Breastfeeding
starting pumping early
Bianca
Hi,
I have a question.
When I was pregnant with my son, I made it very clear that I ONLY wanted to breastfeed.
I was also quite worried it wouldn't work out, because I hardly had any leaking breasts.
After birth, it turned out my son didn't want to drink. After 4 days, they found out he needed a frenotomy (his lingual frenulum was too long, tongue didn't extend over the lower jaw).
I was only allowed to pump after 3 days by my postpartum care provider, because it would come naturally once he started drinking.
In hindsight, it was pointless; I did pump because breastfeeding really didn't work out.
After 6 weeks, I had no milk left, and the struggle with feeding really became dramatic. My son refused formula milk with all his might.
Now I'm pregnant with our second child and I actually want to breastfeed again.
Is it worth starting to pump from around week 38 to get things going?
I know one thing for sure this time: I'm not going home earlier than after my baby has drunk, because this won't happen a second time.
Who can give me some advice?
Best,
Bianca
I have a question.
When I was pregnant with my son, I made it very clear that I ONLY wanted to breastfeed.
I was also quite worried it wouldn't work out, because I hardly had any leaking breasts.
After birth, it turned out my son didn't want to drink. After 4 days, they found out he needed a frenotomy (his lingual frenulum was too long, tongue didn't extend over the lower jaw).
I was only allowed to pump after 3 days by my postpartum care provider, because it would come naturally once he started drinking.
In hindsight, it was pointless; I did pump because breastfeeding really didn't work out.
After 6 weeks, I had no milk left, and the struggle with feeding really became dramatic. My son refused formula milk with all his might.
Now I'm pregnant with our second child and I actually want to breastfeed again.
Is it worth starting to pump from around week 38 to get things going?
I know one thing for sure this time: I'm not going home earlier than after my baby has drunk, because this won't happen a second time.
Who can give me some advice?
Best,
Bianca
Replies
-
Iza #2
Hi Bianca,
It's great that you're already thinking about this. I heard from a lactation consultant that pumping early on can really be helpful. I'd definitely recommend reaching out to a lactation consultant to discuss this.
Good luck! -
Bianca started this #3
I think I'll just do that too.
Because a friend advises against it, since you won't have colostrum (first milk) after the birth.
So I'm not sure what's more practical right now.
Add your reply
Share what helped you, or ask a question.
Sign in to join the conversation.
Continue with GoogleTakes a moment. You’ll come straight back here to reply.