Feeding advice please!

[Kayls93]

I'm currently 38 weeks pregnant and planning to breast feed my baby, however I want to express milk too to be able to bottle feed occasionally, or so my partner can help out with feeds. When would be a good time to start expressing and introduce the bottle? Any other tips on breast feeding/expressing etc?

Best tip: Read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding.

Is there a particular reason you want DH to do this kayls? Expressing and trying to get Lo to take a bottle can be hard work and frustrating. It doesn't happen to everyone but some women successfully bf but can never master expressing. Also some babies never take a bottle. Don't want to put you off, just thought that its best that you are aware of the possibility

The book star suggests is great, you library will probably have a copy.

My tips include finding out where your Bfing Support Groups are and start going to them now. Put the numbers for the Bfing Helplines into your phone. Ask DH to read this and have a read of preparing to breastfeed yourself.

You may also like how to bottlefeed the bf baby, alternative feeding methods and how much ebm will my baby need?

There are some god bfing videos here and have you heard of tongue tie?

Oh and keep posting on Mn too

Hi kayls, me and my DH did just that, but also to prevent any issues if we need a babysitter for the night

We offered a bottle from 2 weeks old once every couple of days to a week and had no problems with expressing for it, getting DS to take it, or with BFing.

kayls - I was the same, wanting DH to get involved as it's hard in the beginning being the only one who can feed your DC. I made it to three weeks alone, to establish a good supply, then started expressing at the first morning feed, when I was 'full', and I found, once I got the positioning right, express one boob while baby us on the other - it boosts the action so you'll be more successful and get a good amount in one go.
DH loved being able to do the night shift when he could see i'd had little sleep for days!
Also, we made the mistake of not giving her a bottle for almost two weeks, when she was about 2 months because she was going longer through the night and DH was back at work, and next time he tried, DD refused it. It took weeks of perseverance but she finally took it again but, if you want to keep it going, aim to give a bottle if ebm at least every couple of days.
And get some of the freezer bags so you can stock up!
Good luck!

What Stargirl1701 said, definitely.

Then just see how you get on, baby's personality etc. Are you able to borrow any pumps initially to see which you prefer? I'd recommend getting the best you can afford.

Good luck

I've never been able to express more than the smallest amounts & found trying really upsetting.

as for preparing yourself for bf

• by lansinoh & use it after every feed in the beginning. It's expensive but well worth it. I had a tube for upstairs & one for downstairs
• read as much as you can about it. It's hard work to start with. I think many people fail as they are poorly prepared as to how much time they will be pinned to the sofa feeding.
• watch you tube videos to understand about s good latch
• if it doesn't work do not beat yourself up. Formula is not poison & combination feeding is a real option.

good luck

I'd start trying to hand express tiny drops now to prime the pump! Absolutely no zcientific basis to this but I did, for various reasons and supply was much better this.time round.

Lanisoh is good if you need it but some, including me never need it. If you do need it and live in a city it should be easily available

Everything splat says. Spot on.

Thank you all so much! Just think it would be easier to introduce a bottle as well as breast feed, at least if I know baby will take it I won't worry as much leaving baby for the first time with someone else.