Graduated from pumping to breastfeeding
v1wwo
member
I think my baby has finally started to suck on my boob! - But only with a nipple shield. She still hates the actual thing and I don't blame her. My nipples are tiny.
We were trying really hard for it to work in the beginning. About 6 LC seen us in one week. Most of the time it was a horrible experience where the baby would cry and I would cry when they left. I would feel really bad about myself and my nipples. I finally said F.U. all and told myself I’ll just pump.
Today she rested next to me and opened her mouth, found my chest and latched on to my shirt… then she looked at me. (Like actually looked up and down my face… like something finally clicked in her brain) What the hell, I’ll tried again and she didn’t cry but suckled joyfully.
I been pumping for 3 weeks and by now I am a pro at that but unfortunately I don't know the 101 on breast feeding.
It’s like 20 min per boob…. how do I know if it’s empty or is she is getting anything? How do I do it in public lol? Should I still pump after ever feed?
I think I will stay pumping for now but now I feel like I can be freer to go outside the house and not worry about the time or that I will explode.
(btw as I am typing this my baby is farting like a pro! I’m so proud of her lol)
Re: Graduated from pumping to breastfeeding
Breastfeeding in public... In not much help - I like the mothering rooms when out... Nursing tanks helps me keep my dignity even there...
I would keep pumping to keep up your output and it's no harm to have extra stored... Maybe not after every feed but the lighter ones.
You've so got this!!!!!!
You don't need to pump after every feed unless your supply is low and you want to increase it, or if you want to build up a freezer stash. I exclusively breastfeed except for one bottle of pumped milk a day. I pump 1-3 times per day to have milk for the bottle the next day and to build up my stash for when I go back to work at 12 weeks (when I'll be pumping during the day).
I've only breastfed in public once (while on a walk and I just sat on a park bench and used my cover-up, but no one was around so it was pretty private!). When I know I'm going to be out and about when baby has to eat, I usually bring a bottle of pumped milk since it's easier for me and faster (he'll drink it cold). If you're at a store, you can always use their fitting rooms if you want a bit of privacy. I just find it uncomfortable (physically, because my baby is heavy and I don't have my Boppy with me!), so it's just easier for me to give him a bottle.