Do I need to quote people? I'm just going to answer questions randomly :-)
BFing - I don't breastfeed. I have incredibly sensitive nipples and have since puberty. As did my mom and grandmother and my sister. I can't face water in the shower without being in pain. I still tried with both, but very minimally. I felt guilty because of all the pushing out there, but I'm always surprised at myself for feeling. I just don't like being bad at something I think :P . In reality, I love FF, mostly because it helps to keep my H involved in every step of parenting. He has spoken with many friends who feel shut out.
Bedtime : When they were little my youngest would be in the bouncer next to while I read to the older and put her to bed, if dad wasn't home. It wasn't too long before the younger had a similar bedtime, and it was easier. H and I take turns (one with one kid, one with the other). I worked early with both kids on putting them down sleepy but awake, and then being used to that helped a lot! If you have to rock or feed them to sleep, or lay with them, it can be trickier with 2!
Bathtime : We also used the bouncer while baby was little, and then they started bathing together.
1) I live in Maine, so our winters are similar. I put DD in a warm fleece, in her carseat, covered her with a blanket and put a blanket over the carseat. The reason for no bulky coats or suits is that, in the event of an accident, the impact would cause the suit to compress and baby will fly out of their seat. Not safe because you can't tighten the straps enough.
2) I never bought a snow suit for DD until she was a year old. I didn't take a newborn out to play in the snow.
3) I always just swaddled with a receiving blanket. Saved money that way.
4) I would say to plan on changing outfits at least 4 times a day between drool, spit up and poopy blow outs... Lots of onesies and gowns and sleepers.
5) DD loved her bouncie seat, also loved her swing and rock n play. Or I had a few different baby carriers and would wear her around while cleaning and cooking.
6) Up to you. I never needed one until DD was in her own room at a year old.
MMC 01/26/12
MC 12/25/12, D&C 01/05/13
BFP 03/05/13, EDD 11/12/13. HB 175 @ 9w2d. Its a Girl!
Madeline Lorraine H. Born 11/12/13 @9:10pm, 7lb6oz
DX with EA/TEF Type C & Tracheomalaysia MC @ 13wks 01/15/15
DX Septate Uterus - surgery recommended
BFP 3/18/16, EDD 11/13/16 It's a boy! Clint Kiszonas H. Born 11/21/16 @10:38pm, 9lb11oz
@comealongpondsthank you for that shopping cart car seat PSA! I see so many moms doing it and I cringe, but I don't want to be that nosy stranger giving unsolicited advice either. Infant seats are meant to go in the main part of the cart - not the top. The horror stories that you hear of the shopping cart tipping and the baby going flying are horrifying. Plus the locking mechanism can get damaged on the seat by trying to "snap" it in to the top of the carriage, effectively damaging it for actual use, locking into the car seat base.
@MrsMaritime11 it's sooo common around here it's frightening. Especially when the carts are the perfect width so it seems like the seat is stable and snapped in but it's really not. Hopefully at least our Nov 16 babies won't ever fall out of a grocery cart now!
My dumb question...what are the reasons NOT to breastfeed? People seem to tread lightly around this subject. My best friend sent me a book in breadtfeeding and then apologized saying it's totally ok if you don't! In my mind everyone would want to breastfeed. I know that's not true, just wondering what are the reasons a FTM would decide before birth not to breastfeed.
Some people are just uncomfortable with it. Some cultures it's not the norm and they didn't grow up around it. Some people have physical issues that make it very difficult and frustrating. For me, it was not a choice. I breastfed as long as I could but had to go on biologic meds that made it unsafe to breastfeed. And some people go into it thinking that because it's natural it's easy. It can be really difficult and frustrating.
And as for how do people learn all this stuff. You read, you ask questions of Internet strangers and your mom friends.
Ok guys, it's going to be 10 years since I had my last baby... I had no idea that you can't put the car seats on the shopping cart! That's how I used to shop all the time. Holy cow. I'm so glad someone brought it up.
