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Original poster

Positive stories of mams expressing day 1

149 replies

Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:23

Posting on here for traffic and can't find where chat is on topics.

Feeling like 💩 lots of pain with my PGP so would like some positive breastfeeding stories of mamas who pumped from day 1. I did post in pregnancy but only got a few commenting which I appreciate but want to know more 😊

I know the risks and willing to still do it. Dad wants to do nights and will be pumping once between 2am and 4am as that's when you produce the most milk. I'll still be breastfeeding during the day and pump on the other boob.

Tia

OP posts:
SylvieLaufeydottir · 21/10/2023 14:25

...Why?

You're actively introducing hassle and making your life harder for no good reason. It's a lot easier just to put the baby on the breast in the night than fuck about with bottles, and there's a good chance you will struggle to establish supply and feeding anyway. One pumping session a night isn't enough; you need night feeds more than day feeds to establish supply.

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:30

I pumped from day 3 when I realised I really couldn't manage breastfeeding. I had to pump 7 times a day doing both boobs at once. Are you suggesting breastfeeding from one boob and then only pumping the other once a day? I don't think that would work as the other poster said. What sort of information are you looking for? I'm not clear.

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:30

SylvieLaufeydottir · 21/10/2023 14:25

...Why?

You're actively introducing hassle and making your life harder for no good reason. It's a lot easier just to put the baby on the breast in the night than fuck about with bottles, and there's a good chance you will struggle to establish supply and feeding anyway. One pumping session a night isn't enough; you need night feeds more than day feeds to establish supply.

I'll be pumping during the day and it's my choice. I pumped in the beginning with my son not for long.

And so I can get rest during the night.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:32

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:30

I pumped from day 3 when I realised I really couldn't manage breastfeeding. I had to pump 7 times a day doing both boobs at once. Are you suggesting breastfeeding from one boob and then only pumping the other once a day? I don't think that would work as the other poster said. What sort of information are you looking for? I'm not clear.

Feeding on one boob and pumping on the other does work 😊

I just want to know other stories of mams doing it successfully

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:33

Will add if I need to pump more during the night in the first 4/5 weeks I'll do it but if there's chance for me to get rest I'll take it.

OP posts:
Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:34

I meant pumping it just once in 24hrs wouldn't work. If you plan to pump multiple times a day I can attest that it's very hard work, but I managed it for 9 months so it's certainly doable

Munchyseeds2 · 21/10/2023 14:35

Sorry but this sounds whole lot harder than it needs to be??
One of the perks of feeding for me was feeding in bed at night, its so easy
I did express and freeze so could give the odd bottle but not until everything was established a d I had a good supply

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:36

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:34

I meant pumping it just once in 24hrs wouldn't work. If you plan to pump multiple times a day I can attest that it's very hard work, but I managed it for 9 months so it's certainly doable

I did say that I'd be pumping during the day. And I did pump during the day when my son was older to stock the freezer. Want to do it sooner and because dad wants to do nights.

OP posts:
Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:38

You can't pump until your milk comes in, so not day one necessarily, mine came in day 3 and I pumped from them, no reason you can't do it as soon as your milk is in

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:39

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:38

You can't pump until your milk comes in, so not day one necessarily, mine came in day 3 and I pumped from them, no reason you can't do it as soon as your milk is in

I've read some pumped colostrum but might wait till milks in. Came day 3. Just use syringes for colostrum

OP posts:
Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:41

Just be careful to do it really regularly, it might just have been me but I was really prone to mastitis when I pumped, I got it 4 times and was very unwell

SylvieLaufeydottir · 21/10/2023 14:45

You will need to pump at night as many times as you would have fed to establish supply. Night is when the hormones are highest and is critical to establishing supply.

Exclusively pumping is the worst of all worlds feeding-wise. It's more timeconsuming and labour-intensive than simply feeding from the breast and you are still ultimately responsible for all feeds, plus now you have to wash bottles and pump parts as well.

Just learn to feed lying down. It's a hell of a lot nicer and easier than getting up and night to commune with a pump, and almost certainly quicker, because babies get milk out faster and easier than a pump does.

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:45

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 14:41

Just be careful to do it really regularly, it might just have been me but I was really prone to mastitis when I pumped, I got it 4 times and was very unwell

Oh I'll definitely be careful. Thank you for your messages. Appreciate it!

OP posts:
MabelQ · 21/10/2023 14:47

I’m just going to tell you my story.
Right from the getgo with our eldest, they introduced the pumping concept, and I used it in a supplementary way. I was blessed with plenty of milk and so I’d “get ahead” at times (not much, let me tell you!) or do things like pump on a Sunday morning so I could give a bottle later that morning during church. The downside of this was that months down the road my supply eventually dropped and we finished with formula. Our baby wasn’t a massive eater and in hindsight I should’ve pumped a lot more instead of enjoying longer breaks.

