When can i start breastpumping?

Question

im pregnant and i want to breastfeed, but i dont want my baby to cling onto my nipple.. it just seems way to painful! so im thinking i can pump my breastmilk into a bottle, then bottle feed! it would work out perfectly right? has another done that before? does pumping hurt?

Answer 1

You might feel a little pain at first, but after a fews day it will NOT be painful!!

You can pump as soon as your milk comes in (a few days after birth), but make sure you do breastfeed him from the breast too, it will keep up your supply and you'll get the bond!

Kudos to you!

Answer 2

You can't assume it will hurt , normally it doesn't.

The pump is not likely any better because it really depends on how freely your milk flows not hard the suction is. The nursing is very satisfying if the breast functions well. The pump and the bottle and nipples all require washing and sterilizing and warming but the breast just pops in no muss no fuss.

Answer 3

it will double your work. pumping takes a lot of time that you could be spending with your baby, (or sleeping!.)

Answer 4

ha ha ha.... you sound just like meeeeee! oh so much easier right?!?!?!?! WRONG!! I tried to do that... my baby was preemie and I planned to pump early and store... well I HAD to pump because my baby was in NICU and i couldn't get up to feed him all the time!

Well it was so much harder that just feeding him from the  breast! BUT pumping you can change the suction and its not always as hard. you do get kind use to it though!

I would recommend pumping around 35 weeks because it will help your milk come in and then you can just freeze it! then it allows others to feed the baby and milk will be ready! just a thought! Pumping will hurt a little at first. But since you want to pump before feeding you will be able to work the nipples up. Start pumping at level one and two and two and three and then until you are used to pumping at full speed! GET SOME LASINOL! That stuffs a miricle worker ;)

GOOD LUCK & CONGRATS ON THE BABY!!!

Answer 5

Hi Caitlinn!  I understand your fears, I was really curious about the way it would feel, too, although I was determined to breastfeed.  It sounds like you really want to give your baby breastmilk, too.  But the good news is that once you get past that first week, it doesn't hurt at all!  It really comes down to just perfecting that latch and taking care of your nipples while learning (using lanolin, using those cold silicone nursing pads, etc.).  My nipple (just one of them) bled a little because it cracked, and it hurt just a bit, but it wasn't anything I couldn't bear to nurse through.  My sister had it even easier - she never felt any pain at all!!!  Some babies just turn out to be natural nursers while others (like mine) needed time to learn and adjust.  

You can always try breastfeeding while you are still in the hospital and/or for the first few days at home.  Lock up or throw away all that formula that the hospital and your OB gave you!!!  Have patience with your baby and yourself and just see if you mind the feeling at all.  If you decide you just really don't like the feeling (and I suspect it won't go this way), you can always pump.

Unfortunately, I have heard that it is very, very difficult to maintain your milk supply by pumping alone.  Occassional pumping, or pumping while away from your baby at work or whatnot, but nursing while home and on weekends, works, but solely pumping just doesn't mimic the baby's sucking well enough to maintain your supply.  Pumping doesn't hurt as long as you have a decent pump, one that you can adjust the suction on.  If you plan on pumping a lot, be sure to invest in a good, double breastpump.  As for when you could start pumping, I don't see a reason why you couldn't as soon as you give birth.  Be sure to feed your baby all that colostrum at least!!!

In the end, you have to do what feels right for you and your baby.  If you have concerns or have difficulty at first, talk with a lactation consultant.  Obviously, since I nurse, I am biased toward nursing, but I would really encourage you to give it a whole-hearted try!!!  

Congratulations on your baby, and have a safe and healthy delivery!