Bottle question!

Scorpio1084 · January 2014

I am 25 weeks preg with my 2nd child. With my 1st I was only able to pump a little milk while in hospital so i supplemented right away. when we got home it was strictly similac. I am starting to create my baby registry and have so many questions! I am stressing about making sure i can breastfeed this baby. i have to go back to work when baby is 6 weeks old so I plan on combo of breastfeeding, pumping and supplementing formula. I have no idea which bottles will be best for my baby. There are so many choices and opinions out there. With my 1st I used Dr Browns and she did so well with them (although annoying to clean). my sister told me not to bother registering for pump and all accessories until i know if baby will even take and if i am producing any milk, but i don't want to be in the hospital wondering how i am going to feed him once i get home! any advice would be extremely appreciated! Thanks !!

VitaLuna · January 2014

There is a breastfeeding board you should look into. To address a few if your concerns:
1) it is normal to not have your milk come in in the hospital. Your colostrum is all baby needs until your milk comes in.
2) I think you would benefit from a breastfeeding class and/or support group. Google or ask your doctor for group recommendations.
3) if you are having issues BFing, seek the help of an IBCLC (lactation consultant) as soon as you have a problem. Many hospitals have them in house.
4) check with your insurance to see if your pump is covered. I would get one before the baby arrives, but leave it sealed in the box with the receipt attached in case you need to return it.
5) ignore your sister. She doesn't sound all that supportive of BF.
6) lurk on the BFing board (and ask questions if you need to, of course). You can get a lot of info and help just by reading what others are asking.

It sounds like maybe you had some misinformation the first go around, so hopefully with a little more education, you'll get the outcome you want this time. Good luck!

shannm · January 2014

Echoing the PP, I loved my BF class. It was only a couple hours one night but it really gave me confidence. Also, make sure the nursing staff knows that your intent is to breastfed and ask for their help.
As for the bottles and pump, scope out what you might like. I liked my Avent electric double pump and Avent bottles but Medela pumps and compatible bottles are very popular. I would purchase just a couple of bottles to be ready but hold off on the pump for a couple days after baby comes. Get feeding from the breast a try first. With my second, i didn't touch the pump for weeks. stashes are overrated. the priority should be getting comfortable feeding the baby. Then decide about the pump.

financialdiva · January 2014

Great advice from prior posters.

There are a lot of us on this board who have worked FT and have managed to EBF for a year+.

Nurse that baby on demand, but at least every 2-3 hours during the day. The only indicator your baby is not getting enough is if the baby isn't having enough dirty diapers. Should be about 8 per day after the first week. Baby's like to suck. It's what comforts them. So if they are done nursing and scream, it's not bc they didn't get enough, it's bc they want to suck. Paci or you be their paci- it's your choice.

Breastfeeding is about supply and demand. The more you nurse(demand), the more your body will be signaled to make more (supply).

And to answer your questions, both my boys used dr browns. I EBF for DS1 for 14 months with no issues. DS2 started preferring the bottle to me around the time he was 10months, I have pretty much been exclusively pumping.

If you buy the pump, don't open it so you can return it if you want. Also don't buy a lot of bottles since baby might prefer a different kind. Keep baby on slowest flow nipple.

Definitely take a course and research if you want to be successful. GL!

groovygrl · January 2014

I was not a successful BFer w/ my twins for a variety of reasons but I want to chime in to not forget you can rent pumps too, which is what I did... then you have a little flexibility.

Also, I am not trying to be snarky in any way here, just trying to think realistically - since this is your 2nd child and it appears you are having a shower if you're doing a registry (though not sure if that is why), and I am not sure if you had a shower the first time & what kind of things you received or bought last time that can be used for this child, but I guess I'd think carefully about what you really need and are hoping for from the shower/gift givers. Do you still have the Dr Browns bottles you used last time? If so why would you register for new ones if there are other things you really need and want to receive? I would just prioritize if this is a 2nd shower for you and make sure you are receiving things you really need. Just a thought. GL!!!

Scorpio1084 · January 2014

Thank you for all your advice!! I def would like to hold off on the pumping until I have to go back to work. With Obama care my insurance dropped me and I'm waiting for my new Insurance cards and numbers so I can call and find out about pumps through them. I don't know why I am stressing so much about it with this baby. I think I felt like a failure the first time bc I was def not educated enough. Hopefully this time will be better, but also trying not to put too much pressure! My daughter is now 4 years old and most of her baby gear was pink and purple. I am having a boy in a few months. Yes I will be having a "sprinkle" because most of the things I had I passed on to other family members and we are almost starting over again 4 1/2 years later. Not registering for everything under the sun as I did with my girl, but def the major necessities, especially since I have some gear coming from other family members. I feel like new bottles and breast feeding accessories would be important.

emberlee3 · January 2014

The lactation consultant at the hospital gave me a manual pump to use to relieve engorgement before latching. I found it very helpful. So quick to use and easy to clean. I used double electric for work, though. Not sure if this is common, but my supply was much higher with baby #2 than #1.

Re bottles, with breast milk I found it easiest to use the Medela bottles that came with my pump. I also like Tommee Tippee bottles. They are breast-like and very easy to clean. The wide opening is great for powder formula.

jf198400 · January 2014

I agree with PP's, take a class or read a book on BFing. Don't pump at all until 3-4 weeks b/c your supply is still getting established- which works best with EBFing. I recommend a double electric pump like Medela pump in style advanced. You can use any bottles your LO likes. I used breastflow bottles by First years b/c they are more natural, but they also have a few pieces to out together. I'd like to try Tommee tippee bottles next time (I love their cups). Good luck and if you have trouble talk to a lactation consultant. They should have 1 at the hospital and some pediatricians offices have them on staff as well.

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