Thank you for discussing the breast feeding topic. I know it will come up more and more the closer we get to our due dates but I've really been going back and forth on this. I have always been a little grossed out at the thought of a baby sucking on my boobs (and on the flip side a little jealous of the moms that find it so beautiful) and I thought when I got pregnant that all of that would go away and it hasn't and I was starting to feel bad about it. I will probably try it but I have a feeling I will want the freedom that formula feeding can provide.
So my question is, is it uncomfortable driving with a big belly? I have short legs and already sit really close to the steering wheel to reach so I have no idea how I'm gonna fit my belly in the car if I end up having a huge baby belly. Is my belly gonna rub against the steering wheel?
Me: 31 | H: 32
Married September 2014
TTC #1 December 2014 RE appt 12/2015 CD3 labs normal | HSG 1/8/16 clear | H's SA excellent Dx: Unexplained Infertility February 2016, cycle 16 - cycle #1 with Letrozole 5mg + TI | Progesterone=20.6 BFP 2/24/16 - EDD 11/7/16 It's a girl! Isla Quinn born 10/29/16 at 38w5d via C/S -------- TFAS March 2018 RE consultation 8/2/18 Suprise! BFP 8/8/18 natural cycle | EDD 4/19/19 It's a girl! Afton Noelle born 4/10/19 at 38w5d via natural VBAC
@ShallowSeas - I'm tall, so I don't have the exact same car problems, but I found my back was way more uncomfortable in the car. I had to keep a firm pillow for low back lumbar support in the car in my third trimester.
@ShallowSeas I have really short legs too so I already sit pretty close to the steering wheel. I never had a problem driving last time; my belly had enough room. But towards the end it was hard to get into and out of the car since I didn't have much room between myself and the steering wheel to maneuver.
So my question is, is it uncomfortable driving with a big belly? I have short legs and already sit really close to the steering wheel to reach so I have no idea how I'm gonna fit my belly in the car if I end up having a huge baby belly. Is my belly gonna rub against the steering wheel?
Yeah I kinda hated it. I just moved my seat down a little and found that that helped some.
My stupid questions; Does it hurt to pump? How do you pump and still have milk for the baby? How long can you keep BM in the fridge or freezer? I went from exclusively BF to exclusively FF so I've never pumped before.
I'm very pro-breastfeeding. I just 100% weaned my 2.5 y/o and pumped until he was 15 months. He didn't eliminate my freezer stash until 22 months.
It doesn't hurt to pump if you are doing it correctly.
Breastfeeding is a supply/demand system. You never "run out" of milk. I began pumping 1x/day instead of nursing when my son was around 4/6 weeks and daddy would feed that bottle. This was just to get him used to taking a bottle for when I returned to work. Once I needed to really build a freezer stash, I pumped after first morning feeding (always have the most output) and sometime right before I went to bed. You don't really need a huge freezer stash, just enough for your first day back to work + a small emergency stash...or maybe just a small emergency stash for a night out, etc.
Storage = 6-6-6(1) rule. 6 hours at room temp. 6 days in fridge. 6 months in freezer/1 year in deep freeze.
**stuck in box*** All the above for bm storage for me it was a life saver to be able to pump. Leave it out for my Lo's next feed. I would stash all extra milk in the fridge and portion out into the milk bags for freezing at the end of the day. I'm not the normal though as I had to pump exclusively. There are lots of fb support groups and Kellys mom was super helpful for pumping tips and rules. For me pumping didn't really hurt past the first week. Just make sure you're "lubed up" and that you have a properly sized flange. Also once you hit like 4/5 months your supply has leveled out and I could drop some pumps. By the time I was 11 mos pp I was pumping 2x a day and getting enough for my lo. But everyone is different and have to pump more or less.
