BF and Pump

My pump is coming on Saturday. I plan to BF and pump. Please give me advice about everything thanks!

BF and Pump

Get some sort of nipple cream and lots of it. Breastfeeding was way more demanding than I had anticipated. Luckily, I had some very supportive people who kept reassuring me that it would get easier and it did.

As for the pump, I first used mine around 2 weeks so DH could give my DS a bottle. If you pump early, don't be discouraged if you don't get a lot, their bellies are so small at that point and they're nursing nonstop (or at least mine did) to build up your supply.

Re: BF and Pump

Like PP said, BF was a very demanding job for me as well. DD wanted to nurse non-stop, it was exhausting. Make sure you have some good pillow support for your back. I'm thinking about getting that Boppy that goes around your back as well as the front for my next LO.

I didn't start pumping until 4 weeks and I got very very little. If you don't have time or resources to wash the pump pieces between sessions, pop them in a fridge. I did this when I went back to work.

As overall advice, I would say don't get discouraged. BFing was one of the most challenging events of my life. I'm really glad I was able to stick through it and BF for 15 months.

Re: BF and Pump

I read the book The Nursing Mother's Companion before DD was born and it really helped me feel comfortable with all aspects of BF and pumping. You can find old editions (just as good) for super cheap on Amazon. It really goes over everything, and was useful as a resource afterwards when I was going through issues. Highly recommended.

I agree that there are some days, especially in the first month, that it is just REALLY hard. And you may feel like you are failing because you are struggling. You are not. It will come back around. I am a super logical and non-emotional person so it was extra difficult for me when logically I knew things would turn around, but emotionally I was all over the map.

That said, DD is 5.5 months and I have been back at work for a month and a half. I am pumping successfully and the BFing is just so easy now. And has been for several months. If you can power through the rough times in the beginning, it will get so easy. My mom said that to me and it's only recently that I realized how true it is!