How does breastfeeding work at the hospital?

Question

I've never breastfed before and I have some questions....Do I need to bring my pump and stuff to the hospital or is that not nessasary?  Is a manual pump enough or do they provide a pump? What the heck do I need to know so I'm prepared....thank you!!!!

Answer

Hi! I wouldn't worry about bringing a pump. If this is your first baby then your actual milk most likely won't come in for a few days (With my first it didn't come in until after I was released from the hospital) and even if you do end up needing a pump, the hospital would most certainly have one for you to use! My best advice is to utilize the nurses and lactation consultants as MUCH as possible while you're in the hospital! They'll help you figure things out. Breast feeding is much more challenging for most women than you would think, and for me it was harder AFTER I got home when my milk came in. I was really shocked at how difficult it was both physically and emotionally. I couldn't figure out why nobody had warned me! I guess people just don't talk about it! Hopefully it's a breeze for you but just know that if it isn't, you're not alone! Blessings to you and your little one! 😊

Answer

You won't need to pump at the hospital unless baby goes to the nicu. Bring your breastfeeding pillow if you plan to use one so the lc can position you correctly. They are super helpful. Be ready to show your boobies :)

Answer

A lactation nurse will work with you at the hospital to help you to get baby to latch on and teach ways to hold them. They will also answer any of your questions. If you need anything from them just let your nurse know and they can get them for you. I didn't bring anything for breastfeeding with me and don't remember needing anything.

Answer

I'm actually in the hospital right now after giving birth to my daughter this morning. I brought a pump not knowing if I'd need it. They want me to pump in between feedings to get my supply built up and my milk to come in faster. They did, however, ask that I use their pump instead of my own. Not sure why, maybe just because they know theirs and can help me run it. I suppose every hospital is different though.

Answer

If you need to pump for some reason, the hospital should provide a pump. I had to because my little boy had juandice and was very tiny at birth, so he needed to be supplemented with formula. A lot of hospitals now have lactation consultants who can help with any issues you might have.

Answer

For me my milk didn't come in while I was in the hospital. The lactation consultant brought a hospital grade pump to my room to try and get things going. Hopefully someone else has better advice but that is my experience.

Answer

You don't really need the pump in the hospital, the baby will nurse every 2-3 hours, and your milk probably won't come in until the 3rd day or so. If you do need the pump Bc the baby has to be in the nicu, the hospital should provide one for you to use while you are there. Usually they use hospital grade pumps and those are better than what we have at home anyway.