To pump or not to pump?

[Myfairone]

Hi guys,

First time Mum question here...Baby Harley is 6 days old today and feeding well. My milk came in on day 4 and today my breasts are so full and leaking. Now is it okay to express some off or will that mess it all up?

Any advice greatly appreciated...and if the answer is to pump when would be the best time to do it? In between feeds?

Big hugs to all.

[bohemianbint]

Hi,

Congratulations on Harley and BF so far!

I find that people say not to express for 6 weeks or so but to be honest I did it from really early on and no harm was done, plus it meant I could grab the odd couple of hours sleep while DP did a feed! Never had any nipple confusion at all...

As for when the best time to do it is, gosh I can hardly remember, probably straight after a feed from the other side?

HTH!

[gogetter]

I think the best time is in the morning. So say DS feeds from left breast - let him have as much as he needs and then empty both breasts, or just the right, if your left is empty. Perhaps twice or three times a day if you can be bothered and have time.

I'd express straight after his fees, because I think if you did it inbetween feeds you might not reproduce enough in the time between that and DS next feed


I think it helps establish a gd supply early on, plus you'll have some stashed in the freezer need be.

[Myfairone]

Oh thank you so much! I'm sitting here leaking milk with a really sore left boob and wondering what to do for the best!

He is due a feed soon so I will see what he can empty and then if I'm still uncomfy I will express some off.

Just wanted to make sure I was going to do any harm.

Thanks again ladies.

[witchandchips]

I'd not bother unless you want to build up a supply for future feeds. My feeling is that your boobs are trying to come into sync with los needs and if you express you might over-stimulate your supply perhaps leading to too much fore-milk. Also you've just had a baby your body is exhausted, just rest. If your boobs are uncomfortable then squirt a bit into the sink. I am not qualified at all but this was my experience

[gogetter]

Personally I'd pump as much as you can be bothered post feeds. Especially if you are uncomfortable.
Also then DP can give him a bottle which is nice, I have never heard of a baby not being able to go between breast/bottle.

[lulumama]

rather than pumping, you can let baby suckle as much as he wants, and when you have a bah direct a shower spray gently on to your breasts and you might well find the milk leaks out anyway.....the best way for your breasts to meet the demands of your baby is for baby to suck as much as he wants

congratulations x

[Myfairone]

Thank you again for the suggestions. When LO fed he actually managed to take a fair bit and they seem much more comfy...so the need to pump has gone away! hooray!!!

Mumsnet is the best...thanks ladies!

x

[beautifulgirls]

If you do plan to pump and bottle feed it back at times for convenience then start offering the bottle earlyish on occasionally as often they find it a lot harder to adapt to after a couple of weeks. Just make sure he stays happy feeding from you too though as it is far less hassle than expressing/sterilising for every feed when they don't latch. Drove me insane when DD#2 wouldn't feed from me(from the start though).