Explaining expressing

[lilyborderterrier]

Please explain expressing to me, when, how often etc.
I'm pregnant with my 2nd and I did breastfeed and express for the first 6 months but to be honest it was a nightmare. We struggled to bond and her to feed, I'm amazed we did for so long. So I expressed using a hand pump, I expressed loads on both sides and after she'd fed. So I felt like a milking machine. I could get loads ounces and ounces.
But it meant my supply was great so when I stopped it was agony and took 2 painful weeks to stop.

Maybe I did it right but I would like options and options please.

I'm not sure if I plan to breast feed this 2nd one for so long. Due to my daughter having serious allergies and reflux ( still having them now at nearly 4) her prescribed formula made her thrive and a happy healthy baby and I fed her it was horrible ) so although this baby might not have allergies at all I'm thinking formula feeding may be best.

[AssassinatedBeauty]

If you think you might breastfeed again, then I'd do that and not bother expressing. If you need to give a bottle feed you could just use formula. Expressing is a total faff, I started off having to express with both my DSs and I stopped expressing as soon as I could. In the early days, breastfeeding and expressing as well takes up a lot of time. I was desperate to get to the point where I could just breastfeed.

[lilyborderterrier]

Hi yes I'm thinking that too. I think I'm just bit scared as when I have my daughter formula she had an awlful anaphylactic reaction to it. But there is no evidence that this baby will have allergies.

Thanks for replying x

[AssassinatedBeauty]

I would speak to your midwife (if you haven't already) about formula, and what precautions you should take in case you're unlucky enough to have another allergic baby.

[HandbagFan]

I expressed for nine months for my DS. Sounds crazy now!

Get a decent double electric pump. Brings down the time needed and you can get bras that hold them in place.

To build up supply you're looking at 8 pumps per day minimum. Once your supply is in you can look at dropping this. At least one overnight (between 1am and 4am) is suggested as your hormones peak and you should find it produces the most milk then.

I think when I started I was a little mental (EMCS and a week in hospital with a poorly baby after), but it did get better. My supply was nothing likely, yours so I was always struggling and found it much easier once I accepted it would be a mixture of breast milk and formula.

If you do decide to pump again, I really found the exclusive pumping forum on babycentre useful. Most US mum's pump as they're back to work after 6 weeks so lots of support and advice there.