another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

i am curious, let's say the baby is having latch problems and breastfeeding is not looking so good for me, can i use the pump to express milk?( i registered for the medela)

will the pump help bring in a suppply or does it only work if the baby latches from the beginning?

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

yes, you can pump but they say that it is better to pump AFTER your child latches on, but I assume, if the baby will not latch, you can pump right away

also, remember a lactation consultant can help if you are having latch problems

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

great to know! thanks!!

i know my sister in law had trouble.. and i heard it is demanding and painful so i just want to know all my options just in case things aren't working out...

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

DS never learned to latch properly. I pumped for him exclusively for many months. The pumping took a toll on me after a while, so now I'm supplementing. It's definitely doable, but it's not for everyone. I have a love/hate relationship with my Medela

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

I pumped in the hospital the day after I delivered...only got colostrum at first but eventually my milk came in and I pumped away! My baby was in NICU, thats why I did it...and I would bring it down there for bottle feeding. I also BF'd down there too but baby got bottle first and had no problems goign back and forth (bottle to breast) at all.

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

My son didn't latch on and I pumped for 8 months, he only had pumped breast milk until he was 8 months old. I was dying to breastfeed, and it didn't work for us.

That being said, I would never in a million years do that again. If my next child has latching problems, I would go straight to formlua. I was a slave to that pump for 8 months, not only do you have to pump 3/4 times a day, you have to do all the cleaning bottles crap, and on top of all that I was worried 24 hours a day that I didn't have enough food for my child. I had to pump in an airplane bathroom on a transatlantic flight. At the time I didn't think it was so bad, but looking back at it, it was not a happy time.

I am a big believer in BF'ing, but there is nothing wrong in my opinoin with giving your kid formula. You gotta do what works for ya.

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

I exclusively pumped DD for the last month (we have since stopped b/c of her very delicate stomach )
But I pumped every two hours for 15 mintes and I had a pretty good supply, I was getting anywhere from 2-4 oz at a time, so I had plenty on reserve for the day.
I actually found pumping not to be painful...it was slightly uncomfortable, but no pain.

eta: I supplemented with Formula at night, b/c it was beyond exhausting to feed DD then pump...It is a hassle during the day too, you do feel like a "slave" to it. I am glad that I got to give her some of my milk...but I'm not upset that she has to have formula now...its what is best for her and I'm actually more relaxed b/c I'm not stressing about finding the time to pump

Message edited 10/2/2008 3:57:55 PM.

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

I pumped exclusively for 5 months. DD would not latch and I knew I wanted her to get BM.

From what I've read (and seen from a relative) about exclusively pumping, you should really rent a hospital grade pump at first, until your supply is established and then you can switch to the PIS. I think it is good for maintaining your supply, but not for building it up.

I rented a hospital pump the whole time and it was the best thing I ever did. I never worried about my supply. It was only about $30 a month so for the 5 months, it was still cheaper than having bought the PIS. Now granted, I didn't have to cart it around with me so it totally worked for us.

There were many times I wanted to quit because my nips were so sore, bleeding, etc. But I pressed on because I was determined to make it work. My advice to you is to get hooked up with a lactation consultant, even if you don't BF at all. They will be able to help you with pumping problems as well. I know mine was a Godsend! She knew exactly what was wrong that I was in pain, and how to fix it; she knew what I needed to do to increase my supply; she just had all the answers to my questions. If you want her name, I'd be happy to share it with you!

But I will say, Racheeee is right, it was a PITA to pump, feed the baby and then wash all the parts and accessories -- you actually have DOUBLE -- the pumping stuff and the feeding stuff.

Good luck.

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

One of my boys latched, and would never did since he was in the NICU for a month and was too small to even eat. I also did not rpoduce enough milk for one of them let alone two. It had nothing to do with the fact that there were latching issues, but I used a hospital grade pump for the first 3 months. It is much better to establish a supply on the hospital grade ones and then use the medela after. I pumped for 9 months and I was fine with it. I would feed them and then take the time to pump as my alone time where I could just veg and watch tv. Even when I went back to work after 3 months I would take 2 breaks at pump at my desk. I actually enjoyed it and it didn't find it to be a chore. I actually liked that I was not the only one that could feed that and that DH could do just as many feedings as I did, but having two at once you really need that, at least we did.

Good Luck!

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kristina had issues latching, and then on top of that had reflux issues, BUT I really wanted her to have BM. So, I became the moo cow, and it was fine! She drank her BM, my boobies didn't get engorged.... it was a great thing!

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

DS is almost 3 wks old and he did not latch on. i've been pumping since day one and just adding it to his formula. it's working so far, at least he is getting some BM. One day I hope to be able to pump full bottles, but right now I"m only pumping 1.5 oz at a time

Good luck!!

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?

DS had a lot of issues latching - my milk came in no problem but my nipples were flat so that made it hard for him. i actually found that pumping helped a lot to bring my nipples out and helped DS latch on much more easily.

i guess it depends on why your DC has latch issues. some things are "fixed" more easily than others it seems.

the lactation consultant told me not to start pumping for three weeks until we had established BFing. i only waited one week - but i wish i had started sooner!! DS is doing much better now and i still pump a little for when i don't feel like BFing (like when we have company or i am totally exhausted).

Re: another breastfeeding q: lets say you have latch problems, can you still pump?