BF and Pumping Question (LONG)

kellbelle618 · May 2012

Ok, for whatever reason it still hurts when BF LO. She has a good latch but she is like a hoover vaccum so when she initially latches it hurts like crazy. On my left side the pain goes away after a couple of seconds but on my right side it never goes away. Ironically the right side is the side that has no bruises or cracks (left side kind of took a beating when we initially started BF while we were learning how to latch). Anyways, on the right side, I get intense nipple pain when she latches on despite being latched correctly and then now I get this intense pain that goes from the nipple all the way back down the side of my breast. I think it could be a clogged duct I suppose, so I started nursing her on that side in football hold in hopes that she help on unclog it. It feels better if DH's massages it while I am nursing but he can't massage it for twenty minutes. It's to the point that I dread feeding times and I cry when I have to feed her which is not how I should feel. I love nursing her and I don't want to quit, but I can't keep doing this either. Does anyone have any experience with this? Any advice? I am quickly coming to the end of my rope.

This morning I broke out my pump because the thought of her latching on without my DH there to help massage was just unbearable. So I decided to give my breasts a little breal even though LO is only a week old. The pumping went well and it didn't hurt at all so definitely a welcome relief. DD didn't seem to mind the bottle once she figured out what it was and I was able to get enough milk for her feeding. Those of you that pump, how many ounces do you feed your LO? How high of a setting do you set your pump on? What are the pros and cons of pumping vs breastfeeding? The pumping felt so much better so it makes me feel better about feeding times, but I am afraid I am setting myself up for failure when we switch back to the breast. Also, while it didn't hurt, pumping did make me bleed on my right side-how do I prevent that from happening?

Also, how do you clean/sanitize your bottles, nipples and breastpump parts?

Sorry for all of the questions, I'm just an overwhelmed FTM who doesn't know what to do anymore.

Ruby412 · May 2012

I'm new at this too and still relying on a nipple shield to nurse, so I don't have good advice. But I do recommend you cross posting this on the Breastfeeding board. It's fairly active and has some experienced mamas who might be helpful.

kasper923 · May 2012

I would post this on the BF board also. And try kellymom.com

Tambcat · May 2012

I'm EPing. At first, I was putting her back on the boob a couple of times a day, but after a few days, she didn't want to even attempt to latch, and frankly, I was just more comfortable with pumping, so I stopped nursing altogether.

I pump 5 times a day, and she currently takes 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours, for the most part. Some days are snackier than others. I prepare several bottles in advance with 3 oz in each one. I boiled the pump parts and the bottles before the first use, per the directions, but after that, I just wash them and air dry. The downside to pumping is that it's another thing to work into your schedule and more stuff to wash.

I just turn the suction on the pump to the highest level before it hurts, also per the instructions (I have the Ameda Purely Yours). I start the speed high and then when letdown occurs, turn it down. If the flow slows or stops before I think I've pumped all I can, I turn the speed back up and see if I get another let down.

I think once your nipples heal, you won't experience the bleeding with the pump. I still had some bruising and scabbing at first that just needed to heal. When I was still attempting to nurse some, it was way less painful when I wasn't doing it every 2-3 hours. But again, I wasn't successful switching back and forth for long.

kellbelle618 · May 2012

Tambcat:

I'm EPing. At first, I was putting her back on the boob a couple of times a day, but after a few days, she didn't want to even attempt to latch, and frankly, I was just more comfortable with pumping, so I stopped nursing altogether.

I pump 5 times a day, and she currently takes 2-3 oz every 2-3 hours, for the most part. Some days are snackier than others. I prepare several bottles in advance with 3 oz in each one. I boiled the pump parts and the bottles before the first use, per the directions, but after that, I just wash them and air dry. The downside to pumping is that it's another thing to work into your schedule and more stuff to wash.

I just turn the suction on the pump to the highest level before it hurts, also per the instructions (I have the Ameda Purely Yours). I start the speed high and then when letdown occurs, turn it down. If the flow slows or stops before I think I've pumped all I can, I turn the speed back up and see if I get another let down.

I think once your nipples heal, you won't experience the bleeding with the pump. I still had some bruising and scabbing at first that just needed to heal. When I was still attempting to nurse some, it was way less painful when I wasn't doing it every 2-3 hours. But again, I wasn't successful switching back and forth for long.

How much do you typically get each session? How long do you typically pump on each side? (I have a double pump but until I get a bra to hold them, it's just easier to do each side seperately)

Tambcat · May 2012

I usually pump both sides simultaneously for about 15 minutes and get 8-10 oz. Occasionally, I do have to do them separately if I've gone too long between sessions so that I can massages as I pump, and I guess it's 10-15 min on each side. Since I'm EP and I'm not trying to decrease my supply right now or anything, I generally pump until nothing more is coming out or until I fill up the containers on the pump.

kellbelle618 · May 2012

Tambcat:
I usually pump both sides simultaneously for about 15 minutes and get 8-10 oz. Occasionally, I do have to do them separately if I've gone too long between sessions so that I can massages as I pump, and I guess it's 10-15 min on each side. Since I'm EP and I'm not trying to decrease my supply right now or anything, I generally pump until nothing more is coming out or until I fill up the containers on the pump.

Did it take awhile to get that much? I'm not getting nearly that much right now which is adding to my anxiety. Sorry for all the questions, I have a call into the lactation consultant but I haven't heard back.

Ruby412 · May 2012

Tam, how are you getting so much each time you pump? Wow! I'm lucky to get between 2 - 4 oz total from double pumping for 15 minutes with the Medela Freestyle.

Tambcat · May 2012

I'm not sure, but I suspect part of the reason I'm getting so much is that I started pumping like this the same day my milk came in, so there was no period of exclusive nursing to establish supply and demand. Either that, or I am just blessed with a ton of milk! I think I read that if you are trying to build your supply to be sure to pump an additional 2-5 minutes each session after the milk stops flowing.

I hope you are able to get some help from the LC. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

adamstodrake · May 2012

Tambcat:
I'm not sure, but I suspect part of the reason I'm getting so much is that I started pumping like this the same day my milk came in, so there was no period of exclusive nursing to establish supply and demand. Either that, or I am just blessed with a ton of milk! I think I read that if you are trying to build your supply to be sure to pump an additional 2-5 minutes each session after the milk stops flowing.
I hope you are able to get some help from the LC. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

The amount I pumped with DS was nuts, about 12oz after his first feeding every morning. That being said, it took a while to get to that. At two weeks I pumped 2-3 oz per feeding (we were syringe feeding due to lazy baby), it wasn't until he was a few months old that my supply went crazy. Drink tons of water and eating steel cut oatmeal helps too. Keep pumping a few minute after milk stops coming out, this tells your body you need more milk made.

Want a personalized experience?

BF and Pumping Question (LONG)

Re: BF and Pumping Question (LONG)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards