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Breastfeeding
Dumb BF question?
Ok, I plan on breastfeeding but I was just wondering if there is a difference in me pumping daily into multiple bottles and feeding the LO that way or just putting them on the breasting them do it? I thought it might be "easier" for me to pump and store and then I can just grab a bottle and feed them, especially at night/early monring. I read somewhere that it can take up to 40 mins to feed? I have no idea and I've never done this before. Any help or thoughts?
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Re: Dumb BF question?
IMO, it's easier to BF than pump and feed. Just think about all the bottles and pump parts you'll have to wash several times a day! Unless you have issues with the latch, breast is easier.
Also, LO will be better at getting the milk out than your breast pump.
i used to think this but really just putting the baby to your breast is easier, if you feed with the bottle and pump that's even more time you need, it's more work, Plus pumping gets boring and old quick, while breastfeeding really has a special feeling to it, it's that special bond and connection you feel with your baby that's just hard to explain. Also, the baby is what will really get your milk coming much more than the pump.
I think that BF is soooo much easier. I'll be honest though - in the beginning, it was painful and frustrating. I spent many hours crying in the nursery while my daughter chugged away at the breast. Now, however, it's second-nature (she's four months old). It's so much more convenient than having to clean bottles and nipples every day! The only thing that I don't like about it is that I can't go to bed bra-less!
Oh - and I normally only nurse about 10 minutes per breast, and that is enough to fill her up during a feeding. It takes just as long to pump, and then you have to worry about storing and heating the milk, and also washing all the pieces.
So many people say pumping exclusively is hard. Putting baby on the breast is, IMO, so much easier. When DD is hungry at night I roll over, get her from the bassinet and put her on the boob - no trekking down the stairs, messing with heating milk... Plus, I can nurse on my side and doze while she eats.
All babies eat at a different rate too - we rarely have had 40 minute feedings, my DD has always been faster than that and she has gained weight like a champ, and she's only getting more and more efficient.
ITA with all of this.
In the beginning your baby's belly is only the size of a marble so you're going to be feeding constantly whether you bottlefeed or BF. It seems like it takes them forever to eat at first because they aren't very efficient for the first few weeks and they fall asleep so easily. DS used to take at least 45 minutes to eat until he was several weeks old.
If you do give bottles you don't want to make it too easy or quick for baby to get milk because they will develop a preference for the bottle and not want your breast because it's too much work.
Also, pumping does not stimulate you the same way that baby's sucking does so you don't produce as much milk and it's a lot tougher to maintain your supply. I think EPers have it very very hard and I admire their dedication because I can't imagine doing all the work that they do.
It's also nice to be able to take LO out and about without worrying about how many bottles to bring, how to keep them cool, how you're going to heat them up, etc. Once you get coordinated you can also nurse in a carrier which is super convenient.
Merideth - Just wanted to say that I thought I'd never be able to sleep braless and that I'd have to wear nursing pads until DS weaned, but at 5 1/2 months I only leaked in the morning (he started sleeping for 11+ hours straight at that point) and then by 6 months I stopped leaking altogether, so there is hope for you to sleep braless!