spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

ok, so what are the logistical / real-life reasons to pumping vs BF directly? Is pumping mainly for times when mom can't directly breastfeed because she's at work, or the baby isn't latching on properly? or are there other scenarios that call for pumping?

I'm just trying to visualize the normal routine that is common.... I intend to return to work, so obviously pumping will be a major part of my life....

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Since I was the one who asked, I'll answer.

I personally just don't feel comfortable with breastfeeding. It's just not something I have ever really wanted to do. Some people I know just KNEW they would breastfeed no questions asked. I just don't feel that way at all. In fact I am the opposite. Also, I am very worried about the stress of:
-will he latch on?
-is he eating enough?
-cracked/bleeding nipples and clogged ducts (although, I never really thought about it but does this happen while pumping also??)
-BFing in public (where to go, who is uncomfortable, etc)
-being solely responsible for feeding him

Women who breastfeed have my full respect and in a way I would like to WANT to do it, but it is just not for me.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

there is one primary reason why I will be pumping. simply b/c i want to share in the bonding and joy that will come of the feeding of my daughter with Brian. if I am EBF then he will never get to experience that joy, and it's something that I feel that he would be sad to miss out on.

Secondarily to that, I want to use pumping as a gauge to find out how much I am producing, and to make sure that my flow stays up.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

My daughter was under the phototheraphy lights the day after she was born, and then was in the NICU from days 3-5 due to severe jaundice. We never really got the opportunity to BF, so pumping became the best option for us.

ETA: Also, with pumping you know exactly how much your child is drinking. I never how to worry about "is she getting enough" which is a problem that plague a lot of EBF moms.

Message edited 1/27/2008 6:10:04 PM.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

I agree with all of the above! I will feel much better knowing how much the baby is eating and being able to have other people heed him/her. I've also never been 100% comfortable with the idea, I don't even like DH touching my boobs

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

I agree with all of that and I think I am going to do half and half. I want to be able to go to the store and leave him for a few hours and let my husband feed him. He should be able to bond with the baby too.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

My DD is currently EBF. I pump regularly for a few reasons. One, to make sure I have a full supply of milk on hand for my return to work in a few weeks, and also to reduce engorgment which happens whenever she goes more than 4 hours without eating.

As for the concern of is she eating enough that others have expressed, after the first two weeks I stopped worrying about it. The hospital gave me a checklist to mark off when she was eating and diaper changes (wet & bowel movements), and the pediatrician said the goal is for the baby to regain birth weight by 2 weeks old. DD was right on target with both things.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Message edited 1/28/2008 10:24:32 AM.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

I am still BFing my daughter at 7 months. I still pump every morning to keep a freezer stash- and she gets bottles from DH when I am at work.

I have to be honest~ I HATE pumping. I am awed by anyone who exclusively pumps. I know that BFing is a committment, but pumping only is a SUPER-committment. So brava to those that do it.

I had all the reservations about BFing that most new moms have, but I figured I'd give it a whirl. OMG- once we got the hang of it- it's SO much easier than pumping and preparing bottles.

It was VERY important to me that DD be breastfed for at least 6 months- I knew that if I pumped exclusively, there was NO way I'd stick with it.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Let your husband share by changing diapers!!! Thats a new daddy job!!!

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Thanks for posting, I was wondering the same thing.

Re: spinoff to the BF / pumping thread

Well I knwo for me I pumped when my breast needed a break and also when i was at work.