Fast forward to second baby. I had a slow and challenging recovery after tearing, and wasn’t able to physically lift up/bear the weight of our baby to breastfeed properly. I believe we did formula during those first foggy days home, as I cried and tried to breastfeed through the discomfort. As it turned out our baby had reflux issues too; long story short, I began to exclusively pump and did so for 11 months, with supplemental formula. I had plenty of milk in the freezer.

What I failed to factor in - or more honestly had to deal with because I didn’t have a choice - was how pumping affected two massively important concepts:

  • Our toddler. I couldn’t handle things with him properly because I was tied to the pump. (I understand they have much more modern equipment now; this was 9+ years ago.) My point is that I couldn’t just jump up and take baby along; I was juggling pump bottles and tubes and being careful not to spill, and it would drive me nuts to have our toddler even sit next to me.
  • Our baby. I missed snuggling him. The pressure to pump was incredible; I HAD TO in order for it to work, and the cost of formula (particularly as he didn’t tolerate dairy well) was exorbitant. I couldn’t pump one side at a time, either; the letdown reflex was so powerful.

I’m currently 25 weeks pregnant with our third baby after a significant gap, and one of the greatest reasons I’m thankful God blessed us with this pregnancy is the chance to Lord willing hold and nurture and snuggle a baby. I missed that so much with our second; I was able to maintain his food but not his snuggling. (It didn’t seem to damage him in ANY way; it just made me feel like I missed out on a lot. We were all in survival mode.)

I definitely noticed a dramatic impact on my supply whenever I’d skip sessions, whether actually breastfeeding our first or pumping for our second. Even though breastfeeding was painful frequently during our first, I’m convinced it was less so than sitting there tied to a pump at 1am while our baby slept soundly, out of my arms.

No advice, not judgment, that’s just my story of how it went down as close as I can recall.

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:47

SylvieLaufeydottir · 21/10/2023 14:45

You will need to pump at night as many times as you would have fed to establish supply. Night is when the hormones are highest and is critical to establishing supply.

Exclusively pumping is the worst of all worlds feeding-wise. It's more timeconsuming and labour-intensive than simply feeding from the breast and you are still ultimately responsible for all feeds, plus now you have to wash bottles and pump parts as well.

Just learn to feed lying down. It's a hell of a lot nicer and easier than getting up and night to commune with a pump, and almost certainly quicker, because babies get milk out faster and easier than a pump does.

Not going to change my mind :) I'm determined to do it. Once my supply is established I won't need to do it as often on a night. Even if I can get 4/5 blocks of sleep ill be happy. Even 2 hours will help. Will get in a nice routine. And I'm gonna let dad do his bit! He really wants to help.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:52

Munchyseeds2 · 21/10/2023 14:35

Sorry but this sounds whole lot harder than it needs to be??
One of the perks of feeding for me was feeding in bed at night, its so easy
I did express and freeze so could give the odd bottle but not until everything was established a d I had a good supply

Yes I know its easier just to put baba on boob but if I let dad do night I can get some sleep. I enjoy pumping.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:55

MabelQ · 21/10/2023 14:47

I’m just going to tell you my story.
Right from the getgo with our eldest, they introduced the pumping concept, and I used it in a supplementary way. I was blessed with plenty of milk and so I’d “get ahead” at times (not much, let me tell you!) or do things like pump on a Sunday morning so I could give a bottle later that morning during church. The downside of this was that months down the road my supply eventually dropped and we finished with formula. Our baby wasn’t a massive eater and in hindsight I should’ve pumped a lot more instead of enjoying longer breaks.

Fast forward to second baby. I had a slow and challenging recovery after tearing, and wasn’t able to physically lift up/bear the weight of our baby to breastfeed properly. I believe we did formula during those first foggy days home, as I cried and tried to breastfeed through the discomfort. As it turned out our baby had reflux issues too; long story short, I began to exclusively pump and did so for 11 months, with supplemental formula. I had plenty of milk in the freezer.

What I failed to factor in - or more honestly had to deal with because I didn’t have a choice - was how pumping affected two massively important concepts:

  • Our toddler. I couldn’t handle things with him properly because I was tied to the pump. (I understand they have much more modern equipment now; this was 9+ years ago.) My point is that I couldn’t just jump up and take baby along; I was juggling pump bottles and tubes and being careful not to spill, and it would drive me nuts to have our toddler even sit next to me.
  • Our baby. I missed snuggling him. The pressure to pump was incredible; I HAD TO in order for it to work, and the cost of formula (particularly as he didn’t tolerate dairy well) was exorbitant. I couldn’t pump one side at a time, either; the letdown reflex was so powerful.