TinyAlligator born @ 36w, 3lb2oz, IUGR BabyFlamingo due 11/30/16
Justpeachier13 I chose not breastfeed because it just didn't feel natural to me, I tried it, it stressed me out, baby would scream for an hour afterwards, but overall it just never felt natural to me. Some of the other reasons people don't breastfeed medical issues (HIV+, people who previously had breast cancer who have had a Mastecomy (there's no tissues to support it)), victims of sexual abuse, people who have jobs that don't really allow for it (though legally required to let you pump, some schedules just don't allow for it, or people who work multiple jobs), and there can be other issues - I've had friends who babies won't latch to them (despite working with several LCs), there are babies allergic to breastmilk, friends who are in the military and get deployed, some people's milk never really comes in.
We usually avoid buying newborn clothes, my smallest was 8lbs 5oz, and fit into newborn clothes for maybe a week? I'd say buy a handful of things, but don't take the tags off so you can return it. With my first I got a feeling that they just won't fit (our doctor office doesn't estimate size) and return everything but 3 items that didn't have a tag. He ended up being 9lbs 8oz, and non of the newborn stuff fit!
@srose109 I always do the toddler first, I don't buckle them in, just get them in the car, load baby, then strap toddler in. If I don't my two year old will gladly wander through the parking lot in the three second my attention is diverted.
DunkinDecaf for middle of the night feedings with formula we bought mixie bottles with our third, and it made it so easy. With our second we kept an extra formula dispenser and 3 bottles with water ready to go on my dresser. Also with the third, I collected as many of the free nursettes as I could and we got through about 2 weeks without using a "real" bottle at night.
Thank you for discussing the breast feeding topic. I know it will come up more and more the closer we get to our due dates but I've really been going back and forth on this. I have always been a little grossed out at the thought of a baby sucking on my boobs (and on the flip side a little jealous of the moms that find it so beautiful) and I thought when I got pregnant that all of that would go away and it hasn't and I was starting to feel bad about it. I will probably try it but I have a feeling I will want the freedom that formula feeding can provide.
You may also feel the opposite. My DS had a pretty severe GI issue that required IV nutrition via picc line while inpatient x 3 weeks, then specialized prescription formula for the next few weeks. I found formula incredibly frustrating and made me feel "tied down" - lots of extra things needed when going out, no idea how much to actually give LO in 1 sitting, getting actually up and making a bottle during the day/night....I HATED it!
@ShallowSeas your body type sounds similar to mine. Everyone is different because our bumps will be so different. I could drive fine the whole time but toward the end found driving more than 20 mins a challenge. I actually stopped going to work 2 weeks before my due date because I couldn't get close enough to the pedals comfortably and drive for that long.
On the breast feeding topic, I'm curious how long people breast feed for? I want to try to do it, but I also have a pretty serious career and I can't imagine myself pumping for very long after I return to work. So I was hoping to pump and freeze milk while I'm home and then start weaning back when I go back to work....is that possible or crazy?
@msu_gal I have a friend who's in the army reserve. When she has to go to weekend trainings or off to some army thing for a week that's what she does. It is doable, but for every day it might be harder. I only breastfed for 2 months last time, but I'm hoping to do 6-9 months this time. You can breastfeed for years if you want, or not at all. There's no wrong answer. My pediatrician and OB both recommend trying to EBF for the child's first year though.
On the breast feeding topic, I'm curious how long people breast feed for? I want to try to do it, but I also have a pretty serious career and I can't imagine myself pumping for very long after I return to work. So I was hoping to pump and freeze milk while I'm home and then start weaning back when I go back to work....is that possible or crazy?
You will find a huge variation on how long people BF for, but I will say the longer you go, the easier it gets to keep going. I initially wanted to go a year, and I did 16 months. At 12 months you can give cow's milk so we slowly started to substitute that in place of nursing sessions. I would nurse for naps and bed time, but many working moms who go past a year nurse before and after work and give milk during the day.
Pumping at work is difficult but absolutely possible.
