Breastfeeding issues

So most of my pregnancy i was set on breastfeeding. Once i started doin research to get myself prepared i realized how uncomfortable the thought is. I watched videos that repulsed me to the point where i was so uncomfortable thinking about it that i wanted to go lock myself in a room and hide lol. So i want my baby to have all the health benefits of breastmilk so i will just pump. But i want to know how the baby will eat after delivery. Can you pump colustrum? Anyone with stories of experience would be great

Yes, you can pump colostrum, but I think you should know that it's very hard to maintain your supply by pumping alone, especially when the baby gets older. Your choice, though.

what videos were repulsing to you?

putting the baby to the boob is the best thing you can do
even if its only for 7 days-- that's 7 days.


putting will be easier once you establish a supply. My advice is TRY to nurse, if you cant so be it.

but try

pumping was depressing. I spent more time with my pump than my son and even then my supply was too minimal to keep up by 2 months. I felt so horrible and formula smelled so bad and erg.

You can pump colostrum but IMO it is way harder to just pump especially with a newborn. That's been my experience so far I prefer feeding my son over pumping it.

Quoting Squeaky McGee:" Yes, you can pump colostrum, but I think you should know that it's very hard to maintain your supply by pumping alone, especially when the baby gets older. Your choice, though."

  It was hard enough for me to keep up my supply while working, let alone from exclusively pumping. I don't think I could have pumped 24/7, especially in the early weeks.

OP, if you choose to exclusively pump, it may be best to rent a hospital grade pump (like the Medela Symphony). They're a bit more efficient than pumps you buy in stores.

Quoting Tonya L:" So most of my pregnancy i was set on breastfeeding. Once i started doin research to get myself prepared ... [snip!] ... i want to know how the baby will eat after delivery. Can you pump colustrum? Anyone with stories of experience would be great"

yes you can pump colostrum and give to your LO. I breastfeed with my daughter 3 yrs ago and wanted to with my son, but I breastfeed for 3 days and then just had this feeling of I didn't want to do it anymore. I have no idea why, but I just didn't want too, so I made sure he got all the colostrum and pumped for few days. My milk was overflowing even with just pumping. Don't feel bad if you switch to formula. My 3 month old son is doing great on formula. Actually better than my daughter did when she was on breastmilk

Quoting Squeaky McGee:" Yes, you can pump colostrum, but I think you should know that it's very hard to maintain your supply by pumping alone, especially when the baby gets older. Your choice, though."

Agree. I had to pump do to my first some being early and unable to breastfeed. I was only able to keep my supply for 2 months

I exclusively pumped for my 2nd child because she was a preemie and could not "suck" or latch on for the first month and when she was able to we had to use these tiny little bottles and nipples. By the time I got the go ahead to try to get her to latch she wouldnt. So I pumped for her. I did for 11 1/2 months and it was so hard to keep up with her, the pump doesn't work as good as a baby. If it's what you want to do just know it will be hard and you will constantly be attached to the pump. Good luck

Yes u can pump colostrum and most hospital will let u rent or bring your own pump!! I am a 2nd time mom and with my first I went up and down about the breast feeding and I ended up feeding rigt after birth and it felt so natural and didn't hurt as bad as everyone says plus the bonding experience is awesome every once in a while it would hurt as he would latch on but stop once myilk started to let down!!

I always felt weird about pumping actually. It looks weird and foreign to you now, but once you have that baby in your arms I think you might feel differently. Also, nursing releases good hormones and you'll feel even better.

Thanks to all for the feedback. I hope when he comes my mind set will change. This discomfort in doing it came out of the blue! I guess theres a reason you get warned to stay away from google while pregnant lol

Quoting Tonya L:" So most of my pregnancy i was set on breastfeeding. Once i started doin research to get myself prepared ... [snip!] ... i want to know how the baby will eat after delivery. Can you pump colustrum? Anyone with stories of experience would be great"

Yes you can pump colostrum, they had me do it in the hospital because my daughter wasnt latching on very well. Pumping is a lot of work, but worth it to give your baby the best nutrition. I wish I had kept it up longer and I feel guilty about stopping. :[
But, I will add when I was pregnant I didnt quite like the thought of having my daughter feed right from my breast either, and I think thats because as a society we view breasts as more sexual play things than what they are actually intended for. After she finally latched on for the first time, I felt so close to her and it was a real bonding experience. I loved knowing that I was giving my baby the best, and not formula from a col bottle. I'd atleast try letting your baby latch on to your best before fully deciding to pump.

<blockquote><b>Quoting shes.so.vain:</b>" Yes you can pump colostrum, they had me do it in the hospital because my daughter wasnt latching on ... [snip!] ... best, and not formula from a col bottle. I'd atleast try letting your baby latch on to your best before fully deciding to pump."</blockquote>




You are so right about seeing boobs as something used for reasons other than feeding :-/ Maybe ive been so used to having a man on them (sorry if tmi lol) that it just seems strange to now have your baby on them. I may just suck it up at least until the milk comes in then pump.