Express pump feeding

[Sku3zi4]

2nd baby on the way. I bottle fed with the 1st one. I'm not really keen on breast feeding. The whole sore nipples really freak me out. I would like to express pump feed instead. Can I do that straight away.

You could do but it’s not easy. I would reach out to your local feed specialist or you can use the NCT breast feeding helpline to find out more on how you can do this

In short yes.

Longer answer would be to go to a breastfeeding support group (search NCT baby cafe or la leche league in your area) before baby arrives.

The breastfeeding councillor there can help you to figure out a plan of action for expressing.

At the start you can hand express the colostrum before moving onto an actual pump when your milk comes in. The councillor can help you to find good evidence based information on how to choose a pump etc. the NCT website also has information.

People will tell you it's super hard work, and it is, feeding a new baby is hard work.

You might also find that armed with some information you'd like to try feeding at the breast as well. Sore nipples doesn't always happen, can be prevented and doesn't last long.

Just wanted to say that I was fully expecting sore and cracked nipples when feeding but it never happened with either of my two. Pain when latching for the first week or so but that was all.

Ended up using the nipple cream I bought as a general moisturiser, works very well.