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Pumping

kelsdawskelsdaws member
in Breastfeeding
So I'm pregnant with my first and I really don't want to breastfeed, but I would rather pump so he or she can have breast milk apposed to formula. Has any mothers out there exclusively pumped? What are the best pumps to buy? How early can you start pumping to get used to it and whatnot? Can you pump before labor to have milk ready for when baby comes? Does it hurt? Someone told me your boobs get blisters which worries me a little.

Sorry I'm having no luck online with my questions!
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Re: Pumping

  • flclflcl member
    Yep, both these ladies definitely know what they're talking about so I don't really have much to add... they've given you a lot of good info.  I just wanted to share what BF has been like for me.  I'm not sure what your reasons are for wanting to EP over BF (I promise, I'm not trying to pry) but I'm a FTM too and before actually having my little guy, I didn't think I wanted to BF either.  I thought I should give it a try just so I could say that I did so and just pump or give formula if pumping didn't work.  There were definitely many bumps in the road but LO is going to be 6 months soon and we're still happily EBF.  In fact, the only thing I hate about BF is having to pump!  Please don't feel pressured to BF (that wasn't my point)... you need to do what is best for you and your family.  I just wanted you to know that I went into BF thinking "ugh, I'm not going to do that" to BF becoming one of my favorite activities I share with LO right now.  Best of luck with whatever you decide!
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  • eggmankateeggmankate member
    I don't want to discourage you from pumping because I don't know your reason for wanting to pump, but just keep in mind that pumping is a lot of work--especially if you're alone with your LO. It's two times the work because you have to pump for 15-20 minutes (hopefully LO is content being set down), then you have to wash pump parts, and then sit with your baby while they get the bottle because baby won't be able to hold the bottle in the beginning. Nursing requires no supplies or preparation. Also, if you are set on pumping, can you at least nurse the first 6 weeks before switching to the pump? The first 6 weeks are so critical for getting supply established. Good luck!
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    TTC since April 2011. DH Dx MFI in February 2012. BFP #1: 7.16.12. MMC dx: 8.22.12, D&C 8.28.12, TTC Again November 2012. DH Varicocele repair November 2012; Repeat SA showed "dramatic" improvement February 2013 (awesome!)
    BFP #2: 3.26.13, EDC: 12.7.13. Anya born December 9th, 2013!
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  • eggmankateeggmankate member
    theresat858 said:
    eggmankate said:
    I don't want to discourage you from pumping because I don't know your reason for wanting to pump, but just keep in mind that pumping is a lot of work--especially if you're alone with your LO. It's two times the work because you have to pump for 15-20 minutes (hopefully LO is content being set down), then you have to wash pump parts, and then sit with your baby while they get the bottle because baby won't be able to hold the bottle in the beginning. Nursing requires no supplies or preparation. Also, if you are set on pumping, can you at least nurse the first 6 weeks before switching to the pump? The first 6 weeks are so critical for getting supply established. Good luck!
    You can give the baby the bottle while you pump if you have a good hands free bra (a free one from an old sports bra works) and some place to support baby -- we used a boppy, but you can also use a high chair that reclines designed for infant feeding.
    That's a good point. I shut my left side down after I had my abscesses drained so I only get milk from my right side now and therefore never bothered with a hands-free bra since I always have one free hand. So yeah--nevermind my comment about helping baby while pumping if you plan to use the hands-free route. 
    image

    TTC since April 2011. DH Dx MFI in February 2012. BFP #1: 7.16.12. MMC dx: 8.22.12, D&C 8.28.12, TTC Again November 2012. DH Varicocele repair November 2012; Repeat SA showed "dramatic" improvement February 2013 (awesome!)
    BFP #2: 3.26.13, EDC: 12.7.13. Anya born December 9th, 2013!
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  • BootsOrHeartsBootsOrHearts member
    Can you share your reasons for not wanting to BF? Ultimately BF, pump or formula feed (or some combo of those) is up to you but I think most women find breastfeeding to be enjoyable and rewarding and a great way to bond with your baby, not to mention the convenience of always having milk at the right temperature and everything you need to feed your baby with you at all times! 

    It wouldn't hurt to try breastfeeding when baby is born and if you find you have problems then look at pumping or formula. 

    But yeah exclusively pumping is the pits. It's do-able but I'd much rather be breastfeeding. 
    **Warning: Losses and living child mentioned**
    BFP#1 1/31/12, EDD 10/6/12 Harrison Gray born sleeping @ 18w6d. You changed our lives little guy.
    BFP#2 EDD 10/29/13, C/P 2/25/13, Bye little Ish, we barely got to know you.
    BFP#3 EDD 12/21/13, Baby Boots born 11/23/13 My rainbow baby!
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  • LBStewartLBStewart member
    I nursed DD1 for over a year and am currently EPing for DD2.  Feel free to pm me.
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