.

I wouldn't worry about the bottles too much. Try the ones you have first and if you the baby doesn't like them you could always try another brand. My DS didn't really seem to care what kind of bottles I used. Mostly we used Dr. Browns though.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

I am going to get the Medela Swing pump because it is electric, but not as expensive as some of the other ones. Its only a single pump, which I figured is fine since Ill be a SAHM.

At my breastfeeding class, they suggested that you may want to pump also, especially in the first few days to help with engorgement. They said that sometimes engorgement can make latching on difficult for the baby and pumping can help(you can hand express too, but that seems like alot of work to me)

Then Im hoping that occassionally Ill be able to pump so that if I ever have to run out or so my DH can give a bottle, that we can do that.

Oh yeah, and I registered for Playtex drop-in bottles because this way if I want to pump directly into the bags and refrigerate them, I can. Plus they were BPA-free(dont know if I believe all that hype, but I figured better to be safe than sorry) and they are easier to clean....just hope the baby likes them!

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

I barely pump.
I was pumping in the beginning but I got a clogged milk duct. I started feed from the breast only and I never got it again. The doctor said that the baby's sucking is the best thing. So now I only pump if I have to.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

I breast fed for 16mths with my daughter.too long!!!!! anyway, I did pump for many reasons.

1- needed to know how much I was producing
2- Hoped and prayed she would take a bottle, I've tried almost every brand out there.
3- needed a break
4- she only ate 2oz. at a time so I needed to express.

I do plan on nursing this baby, however will pump again and push the bottle way more.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

thanks girls....i guess i'll try BFing first and then probably buy a cheaper pump so DH can feed once in a while so he doesn't feel left out.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

I BF'd but There were times I def. needed my pump. When my milk came in (1st night come) I got a wicked fever and was so engorged, when I called my Dr, he said I HAD to pump asap. I also got a mastoid and needed to pump and discard my milk. Not to count the times I did it for freedom.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

I am a SAHM for now and I do think you need a pump. I have the Medela PIS. If you want to go out, you will need to pump some milk for your DH or babysitter. It's worth it.

ETA: Wanted to say that you can also rent one for $70 a month or thereabouts if you prefer or think you aren't going to like the one you bought (since you can't return it once you try it). I am currently renting the Medela Symphony and love it. I wanted to increase my milk and didn't think the PIS was doing it.

Message edited 12/5/2007 8:18:16 AM.

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

Re: SAHM - BF and pumping

i plan on EBF, no pumping