Pumping/Expressing | ExpatWoman.com
 

Pumping/Expressing

60
Posts
EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 11:55

Hi Ladies

I am completely torn between formula and exclusively pumping for my newborn. I don't want to breastfeed so the only option I'm considering is pumping straight away or just move straight to formula. What I'm wondering is, is it worth pumping for just 2 weeks and then moving onto formula - will the baby really benefit from just two weeks of breastmilk? Also, if stop after 2 or 3 short weeks, is it still as painful and sore as if you had stopped after 6 months - I don't have any help here so I don't want weeks of misery, I want to enjoy my baby time as this is my first. I will be going home for 6 weeks when the baby is just 8 weeks old so I didn't want to be tied to pumping all over this period so I hoped to have stopped before this time. Was just wondering if anyone had any similar experience? Thanks ladies xx

511
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 13:26
Daiquiri, it was partly that reason I got the Ameda because it's a closed pump system, it's safe to buy 2nd hand as you just change the tubes etc, but the Medela is an open pump system and a single user only pump as the milk passes through the pump system which there is no way to clean between users. I thought at least if I didn't use it I could sell it on, I got it slightly cheaper on Amazon. Ameda is what is used in most hospitals in the UK. I had a hard time breastfeeding in the beginning but persevered with nipple shields (MAM are the best for these) and I find it so much easier with breasfeeding than the few times we've done formula, but not everyone does, so why not give it a try and see how you feel. hubby often gives our little one the late feed so I can get to bed early, but she has only ever woken once in the night after that so I've been very lucky.
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 13:21
It's also a great way to start losing the baby weight :) Does that really work - I thought that was a little myth?! I honestly think it does work. I felt it did with both of mine and my youngest felt the same with her two, even though she just managed it for a short while. Mind it's also probably got something to do with the fact that you're constantly on your feet and haven't got time to eat some days ;) Not for me, I actually can't stop eating, I'm so hungry all the time, worse than I ever was in pregnancy. I still ate for England, but it did drop off fairly quickly at first with all the rushing around and lack of sleep. Even more so with the second when you're running after a toddler too.
511
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 13:17
It's also a great way to start losing the baby weight :) Does that really work - I thought that was a little myth?! I honestly think it does work. I felt it did with both of mine and my youngest felt the same with her two, even though she just managed it for a short while. Mind it's also probably got something to do with the fact that you're constantly on your feet and haven't got time to eat some days ;) Not for me, I actually can't stop eating, I'm so hungry all the time, worse than I ever was in pregnancy.
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 12:41
It's also a great way to start losing the baby weight :) Does that really work - I thought that was a little myth?! I honestly think it does work. I felt it did with both of mine and my youngest felt the same with her two, even though she just managed it for a short while. Mind it's also probably got something to do with the fact that you're constantly on your feet and haven't got time to eat some days ;)
60
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 12:39
It's also a great way to start losing the baby weight :) Does that really work - I thought that was a little myth?!
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 12:23
It's also a great way to start losing the baby weight :)
54
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 12:22
Good for you give it a try because although you think you'll be tied your probably not going to want to leave baby for a while. Hard to imagine I know. The health benefits to you and baby far out weigh any tie and it's for such a short time. The confidence to do it is the most important thing believe you can and you will
60
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 11:57
Thanks everyone for the helpful comments :-) It's good to know that you found it easy to breastfeed/express, perhaps I should take a little more time to decide. I am going to be in the UK next week and thought it might be a good idea to buy the pump there as there are a lot cheaper there than here but wasn't sure if it would be a complete waste if I never used it. I have been looking at the Medela double electric pump, I hear it's the best (but of course the most expensive!) Maybe I'm better to try breastfeeding and if that isn't working just buy a pump - I just thought I'd be very tied to every feed if I did all the feeding myself (especially while travelling and on vacation), at least if I was pumping I can get some help with the feeds. I'm new to all this so maybe I'm stressing over nothing!
511
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EW GURU
Latest post on 17 July 2014 - 08:24
From a practical perspective formula can be so inconvenient with all the rules about mixing at certain temps, how long they last for etc so I love that I can just take a bottle of expressed out with me and it's got a 6 hour window, or that in the middle of the night I don't have to deal with mixing, warming/cooling etc. and I think any amount of breastmilk is better than nothing. My little one seems to have a sensitivity to cows milk protein in most formulas (even had to stop dairy myself to rid it from my breastmilk as it made her incredibly fussy) so when I've given her formula she's been awful, so that's really pushed me to keep her on breastmilk as long as poss as it's supposed to help mature the gut and prevent allergies/intolerances being long term. However don't underestimate how exhausting expressing can be, my lactation consultant told me to get the max milk output, I had to fully empty breasts at every feed/2-3hours, which was just not possible as I couldn't go anywhere. Expressing with a pump isn't as efficient at getting milk out as a baby feeding so you may find you need a hospital grade pump to get what baby needs, especially in early days when milk is establishing. I can be 'empty' according to my pump, but if I put baby on the breast she still manages to glug more!! You can rent the hospital grade pumps from La Leche. League I think. good luck :)
62
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 18:29
I would suggest to breastfeed even for just a short period of time. I had expressed through pump with all my 3 children as I really did have difficulty latching and no matter how hard I tried, it just stressed both my child and I during those times. I am still pumping but with less milk now (my daughter is 3+ months) as it is quite a challenge to manage it while working full time. Always had combined powdered milk and breast milk. It is important that you transfer some of your immunity to your child through your breast milk no matter how short of a time it is. As my two other children goes to nursery, they bring home a lot of virus and thankfully, my youngest had been resilient so far. I wish you all the best in your decision. Goodluck with your decision.
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 14:24
If you are really against breastfeeding, then go straight to formula. It will save you lots of money because breast pumps are expensive. Also, if you are not breastfeeding, then you will have your freedom and you can leave the baby as much as you want without having to rush home...
54
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 14:22
personally i'd say breast feed so much easier especially when travelling, no bottles to make up and carry and always available. feeding a baby is very rewarding, and healthy for both of you.
4393
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EW MASTER
Latest post on 16 July 2014 - 12:09
Never done this, but I would say that yes the baby will benefit from as much breast milk as you can manage in the first few weeks.
 
 

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