Is it ok to "just pump"?

Question

I am so sick of nursing and being the only person who can feed her. She is only 3 weeks old too, but I also have a "almost" 2 year old toddler to struggle with all day who hates her new sister because she's hogging mommy. Also, I am home by myself all day and most of the night. This week my husband is out of town all week long (like he's much help though) and I have had NO visitors. Bottle feeding is so much faster and I have a really good pump. Are there any consequences if I just pump and feed from bottles?

Answer 1

Absolutely none.  Studies indicate that breast-milk is best but the method of delivery can be anything.

I was told even by medical professionals that my milk supply would be more if he nursed directly.  Actually you can produce more with pumping because you can pump more, you aren't limited by how much your infant wants.  Pump and store/freeze.

If you notice a lag in your milk supply just keep pumping!  As long as you pump 4 times a day you will keep up your supply.  Lactation consultants are the ones you should be asking...they have real data not old wives tales!

Answer 2

A very close friend of my only pumped because her daughter wouldn't latch on, she is still doing it and her daughter is 5 1/2 months and it is working fine for her. She used my pump though and it was an amazing pump I got as a gift the nurses at my hospital said they had only seen that pump at conventions and said it was the best pump, so that might of had something to do with it. IDK, but I know she has stuck to it.

Answer 3

i 'just pumped' when my little girl was only a few weeks old and after about 2 weeks my milk was dried up.  i was never told that just pumping is not the same as nursing until after the fact. i know how you feel though, good luck

Answer 4

Going to exclusive pumping would up your risk of low supply. Especially since your baby is so young, I wouldn't risk it. Your supply isn't established yet at all.

In the long run, pumping takes a lot longer than feeding straight from the breast. You won't have to worry about washing your pump and bottles and nipples and all that stuff. If you don't have any visitors aren't you the only one feeding her anyway? And think about night feedings.

It's much faster to put a baby to your breast than it is to stumble around in the dark to get a bottle, all while your baby is crying because of being hungry.

Answer 5

If bottle feeding is faster than breastfeeding once you combine the time of pumping, sterilizing the pump, sterilizing the bottles, and feeding the baby properly with a bottle then you probably need some help with breastfeeding.

Expressed breastmilk is certainly better than formula, but its not as good as milk direct from mom.

When a baby nurses directly they are more able to control not just the quantity of milk but also the fat and calories they get.  The pass disease causing microbes to mom so her immune system makes the right antibodies.  Certain nutrients and antibodies are lost to storage, fat levels can also be lower for a variety of reasons.  Suckling at the breast develops the jaw muscles and reduces speech problems and the need for orthodontia.  Bottles can cause ear infections regardless of what is in them.  Babies can and do get nipple confusion and most moms have a difficult time keeping their supply up with just pumping.

I have two that are 20 months apart -there are lots of things you can do with the toddler while you breastfeed.  You can read books, sing songs, do puzzles, draw, colour, etc.

Answer 6

Your supply may dwindle as your body does not respond the same to a pump as it does to a baby.

Sounds like you have no one else who can feed her anyway, so I don't see how bottle feeding would help.

I'd stick to nursing. Way less fussing. Saves time in my view.

Bottle feeding requires pumping, cleaning bottles, filling bottles, time to bottle feed, clean bottles again, store full bottles, transport full bottles while out of the house, cleaning pumping supplies.

I suggest you have a special basket of toys for your 2-year old that only comes out while you nurse.

Can you read to your toddler while you nurse? Snuggle up on the couch and watch a short TV show or video while you nurse?

Answer 7

The only thing about pumping... The pump doesnt pull out the milk like baby does, thus your supply may suffer.  Plus, if you pump, then feed baby, wash the pump, wash bottles, you are just doing extra work.

Take it from me, i exclusively pumped for over a year.  It's alot of hard work.  But it can be done!

How about look into getting a baby sling.  that way, you can walk around with baby in the sling, pop out a boob when it's feeding time.  You can multi task that way, plus it's good for baby to be close to mom too!

Just keep in mind, it's the next best option, but it's going to be alot more work on your part.  If you dont intend to breast feed at night, and pump instead, you will have to wake during the night to pump, in order to keep  your supply at it's best.

Answer 8

Try approaching the scenario differently, by taking care of the Toddlers issue first.

As mystic said Reading the toddler a book while nursing can help with bonding, though the older child can do other things, like when its time to change the baby, he/she can get the nappy/diaper out of the bag.

I'm failing to see how pumping, sterilizing, then warming the milk would be faster then feeding directly from the breast. That seems counter productive to me.

Answer 9

I did the exact same thing. I stopped nursing when my son was 3 weeks old and just pumped and it was better for both of us. You gotta do what you gotta do. Don't feel bad because your baby is still getting good nutrition anyway.

Answer 10

Okay so I don't have lots of knowledge but just what I went through. I just pumped for three weeks while my girl was in the hospital- I stopped and she went on formula after but that is another story. I definitely don't see how it is faster to just pump or that its going to help in this situation. You still will need to take time to pump, sterilize everything and then bottle feed on top of that. I found it very frustrating to just pump - sitting there with the machine and not my child was just not the same. If that makes sense- i hope it does. What you need to do is while your youngest is sleeping have special Mommy and daughter time with your oldest. Also while you are breastfeeding you can easily interact a little with your oldest child. It really is a personal choice though- I was told that pumping is still good by the nurses at the hospital. It sounds like the stress is from the whole situation- I know it is definetly hard to feel alone and never get a break. Try leaving the housework and other things in the little down time you get for a little me time once in a while. Invite family or a friend over to talk with, let them know how much it is needed. Just find a moment to breathe and relax- things are still new and got a few bumps to work out. You and your oldest are still adjusting to change but it will get better as you find ways to adapt. If you feel this will help then it is what you need to do. Just remember there is more work to pumping- you will need to stick to a strick schedule so your milk won't dry up.

Answer 11

no consequences breastmilk is best either way