When you think of breastfeeding, you think of boobs. But sometimes, breastfeeding isn’t all about the boobs – breastfeeding can incorporate bottles and other forms of getting that precious liquid into the tummies of babies.
With my eldest, I expressed occasionally – more for flexibility than anything. It meant that Kevin could give her the odd bottle so I could get a full nights sleep or go out for the evening. I tended to use a simple, manual pump and that was that.
Things were different when Jacob was born too early. He couldn’t suck, he couldn’t latch, yet I knew I still wanted to breastfeed him. The hospital showed me how to use the electric pumps in the special care unit, and every day I pumped as much as I could. I would then make my way down to see Jacob with my precious little syringe of breast milk, and dutifully pop it down his feeding tube. As he grew, I pumped more and more until eventually he could latch, and we were away. I had SO much milk – I do wonder if that was due to the early pumping – that I continued to pump alongside feeding him. Some of this milk I froze and used for the odd bottle feed, but most of it was collected and taken to the special care unit for those mums who were unable to breastfeed or pump for their tiny and sick babies.
Max also came too early, and again I pumped for him until he could suck. I continued to use a breast pump at home too, this time using an electric version. I certainly didn’t pump every day, but when I felt full or when I wanted a night out, I would pump enough for a couple of bottles.
So breastfeeding isn’t always the thing you imagine it to be. Sometimes a baby is too small or too sick to suck from anything, and at these times, pumping is a lifeline. You CAN still feed your baby breastmilk, even if they are a long way from learning to latch. Pumping, like breastfeeding, just takes a bit of practice. I felt SO proud that I could syringe tubes of breastmilk into my premature babies rather than formula. It was something I could do to help them, it was something I could provide to make them stronger. And I am proud of that.
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You’re awesome you know that? X
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I’m really not – but thank you!
Its the most natraul thing in the world x
Think about your baby while you are pumping, the milk will flow faster.
I was told to massage my breasts lightly for a few minutes to make the milk flow faster.
if i do it regular i can pump up quite a bit and its nice to have a relaxed environment whilst doing so! read a book etc
i have no idea but would imagine massaging would help
relax and dont feel under pressure take your time xx
im still learning a lot (theory for now or other mums experiences), cant wait to see how it goes for me
Relax and make sure you drink lots of water
relax and don’t stress if you don’t get it right first few times
Relax
invest in a decent pump
Hi Kate – I too expressed. I exclusively expressed as my baby was also born premature and sadly was never able to latch on. Your story sounds so similar to mine, I also pumped ALOT of milk, froze some, sent it off in bags to the NICU which was saved for me and handed out to other mums who wanted it for their babies. For this I was proud to express. I really enjoyed reading your post
Have an oversupply! I haven’t been able to pump since I did, in the very early days.
just relax
Sit somewhere you can relax
Invest in a good pump unless you’re only going to pump once in a blue moon, I suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome with our first son who was born with a tongue tie as I had a manual pump, imagine pressing that handle several dozen times per pumping session and multiply that with 7 OUCH!! x
Relax!
Try to take care of yourself, relax, get comfortable, yet well supported. Rest and a good healthy diet with sufficient fluids helps. Having a glass of water nearby, using a reliable breastpump, and being close to baby if possible all help. If baby not nearby, a photograph can help you in thinking positively of your baby, which may well help the milk to flow (“let down” reflex)
Try to relax and think about your baby