SAHM and BF

[winterbabies3]

My plan is to breastfeed for as long as possible. I don't usually leave baby unless I run down to the store when dh gets home from work. Now, I had a electric BP but I sold it with the intention that we were done with babies...surprise=p. Anyways, since I am going to be with baby most of the time can I just get a manual pump to save some money? Are they hard to work with?

My other question is, what if I do want to leave for say an hr or more. Can I either have some formula on hand or when does your milk really come in to pump a good amount? When can I use a bottle?

As you can tell I am new to this. I started out bf ds2 but dh felt left out and I started supplementing and found it easier so I stopped bf =(. Not going to happen this time.

 

[twiggy327]

Manual pumps are fine. Im a working mom so they def do not work for me. I have a double electric and feel like a cow in a milking machine. I started stocking up my supply for daycare at around 4 weeks. Feed the baby and then manually pump any left overs every time you feed. You will have to save and freeze whatever you get once a day tho. I wouldn't leave BM in the fridge for more than 12 hours without freezing and don't add fresh milk to a bag of frozen milk. If you are going to BF I personally wouldn't supplement with formula only because the texture and taste are so different and it will effect your supply if the baby is drinking formula. I exclusively BF and pumped for 12 mos before my supply wasn't enough and then i strarted to mix the breast milk and cow's milk and gradually weaned the baby to all cow's milk. Good luck!

 

[staralfur]

I used a manual pump while I was working and going to school (I pumped 5+ times a day), I actually found it to be way better than my electric pump! So it will definitely be fine for the occasional use, I'd say!

As for pumping, I got the most in the mornings, so if you know ahead of time that you'll be gone I'd definitely try to pump right after your LO's first morning feed. It's recommended you wait 4-6 weeks to pump when breastfeeding is generally established.