It's all about having: 1) A routine for yourself. I pumped for 20 minutes every 3 hours. But really it took almost 30 because I had to set up, and then label and store the milk, tuck my boobs in, etc. You don't need to clean the pump everytime. Just put the parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge, and take home to clean at night. 2) A good pump. Medela pump in style advanced is great. 3) A good system for storing milk, you will figure this out as you go, it's really easy. Everyone has the bags they like. 4) A supportive work environment. I had a private room with a mini fridge. It was weird because it was a hidden back office, but it was very private. I was able to do a little work on my laptop while I pumped, but I found it hard to focus. I usually looked at baby pics and relaxed. 5) A supportive spouse. He knew I had literally spent hours of my work day pumping, and he was very understanding. He watched the baby while I cleaned my pump and knew my system for storage so no milk was wasted.
And for your last question, it's not crazy! Depending on how long you are on leave, and how your supply is, you definitely might be able to build up a stash before returning to work, and then work on weaning. But by then, you will be used to pumping, so maybe you just pump twice or three times at work and then BF when you get home. Try different things and see what works for you!
Awesome Kid #1: Born September 2013! Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!
On the breast feeding topic, I'm curious how long people breast feed for? I want to try to do it, but I also have a pretty serious career and I can't imagine myself pumping for very long after I return to work. So I was hoping to pump and freeze milk while I'm home and then start weaning back when I go back to work....is that possible or crazy?
Everyone is different, for me, 12 month minimum. The WHO recommends until age 2 and to continue as long as mutually desired by mama and baby. I just finished gentle weaning of my son at 2.5. I am never in one place each day for work. I have a lot of commute and difficult environments for pumping - outside, crowds, etc. It's definitely doable if you're committed. I pumped until 15 months and had enough of a freezer stash to last until my son was 22 months. The problem with pumping a lot before you go back to work, in addition to nursing, is that: A. It's difficult for many moms to do both to have a huge stash. B. Those that can, often create a nasty oversupply that is absolutely no fun...especially if you plan to wean shortly thereafter.
@msu_gal I breastfed for 10months. I pumped at work every 3 hrs for 6months. It definitely wasn't easy but I loved breastfeeding and felt it was worth it. I too have a serious career as a lawyer and they did not conflict. Everyone was very accommodating. I pumped in judges chambers, my car, hospital pumping rooms, and my office. But I'll admit it was very hard. I had to carry my pump everywhere I went and the pump is less efficient than the baby so I had a lot of plugged ducts. I loved the intimacy and ease of breastfeeding when I was with my baby though so I felt it was worth it. When I finished I was so proud of myself and so happy I had that experience. I think it's something you don't need to decide in advance and kind of can't. If you're interested, get your supplies ready and then if breastfeeding goes well, try pumping at work. You can stop anytime.
I'll echo what @Thewizardofrhythm says about pumping...it felt worth it, even though it was a lot of work. It's also the kind of thing you can try and see what you think when the time comes. If it's not working for you, there's no shame in switching to formula or combo feeding (nursing when you're home and feeding formula bottles when you're working).
I followed the WHO guidelines with both kids and hope to continue nursing DS until at least 2 (August). But I stopped pumping the week he turned 1. Since then, he's only nursed when I'm home and otherwise drinks water or milk. At this point, I do hope to gently wean him before November but having him nurse is nbd/very little time and effort.
I've heard that warm baths are okay during pregnancy. How warm is too warm? I'm avoiding taking one because warm to me sounds like "tepid" which sounds less than pleasant. Probably doesn't matter too much now since I really only like a hot bath during colder weather.
I've heard that warm baths are okay during pregnancy. How warm is too warm? I'm avoiding taking one because warm to me sounds like "tepid" which sounds less than pleasant. Probably doesn't matter too much now since I really only like a hot bath during colder weather.
when i'm not pregnant I take hot baths several times a week. I do not bathe when pregnant for this reason! A warm bath sounds awful! The rule is not to let your core temp go above 102. I think my baths are usually 105. I fancy myself Daenerys Targaryen
@monkey41 I would kill for a hot bath right now...unfortunately for me that means turning on the hot water and not touching the cold, so I think that's out. I like my baths just shy of scalding, so I'm waiting til post-babies in all liklihood before I have any. As @Thewizardofrhythm said, you want to keep your core temp below 102.
