Talk to me about 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.

I can't really explain expressing to you because, honestly, I was rubbish at it. Could you wait until the first 5 weeks are over and then see how you feel?

I expressed exclusively for 4 months, mainly as my DS was born early and I couldn't breast feed him, I had planned to breastfeed him when I got home but unfortunately that did not quite go to plan. I continued expressing and it got to the point where he was feeding every two hours and I was putting him down expressing, changing his nappy and then feeding. I didn't get any time to interact with him/play. I felt awful not doing it but once I'd made the decision to stop I now time to do the lovely things with him. It's a personal option but I know I gave my boy a good start to life