Breastfeeding/Pumping?

Question

I really want to breastfeed, but like any other mama who wants to breastfeed, i am nervous she wont latch on. My main worry is i wont get milk, idk if that is possible that after labor you are not producing milk for the baby to get? Will pumping help after labor? What if milk is not coming out after pumping, is that possible?  I really do not want her on formula, but my baby has to eat of course. Ftm

Answer

First of all, the ACA mandates that breast feeding consultants be available free of charge, so there should be someone at your hospital that will be able to help you with this.
That said, I suggest looking up "newborn breast crawl", which is basically the fact that newborn babies who are put directly on their mama's chest after birth have a significantly higher chance of latching right away and successfully. 
Also, the "first milk" is colostrum, which is different from "real milk", but also very important, so don't worry about it coming in right away, just nurse your babe with the colostrum and then the milk will come in when it is supposed to. You probably won't need to pump to get your supply up, but you can address that if it is indeed  an issue, but don't do it before your baby is born. Oats (oatmeal) can help milk come in better, as well as other foods that you can look up.
Lastly, be patient with yourself! It's a learning experience for you and for babe, so it will take a little time. You learn together 💛 You can use your experience with labor to remind you how important it is to work through a challenge for your baby. 
Good luck! You will do fine!

Answer

Step one: BREATHE 😜 stress inhibits milk production so try to be patient and relaxed-trust your body, you're literally made for this afterall! After birth, your body will have colostrum ready for the baby. It's super thick, creamy, sticky, yellowish. Sounds gross lol but it's super high in nutrients and your baby won't nurse for very long periods to start anyway because, like you, they're new to this too! About 3-5 days after birth, your milk comes in and you'll notice baby eating longer or more often. They don't recommend pumping for the first 3 weeks, but I'll admit I did it in the hosp with my first bc I was worried she wasn't sucking hard enough (she's always been a lazy one lol) and it didn't seem to negatively impact us. Practice makes perfect and regardless of the stigma or stereotype, breastfeeding is hard work and can be very time consuming. Baby eats every 2-3hrs for 15-20min first side then 5-10 finishing side. If you plan to pump TOO, pump after baby eats so you know they're full and that'll help inc your supply too-breastfeeding works on a supply and demand system. Biggest mistake I made: I preferred nursing from my left and so did my dtr, so I always started on the left and finished on right. Ended up with a clogged duct in my right (incredibly painful!!! 😖😩) and a very unsexy biggie-smalls situation!! I was literally stuffing the right side of my bra bc I was like 2cups diff! So a system is important and you want to start your session on the side your baby last ate from/the finishing side; if you start on your left and end on your right, then next feeding start on your right and end on your left.

GOOD LUCK!

Answer

Just think to yourself that your job for the first week after birth (and long beyond that, of course) is to be a big milk machine for baby. A lot of women have trouble because they think baby isn't getting enough over the first few days so they are told to start formula which makes them make less milk, or because they don't know just how often baby needs to be nursing. Really, just plan on every two hours at least. And whenever baby wants. Other reasons women have trouble are because their babies have a hard time latching, or a tongue tie, or are premature so they can't suck efficiently, or they hurt their moms, or are too sleepy and don't get woken up to feed. Pumping and manual expression and waking the baby up will help there. But you can definitely do it! And if you think you need help, ask! Right away.

Answer

One: baby will probably latch on. If not, see a lactation consultant/go to a la leche league meeting. Baby might have a tongue tie or something that needs to be fixed. Two: pumping will help you provide enough milk, probably. But for some women, pumping doesn't work well. In that case, try manual expression instead. Three: the most important thing to do to make enough milk is to have baby nurse every couple of hours for the first several days. And if baby just plain won't or can't, pump or do manual expression every couple of hours. Baby is not really supposed to be getting much milk for the first few days, so don't worry when it takes four days for your milk to come in. Also know that if you feed your baby formula during that time, you are taking away the nipple stimulationy you really need so that you can make enough milk. If a doctor insists that you have to give formula in the first few days, make sure to pump/express extra. Babies are supposed to lose a good bit of weight when they are born, until they get their mom's milk supply straightened out.

Answer

Talk to a lactation consultant when you deliver. Each woman is different. Some need to pump immediately, for others it is not recommended. Everyone has their own input and experiences but you need to discuss your specific situation with an expert. Once you do, then advice and experiences from strangers may be helpful but you really need to figure out what is best for you first.

Answer

While breast feeding is certainly best have bottles and formula ready just in case. The hospital will give you a couple of the enfamil premade bottles -- which some babies don't do well on -- but bringing your own will help keep you actively choosing what your baby receives. Best of luck to you.

Answer

Wow awesome, so much info and half i had no idea! Thank you so much ladies i feel more relieved.

Breastfeeding/Pumping?

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