When do you have to start side sleeping? I usually like to sleep on my stomach or back, can I do that until it's uncomfortable? Or do I need to switch to my side right away?
I've heard that warm baths are okay during pregnancy. How warm is too warm? I'm avoiding taking one because warm to me sounds like "tepid" which sounds less than pleasant. Probably doesn't matter too much now since I really only like a hot bath during colder weather.
So hot showers are still ok right? I always feel more nauseous after my showers but I assumed that's because I'm out of bed and moving around. My showers aren't scalding hot but I haven't changed anything or made them cooler than I usually do. Is that ok?
When do you have to start side sleeping? I usually like to sleep on my stomach or back, can I do that until it's uncomfortable? Or do I need to switch to my side right away?
It will be physically uncomfortable to you before it could do any real damage. I can't remember when I couldn't lay on belly/back anymore with DS. I do remember that semi-reclined was comfortable for a while, then I had to move totally to one side or the other with belly & back support to even vaguely be comfortable.
Am I the only one who would love to see some of these as separate posts? The thread is getting crazy busy and it's gonna result in a bunch of repeats of these same questions several months from now, from people who didn't read the whole thread. It'd be easier and more interesting to have a post called "are there reasons NOT to breastfeed?" And "how to handle 2 bedtimes" Etc.
Just sayin'.
edit: spelling
DX PCOS Jan 2012 IUI #1 Feb 2012= DS1 born 11/2012 Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle)=DS2 born 9/2014 Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle again)= EDD 11/2016
I've heard that warm baths are okay during pregnancy. How warm is too warm? I'm avoiding taking one because warm to me sounds like "tepid" which sounds less than pleasant. Probably doesn't matter too much now since I really only like a hot bath during colder weather.
So hot showers are still ok right? I always feel more nauseous after my showers but I assumed that's because I'm out of bed and moving around. My showers aren't scalding hot but I haven't changed anything or made them cooler than I usually do. Is that ok?
Yes, hot showers are okay because you are in and out so your body temp stays more regulated. I also get dizzy during showers while pregnant. It has happened during all of my pregnancies. I just cool myself off after and it goes away.
So my question is, is it uncomfortable driving with a big belly? I have short legs and already sit really close to the steering wheel to reach so I have no idea how I'm gonna fit my belly in the car if I end up having a huge baby belly. Is my belly gonna rub against the steering wheel?
I'm tall so I can't personally relate however my SIL is 5' exactly very petite and drives a Tahoe. When she was 7+ months is when it got more uncomfortable for you to drive. Yes the steering wheel rubbed on her belly but she didn't seem to mind that as much it was more her being uncomfortable in general because she's so tiny and has big babies (8lbs for all three kids) so being in the car for more than a couple miles was just uncomfortable unless she could be in the front passenger and lay the seat down.
with DD I nursed for 8 months, went back to work at 12weeks and pumped, over several months while back at work I pumped enough to get her to 11 months before introducing formula/milk.
Something people didn't tell me is how hard nursing can be, it can be painful, emotional, exhausting, induce mom guilt like no other ... Seriously at 6 months I felt like a cow literally... All she wanted me for was nursing! So I recommend doing your research and if you want to make it happen you can but if you decide otherwise that's perfectly fine as well. For me I loved the freedom of bottles but like that it was filled with breast milk rather than formula... But for you first time moms you'll find breastfeeding is a topic similar to that of major political debates! It's crazy! Do what works for you....
that at being said... Pinterest has some amazing articles and resources for moms that want to nurse and pump and work and live a life! This was my most useful article, I retread it several times throughout my journey!
On the breast feeding topic, I'm curious how long people breast feed for? I want to try to do it, but I also have a pretty serious career and I can't imagine myself pumping for very long after I return to work. So I was hoping to pump and freeze milk while I'm home and then start weaning back when I go back to work....is that possible or crazy?
