When to start pumping?

trinandgabe · October 2008

I keep on getting conflicting advice. The LC at Piedmont said not to start pumping for 4 weeks so that my supply gets established and the baby is feeding well.

The pediatrician said I can start pumping now.

The baby is feeding on demand, and he is a hoover! I need a break and really want to start pumping so that DH can feed him and give my sore nips a break.

When did you start pumping?

lololoco · October 2008

I wish I'd started in the hospital because I had supply issues. I say do it now. if you need a break, you need a break!

Just remember, this first month or so is not fun and you just do what you can to survive. Go with your gut and what you think is best for you and the baby!

jenerally · October 2008

I pumped in the hosptial and would've continued to do so but didn't get my pump until I was home for 3 weeks. I REALLY wish I'd been pumping the whole time ... like you, I needed a break.

hthomas02 · October 2008

I started while we were still in the hospital to get my supply going and boy did it. definitely give it a try, espec if you need it. I think the LC's say to wait until the babies are good and established at latching but I think the sooner you introduce a bottle nipple the better off you'll be in the long run. Plus the nips needs a break sister!

MrsKatieHarris · October 2008

I was told to start pumping immed. totally agree with lori that the first few weeks/month are really hard...you are trying to learn your baby and his needs. The LC's told me to pump every 2 hrs at first.

Good luck, I remember that overwhelming feeling all too well

Daisygirl613 · October 2008

Jax wouldn't bf without a fight for a while, so we pumped a lot at first. once he would feed i would still pump enough for dh to help feed bottles. it helped me out and it helped jax get used to both the nipple and bottle.

care99 · October 2008

I started pumping around 3 weeks or so, just once a day after the first morning feeding b/c I could get a lot then. If you have no latch issues, I'd start now.

trinandgabe · October 2008

Thanks ladies! I was ready to give him away for free to a good loving home last night:-)

I had no idea it would be this hard...

lololoco · October 2008

Hang in there, Trin. We've all been there. Let us know if you need anything.

I think I slept with Kate on my chest either in her glider or on the couch for at least the first month. The 2nd month she did sleep in her crib, but woke up every 3-4 hrs, but she took every nap in her swing for 3 months.

By 8 weeks though, she was sleeping 8 hrs straight. Hopefully Gustav will get it figured out soon!

missmlp · October 2008

I started pumping right after he was born. GL!

hthomas02 · October 2008

lady i so feel your pain! the first two months for me were so freaking hard, Finn never slept and he was cluster feeding, it was hard. It IS hard. Just hang in there, don't be afraid to ask for help and know that it will get better!

Mrs.Guz · October 2008

I started pumping right away. In fact, I pump more than nurse. Pump during the day and nurse at night so I'm not tied down to nursing and DH or whoever can also feed her. You have to figure out what works best for you and your baby. Good luck!

slwprincess · October 2008

I started in the hospital b/c he was in the NICU and I just kept it up when we got home a few times a day. If you need a break- do it.

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