Can I express feed one evening bottle 9day old baby

[Brandnewmamma]

Baby very restless and screaming each evening.
We are worn out.

I am still in a lot of pain after section.

He is used to bottle from boiled water and well established on breast.

I have a pump unused as yet...

Thanks for any advice x x

Brandnew, these early days can be so tiring and overwhelming :(

Hope you are getting some help with the pain.

Here's what you need to know before considering a bottle of expressed:

• you have the hassle of sterilising the bottle and teat
• you need to find the time to express - and most women will need a couple of sessions with the pump to get sufficient for an evening feed, so there's 40-60 minutes with the pump which you have to find in your day (when you could be asleep, resting, feeding the baby, whatever)
• when your baby has the expressed milk, your breasts will be full and uncomfortable and you may need to gently hand express for comfort (again, hassle....)
• missing a breastfeed because your baby has a bottle instead means your breasts will miss the stimulation of a feed and this could impact on your supply

None of these issues are insurmountable, but they are a lot easier to deal with (or they don't arise) with an older baby. With a baby of 9 days old, you could be adding to your 'to do' list.

(Your baby does not need boiled water - this is not a good idea for most babies. Is there a reason he is having this?)

Evenings are often a time when babies respond best to being snuggled in with mum skin to skin, feeding on and off for hours and hours...they object very strongly when they are not in that situation (though they may well enjoy skin to skin with dad as well :) ).

Too too thanks so much.. Think I just had a bad night... Will stop the boiled water I think.

I know what you mean.. Will be hassle to do the whole bottle thing when that is the main benefit. I rang hospital breastfeeding consultant and they said no bottle for six weeks.

Rang my dad.. He was great for advice too.. Lots of cuddles he said!

Pain is the oter factor... Panadol.. Going to set alarm for four hourly exactly as may have left it too long.

Appreciate the advice... Thanks

Hope things get better for you soon.

(Who on earth told you your baby should have water?! )