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.
Win competitions at ThePrizeFinder.com
I’m breastfeeding my twins and I find if I feed together one each side and then alternate the next feed I can pump an hour after and this means hubby or relatives or friends get to feed. But do use a good pump..
Use an electric breast pump, they’re so much better than manual ones.
massage my breasts lightly for a few minutes to make the milk flow faster.
Having not done it yet, i don’t have any tips but will be trying when baby arrives in Aug
TAKE YOUR TIME
Massage the breast around the pump gently, it seems to help release the milk more easily. And relax!
My baby is due in September & I didn’t breastfeed with my last one which I have regretted so I will be new to pumping. I think buying a good quality pump will bee a good tip & that’s what I’ll do 🙂
Gently massage to warm up breast first and try to relex
I had complications with my first and pumped for him while we established feeding. It was hard work but so worth it!
top tip: dont be disheartened by volume- Every little bit helps, its liquid gold
Take your time and relax.
Great for giving the wife a break while allowing some daddy Babby bonding time
Take your time and use an electric pump.
Just relax!
Pump on one side, then switch to the other for around 5 mins one each side. Have a 10 min break and then start again.
Thanks for linking up #iPotLinkup
Relax, pump from one side while feeding on the other, freeze what u can for weaning later or donate to a milk bank
If you’re going to be doing it regularly it’s well worth investing in an electric pump. My Medela swing pump was a lifesaver when I went back to work!
Thanks for sharing this with #BFingDiaries Kate. Knowing other options can work is so important for Mums. It sounds like you did amazingly!
I’m sorry I don’t really have any tips as my little girl seemed to be latched on 24/7 so I really had nothing left to pump. I did try a few times, Just relaxing and having your child close seems to help.