Breastfeeding manual pump express

[Hodge85]

Hi,

I gave birth last Friday and managed to express colostrum which was great, I tried breastfeeding and although little one would latch great, he would do a few suckles and then stop so to make sure he was being fed, we topped up with formula. Fast forward to today and my milk has started coming in. Unfortunately, the same thing is happening, he just won't really try to suckle. I would like to express this milk and have tried to use a manual pump but nothing comes out, I can see the milk when I massage to get them going but I need some advice. Thanks

Babies being fed formula tend to get lazy as they have to work much harder at te breast rather than the bottle.

If you want to breastfeed from the breast I suggest you see a lactation consultant ASAP who can steer you from formula and onto breast. (This isn't anti formula by the way - just advice on best way to get baby feeding from the breast)

I used a manual pump as my lo had a tongue tie and it was hella painful to bf. The trick was to get the best suction and press in at different angles for me. I always got so pleased when I got the right spot! Hope that makes sense!

Take "1940s"s advice with a pinch of salt - this problem probs won't be serious enough to need professional help. I fed mine formula and expressed breast milk for 3 weeks, kept persevering with breastfeeding, and managed to switch to exclusively breastfeeding. Now 9 months in.

Kellymom website will have good tips
There are about 3 helplines for breastfeeding, easily found online and will be open during the day

Make sure you've drunk enough water and eaten enough, and try stroking breasts gently before expressing.

Good luck

Sounds daft but is everything tight and put together on the pump? If a tiny seal hadn't been put back in properly on mine it didn't do anything. It takes longer to let down with a manual so just keep pumping. I got a tommee tippee electric one, was annoying it being a single but definitely did the job and didnt cost the earth

Hi all, I just wanted to say thank you for all of your advice, I spoke to my midwife and she recommended nipple shields and they have worked a treat! He's feeding off me now, granted he's not feeding as well as he would from a bottle it's still great progress! Also, my manual pump wasn't set up properly and I've managed to express no bother so I'm happy and relieved Mum😊 x

Fab news! Enjoy the snuggles.