I nursed for two years but stopped pumping at 13 months. I felt such freedom when I finally quit pumping and could just nurse DD when I was home. I can't imagine you'll have enough supply to provide exclusively BM if you don't pump at work - at least for the first 8+ months (assuming you'll want baby to have BM exclusively the first year). So much of your supply in the beginning is based on demand that going a full 8+ hours without emptying your breasts would be uncomfortable and would signal your body to produce less milk and I think you would struggle to maintain a supply.
Thanks for all the great responses on the BF subject. This whole supply and demand thing is really fascinating! Our bodies are scientific miracles for sure.
The one piece of advice I give to any FTM is to go to a breastfeeding class with your partner before the birth. I just went to the one offered by my hospital and it was so helpful. From learning the mechanics of it, to what to expect in the first 12, 24, 48 hours and beyond. It was so worth the time, especially having DH there. Having to explain to him how it worked while I was struggling to make it work would have been too much for me.
So what's the point of pumping? I'm going to be a stay at home mom until the baby can get into Preschool so would pumping even be necessary? Can't I just feed the baby whenever I feel like it or will there be soo much milk in there that I will need to get it out asap?
@Little+TinyI only pumped when I absolutely needed to (I'm a SAHM). With DD the only time I pumped was when she was admitted for jaundice and had to be under the lights for 24 hours. I couldn't take her out to nurse her, so I had to pump and bottle feed her while she was under the lights.
@Little+Tiny - If you're a SAHM, you won't not need to pump regularly - just when you know you're going to be away from LO for more than two hours or so. Some women also like their partners to be able to participate in feedings, so they just pump enough for a bottle a day.
Re: Ask your really dumb questions here :-)
BFing - I don't breastfeed. I have incredibly sensitive nipples and have since puberty. As did my mom and grandmother and my sister. I can't face water in the shower without being in pain. I still tried with both, but very minimally. I felt guilty because of all the pushing out there, but I'm always surprised at myself for feeling. I just don't like being bad at something I think :P . In reality, I love FF, mostly because it helps to keep my H involved in every step of parenting. He has spoken with many friends who feel shut out.
Bedtime : When they were little my youngest would be in the bouncer next to while I read to the older and put her to bed, if dad wasn't home. It wasn't too long before the younger had a similar bedtime, and it was easier. H and I take turns (one with one kid, one with the other). I worked early with both kids on putting them down sleepy but awake, and then being used to that helped a lot! If you have to rock or feed them to sleep, or lay with them, it can be trickier with 2!
Bathtime : We also used the bouncer while baby was little, and then they started bathing together.
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
MMC 01/26/12
MC 12/25/12, D&C 01/05/13
BFP 03/05/13, EDD 11/12/13. HB 175 @ 9w2d. Its a Girl!
DX with EA/TEF Type C & Tracheomalaysia
MC @ 13wks 01/15/15
BFP 1/11/18, EDD 9/21/18
Thank you @comealongpondsand @shevaCC!
For me, it was not a choice. I breastfed as long as I could but had to go on biologic meds that made it unsafe to breastfeed. And some people go into it thinking that because it's natural it's easy. It can be really difficult and frustrating.
And as for how do people learn all this stuff. You read, you ask questions of Internet strangers and your mom friends.
RE appt 12/2015
CD3 labs normal | HSG 1/8/16 clear | H's SA excellent
Dx: Unexplained Infertility
February 2016, cycle 16 - cycle #1 with Letrozole 5mg + TI | Progesterone=20.6
BFP 2/24/16 - EDD 11/7/16
It's a girl!
Isla Quinn born 10/29/16 at 38w5d via C/S
--------
TFAS March 2018
RE consultation 8/2/18
Suprise! BFP 8/8/18 natural cycle | EDD 4/19/19
It's a girl!
Afton Noelle born 4/10/19 at 38w5d via natural VBAC
We usually avoid buying newborn clothes, my smallest was 8lbs 5oz, and fit into newborn clothes for maybe a week? I'd say buy a handful of things, but don't take the tags off so you can return it. With my first I got a feeling that they just won't fit (our doctor office doesn't estimate size) and return everything but 3 items that didn't have a tag. He ended up being 9lbs 8oz, and non of the newborn stuff fit!
