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Breastfeeding question from 3rd tri

sjstricklandsjstrickland
in Breastfeeding
I have been reading a few post on 3rd tri board and it made me question some of the things I have read. I have NOT taken my breastfeeding class yet, it is this Wed. but I have mostly read that you do NOT need to pump within the first 3wks of breastfeeding b/c it can cause your supply to lessen. Along with not using a pacifier or bottle feeding. After reading some post on my board, a few talked about pumping to help getting the nipples erect and to help with supply. Just curious about what has been working for those of you already breastfeeding. TIA!
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Re: Breastfeeding question from 3rd tri

  • Mrs.R0908Mrs.R0908
    I did not pump until he was atleast 6 weeks and my supply was regulated. I guess you may need a pump if they are having difficulty nursing but I wouldn't pump for the reason you listed.
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  • cindyhowcindyhow
    My milk was very slow to come in, and I had a very sleepy baby, so I had to pump in the first few weeks to stimulate my supply. Plus I have a flat nipple so I pumped (only 2 minutes really) to help pull it out so she could latch better. After about 3 weeks, I didn't pump much till I was about 4 weeks from returning to work.
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  • easyBreezieeasyBreezie

    DS was in the NICU & I couldn't get him to BF so I started pumping from the get go. It caused me to have a larger supply but in the long run let me do it for a full year. As always, everyone's different. I couldn't ever get DS to latch on & got too stressed so I EP'd. I liked having DH being able to get up and feed DS too though. (By week 2 I was getting over 40 oz./day)

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  • connelkrconnelkr
    Just be careful not to pump too much when your milk comes in because it can really exacerbate engorgement... this is the mistake I made!
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  • ncbellencbelle member

    Assuming that you have a healthy baby who is able to latch, there is no need to pump.  IMO, pumping in the first weeks if you are able to nurse is added stress and time that you don't need.  Baby at the breast is the best thing for your supply.  If you have latch issues, see an LC.

    Classes are great but also bookmark kellymom.com for reference and get a good bfing book - I like So That's What They're For.



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  • Soon 2 B Mrs. WellsSoon 2 B Mrs. Wells

    I would also like to add from an emotional stand point, I started to feel like nursing and pumping consumed my life.

    I started nursing and pumping from about day 4 or 5 and I had an oversupply. So to help engorgement I was pumping for relief, bad idea, my entire day was nursing then pumping. I felt like a dairy cow. I finally got it regulated just before returning to work. Now I have TONS of pumped milk in the deep freezer.

    I should have just stuck with nursing. I didn't have the issues you mention, my body just produced too much milk.

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  • historychick79historychick79
    I was really engorged by day 4 or 5, so I used a hand pump just to take the edge off and make my breast an easier side for C to latch on to. I didn't start the electric pump until the middle of week 3, when DH started giving C a bottle.  C's going to daycare so it was important for us to make sure he would take the bottle, and I ned to get used to the pump for working. But the first few weeks of BFing are definitely stressful enough than to worry about pumping along with feeding, even if latch and supply are going well.
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  • g8trkimg8trkim member

    I've never heard it can lessen your supply, in fact I've noticed the opposite. I started pumping just a week after LO was born and I had oversupply. It wasn't a big deal for me. I used it to my advantage and pumped a couple times a day over the first 4 months to build up a freezer stash.

    Also, yes you can use a pump to stimulate your nipples a little if LO is having latch issues.

    As far as a bottle, we gave LO a bottle of BM at one week and did so here and there as the months went on. He never had nipple confusion. Now, at 6 months, he BF first thing in the morning and before bed and takes bottles the other 4 feedings. Also, we gave a paci from day 1. He's used it here and there but has never been a big fan of it.





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  • LisaJ_MOHLisaJ_MOH member

    it will totally depend on your situation/child - everyone is different.

    my daughter was in the NICU (just for four days) and was not able to latch on at times in the first two days.  The electric pump helped me to be able to give her the colostrum and help my milk supply come in.

    the first week we were home I was having an engorgement issue and she only wanted to eat every 4 hours (she was gaining weight quickly so the doc said it was fine).  I pumped (just a little) to ease the pain between feedings.  It worked out great... I didn't wake her to eat and she was sleeping in longer segments than most babies at her age (and sleeping through the night at 8 weeks old).

    I had a few instances of clogged ducts and a warm compress while pumping was the only way I was successfully able to solve it.  My pump was my best friend.

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  • synchrosallysynchrosally member
    There is no need to pump in the first few weeks (unless you encounter a specific issue).  Lesson your supply?  Probably not, unless the pumping is replacing putting baby to breast.  In my case it increased my supply because I was pumping AFTER each feed (advice from a LC).  And then I was left with oversupply that took weeks to get under control.  The BF class is awesome, LCs are even better.  My advice:  TRUST YOUR BODY!!!
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