So I am obviously a FTM and I have been told numberous things about breast feeding. I was told to pump not to pump. Pump every 2-3 hours, pump after she eats for about 5 minutes, pump for 15 minutes. So do I pump before she eats? Will she be getting milk when I breast feed her then? What about nighttime? Should I set an alarm and pump every few hours plus breast feed her? AHHHHHH If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears. I am so confused.
yours truly, Mr. & Mrs. Johns
Hi! First...congrats on your beautiful baby girl! I BF my daughter for 15 months, and as a FTM figuring it all out was one of the most confusing, frustrating and rewarding experiences of my life! Anyways, you'll hear lots of advice...here's my 2 cents...for the first couple months, I'd just worry about BF her when she's hungry. I wouldn't worry about pumping at all unless you're having a supply issue. Once your milk is more established, you could start pumping (after she eats) to increase supply or to start stockpiling milk to freeze. The first couple months for us were very rough, so I just wanted to be sure she was getting enough before I started worrying about anything else. Again, just my 2 cents...take it or leave it! :) Also, feel free to email me if you have any other questions!
ReplyDeleteP.S. I found your blog from astheforestegrows.
Congratulations on your sweet baby girl! I work on a mother baby floor, and typically our lactation consultants encourage moms to concentrate on breastfeeding at this time. The previous poster was correct in that unless you are having problems with supply, latch, etc there is no reason to pump at this time. IF you pump you want to pump after feedings. You want baby to get as much as she can from you first, because her suck is more effective than the pump and you want to make sure she is getting what she needs. Also, if you pump now when it's not necessary your body will think it needs to make milk for two babies. That can create problems such as engorgement and if you're not emptying possibly mastitis. We also recommend when you do start pumping, that you pump for 15 minutes. Is there a lactation consultant you can call from the hospital you stayed at? They would be a wealth of information! Again, congratulations! Enjoy this special time!
ReplyDeletethanks ladies for your comments, they have helped me out!
ReplyDeleteI am a ftm and I also exclusively breast feed, I went through some really rough times when I first started to breastfeed my son and I lasted about 10 weeks before we were able to breast feed comfortably, I didn't really pump at first. Later though I needed too, really like mention above it is good to just concentrate on breastfeeding first, then as time goes just begin to pump. Your body will adjust to your child, so your breast will make enough milk for her ^-^ and then some.
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