@srose109 I always do the toddler first, I don't buckle them in, just get them in the car, load baby, then strap toddler in. If I don't my two year old will gladly wander through the parking lot in the three second my attention is diverted.
DunkinDecaf for middle of the night feedings with formula we bought mixie bottles with our third, and it made it so easy. With our second we kept an extra formula dispenser and 3 bottles with water ready to go on my dresser. Also with the third, I collected as many of the free nursettes as I could and we got through about 2 weeks without using a "real" bottle at night.
I only breastfed for 2 months last time, but I'm hoping to do 6-9 months this time. You can breastfeed for years if you want, or not at all. There's no wrong answer. My pediatrician and OB both recommend trying to EBF for the child's first year though.
Pumping at work is difficult but absolutely possible.
It's all about having:
1) A routine for yourself. I pumped for 20 minutes every 3 hours. But really it took almost 30 because I had to set up, and then label and store the milk, tuck my boobs in, etc. You don't need to clean the pump everytime. Just put the parts in a ziplock bag in the fridge, and take home to clean at night.
2) A good pump. Medela pump in style advanced is great.
3) A good system for storing milk, you will figure this out as you go, it's really easy. Everyone has the bags they like.
4) A supportive work environment. I had a private room with a mini fridge. It was weird because it was a hidden back office, but it was very private. I was able to do a little work on my laptop while I pumped, but I found it hard to focus. I usually looked at baby pics and relaxed.
5) A supportive spouse. He knew I had literally spent hours of my work day pumping, and he was very understanding. He watched the baby while I cleaned my pump and knew my system for storage so no milk was wasted.
And for your last question, it's not crazy! Depending on how long you are on leave, and how your supply is, you definitely might be able to build up a stash before returning to work, and then work on weaning. But by then, you will be used to pumping, so maybe you just pump twice or three times at work and then BF when you get home. Try different things and see what works for you!
Awesome Kid #2: Due November 2016!
I am never in one place each day for work. I have a lot of commute and difficult environments for pumping - outside, crowds, etc. It's definitely doable if you're committed. I pumped until 15 months and had enough of a freezer stash to last until my son was 22 months.
The problem with pumping a lot before you go back to work, in addition to nursing, is that:
A. It's difficult for many moms to do both to have a huge stash.
B. Those that can, often create a nasty oversupply that is absolutely no fun...especially if you plan to wean shortly thereafter.
I followed the WHO guidelines with both kids and hope to continue nursing DS until at least 2 (August). But I stopped pumping the week he turned 1. Since then, he's only nursed when I'm home and otherwise drinks water or milk. At this point, I do hope to gently wean him before November but having him nurse is nbd/very little time and effort.
BFP #1 11/06/15 - EDD 7/14/16 - MMC 12/14/15 - D&C 12/22/15
BFP #2 03/13/16 - EDD 11/26/16
Just sayin'.
edit: spelling
IUI #1 Feb 2012= DS1 born 11/2012
Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle)=DS2 born 9/2014
Unmedicated BFP (first post-weaning cycle again)= EDD 11/2016
BFP 3.8.16 EDD 11.20.16
with DD I nursed for 8 months, went back to work at 12weeks and pumped, over several months while back at work I pumped enough to get her to 11 months before introducing formula/milk.
Something people didn't tell me is how hard nursing can be, it can be painful, emotional, exhausting, induce mom guilt like no other ... Seriously at 6 months I felt like a cow literally... All she wanted me for was nursing! So I recommend doing your research and if you want to make it happen you can but if you decide otherwise that's perfectly fine as well. For me I loved the freedom of bottles but like that it was filled with breast milk rather than formula... But for you first time moms you'll find breastfeeding is a topic similar to that of major political debates! It's crazy! Do what works for you....
that at being said... Pinterest has some amazing articles and resources for moms that want to nurse and pump and work and live a life! This was my most useful article, I retread it several times throughout my journey!
https://happyhomefairy.com/2013/06/07/extreme-pumping-tips-and-tricks/