I’m currently 25 weeks pregnant with our third baby after a significant gap, and one of the greatest reasons I’m thankful God blessed us with this pregnancy is the chance to Lord willing hold and nurture and snuggle a baby. I missed that so much with our second; I was able to maintain his food but not his snuggling. (It didn’t seem to damage him in ANY way; it just made me feel like I missed out on a lot. We were all in survival mode.)

I definitely noticed a dramatic impact on my supply whenever I’d skip sessions, whether actually breastfeeding our first or pumping for our second. Even though breastfeeding was painful frequently during our first, I’m convinced it was less so than sitting there tied to a pump at 1am while our baby slept soundly, out of my arms.

No advice, not judgment, that’s just my story of how it went down as close as I can recall.

I appreciate your story! It probably helps I love pumping and it worked when I did it with my son. My partner wants to help and I appreciate it. Means getting some sleep. Better parent when rested.

I'm currently 30 weeks and cant wait for my baby girl to me. Congratulations on your pregnancy and hope the rest of it goes smoothly for you 😊💕

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 14:55

Be here*

OP posts:
fedupandstuck · 21/10/2023 15:01

If Dad's help makes more work for you... is it really help??

I had to express with both mine due to medical issues. Trying to express colostrum is a total pain in the arse. Plus it's totally dispiriting the tiny amounts you get. I'd have directly fed if it was at all possible.

I switched to direct feeding as soon as I possibly could when I got home. The idea of expressing at 2am/4am was so depressing and upsetting. Much much easier to feed baby directly, once you get the hang of it you barely need to wake up. Dad can do his bit in so many other ways.

Bentley123 · 21/10/2023 15:04

I pumped from day 4/5 with my son, due to damage to my nipples that caused severe pain when he fed but not on the pump (hospital grade type pump!) He took bottle and breast fine, although I think maybe it took my milk supply longer to find its ‘comfortable level’ (but this may be due to being my first). He was able to swap easily between both bottle and me. I didn’t pump lots just every so often and I never built a supply up.
I didn’t do it this for my 2nd as we (safely) co slept and it was so much easier just to feed her lying down in bed! But then she wouldn’t take a bottle by 2/3 months when I tried it. I felt the pumping was a bit of a tie and it’s only useful if it actually gives you more sleep. We also used odd bottle of formula for my first. You have to do what works for you and your baby. Please do what works for you, a rested and recovered mum is so very important! I fed my first until 2 years old.

MabelQ · 21/10/2023 15:11

I think it’s just so different for each!! For me pumping at night resulted in less sleep, but that was us. ❤️ My husband was also working second shift for some of that time so while he was able to bring baby to me to breastfeed, it wasn’t really feasible for him to take nighttime feedings.

Best of blessings to you and yours!

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 15:15

What do you mean you love pumping? Maybe just me but there is nothing to love about sitting holding a pump to your breast for half an hour multiple times a day

Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 15:22

Bubbleshoespop · 21/10/2023 15:15

What do you mean you love pumping? Maybe just me but there is nothing to love about sitting holding a pump to your breast for half an hour multiple times a day

Some women do. I love the end goal of how much milk I pump each session.

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 15:24

MabelQ · 21/10/2023 15:11

I think it’s just so different for each!! For me pumping at night resulted in less sleep, but that was us. ❤️ My husband was also working second shift for some of that time so while he was able to bring baby to me to breastfeed, it wasn’t really feasible for him to take nighttime feedings.

Best of blessings to you and yours!

I'm just going to take it one day at a time. I'm aware it won't be easy. And in the beginning I might not get much sleep. But my partner wants to try bless him. Even if I can catch a nap during the day. It'll help. Thank you. You too! ❤️

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowlover89 · 21/10/2023 15:27

Bentley123 · 21/10/2023 15:04

I pumped from day 4/5 with my son, due to damage to my nipples that caused severe pain when he fed but not on the pump (hospital grade type pump!) He took bottle and breast fine, although I think maybe it took my milk supply longer to find its ‘comfortable level’ (but this may be due to being my first). He was able to swap easily between both bottle and me. I didn’t pump lots just every so often and I never built a supply up.
I didn’t do it this for my 2nd as we (safely) co slept and it was so much easier just to feed her lying down in bed! But then she wouldn’t take a bottle by 2/3 months when I tried it. I felt the pumping was a bit of a tie and it’s only useful if it actually gives you more sleep. We also used odd bottle of formula for my first. You have to do what works for you and your baby. Please do what works for you, a rested and recovered mum is so very important! I fed my first until 2 years old.

Edited

Thank you for your story. I'm glad it worked for you 😌 I did add formula in the beginning with my son. As he had tongue tie. But won't be this time. Want to be 100% breastmilk. I'm gonna take it one day at a time and establish a good routine, it'll take time to get there but once we've got one going it'll help. I've just very appreciated of my partner. Wants to make sure I'm well rested.

OP posts: