How soon can you start pumping and bottle feeding breastmilk?… by Happy She's He
I want to bottlefeed my breastmilk, so I know how many ounces she is getting and to get her on a better schedule!
For those of you who have done this, is it a pain to pump all of the time and did you have a routine?
Best Answer:
Both of my sons were premature. One latched on well and one did not. My first son did not and I strictly pumped for 9 months. I found it to be very rewarding since I could not breastfeed. I pumped every 2 hours (the even hours, 2, 4, 6…) and fed my son, with a bottle, every odd hour. I fed my son on demand, but “HE” wanted to be fed every 2 hours. I found it very beneficial because when you pump milk, it is good for 4-10 hours at room temperature! I was able to pump my milk and then someone else could feed him, and I never had to worry about mixing formula or heating up a bottle. If he skipped a feeding, I was able to freeze that milk! I was also able to mix that milk with cereal and with steamed veggies to make baby food! As far as supply goes… I do not agree
that it decreases your supply! Everyone is different as far as milk supply but there are ways YOU can increase and keep your supply going!
First of all, you have to have a good pump! I bought a medela pump in style, www.medela.com , they are pricey, but SO worth it! They are hospital grade pumps! Secondly, make sure you do not miss a pumping. Make sure you drink plenty of milk and take your prenatals. Eat a balanced diet. Start out by pumping, at low setting, a few minutes on each side. Once your milk “comes in” and your not getting drops of colostrum, start pumping longer. (and yes, I pumped through the night). Build yourself up to 10 minutes each side. You do not have to have it on a high setting! If your relaxed enough, you will get a good “let down” which is when your milk pours out of the ducts instead of drips, if you have a good let down, you will know! You will see milk pouring in the bottles! It is amazing. You can also take fenegreek, all natural herbs, to help with supply! My doctor gave me reglan (which my son was on for reflux) and that increased my supply too. Where there is a will, there IS a way! I hope this helps! GOOD LUCK!
And hang in there…it is tricky, but worth it if you can stick with it! Your baby will appreciate it! And…milk is free, even if you spend $300 on a pump, know that you will never have to buy formula!
Powered by Yahoo Answers