havent got a clue about pumping/expressing, any advice appreciated/

[Lauz_1601]

Iv not got a breast pump yet, but going to invest in one tommorow I think. Im just wondering is this something you should do ? Or avoid doing if possible ?

Would I be able to express enough at this point to give her a bottle from it ? As Im not comfrtable breastfeeding in public I'd rather have a bottle of expressed milk handy incase she gets hungry whilst were out. How long does breast milk 'keep' for ?

Also my breasts are so full and tender, would expressing make this worse ? As I'd produce more milk right ? ahh its all so confusing lol sorry for all the questions xxx

 

[shanegem]

Hiya
I think they advise you to wait until baby is 6 weeks old before you start expressing. Although, I started expressing by hand when Daisy was only one or two weeks old. Just don't get stressed if you don't get alot of milk, as your supply is still getting established

 

[Lauz_1601]

I got a pump today and expressed 1oz really quite easily once I'd got to grips with it, it kinda freaked me out at first lol. So I was pleased with that. Goint to try and get a supply in the freezer x

 

[shanegem]

Which pump did you get? xxx

 

[Margerle]

Here's some info for you. I put this together for us new mommies a couple months ago:

https://www.babyandbump.com/pregnancy-third-trimester/33810-pumping-destined-fail.html

Don't let the title scare you (it made a few women really cautious of the information in there)... it's only meant to offer information to you, and encourage you to seek a local lactation consultant if you wish to pump regularly.

 

[Lauz_1601]

thanks, gotta dash now but will have a read later xx

 

[ryder]

Some women can pump quite easily and regularly. Everyone has their own opinion on whether you should or shouldn't, some will advise not to pump until 6weeks, some people are able to pump right from the beginning!

And pumping right from the beginning is common with premies, and many can still go on to latch just fine once they can breastfeed.

I think alot of the success with it comes from the mothers desire and ambition to make things work. Just like breastfeeding, it can be very difficult for some women, but if they have the drive then they make it work.

Good luck! If you are not comfortable with BF in public and pumping is working for you go for it! Pumping will not depleat your supply at all, and may help with some of the engorgement.