Breastfeeding

Is it necessary to have a breast pump if you plan of breast feeding? I am totally fine with the idea of supplimenting with formula, but I would like to primarily breast feed. I have some bottles at the house and received 2 containers of formula but I do not yet have a breast pump. My sister inlaw has told me that she will give me hers, but she said it's missing the hose... I don't even know if thats something that I can replace or if the whole thing is useless without it. So yea, I guess my question really is : Is it a necessity to have a breast pump if you plan on breastfeeding?

Not really. I've never had one and we've been breastfeeding for 2 1/2 years.

You dont HAVE to have one. More of a convenience thing, IMO. Unless you are going to work and dont want to use formula.

Also, you CAN buy replacement tubes. Its actually recommended (or necessary IMO) when using a used breastpump.

Quoting Dani Bryant-Murray:" Is it necessary to have a breast pump if you plan of breast feeding? I am totally fine with the idea ... [snip!] ... without it. So yea, I guess my question really is : Is it a necessity to have a breast pump if you plan on breastfeeding?"

No it is not necessary but it is handy for when you will want to have a few hours off. A hand pump that you can buy at a drug store is fine.

FYI - "supplementing" with formula is the number one way to sabotoage breastfeeding! It is a major booby trap. Your breastmilk supply is determined by the baby's demand so if you give formula you send a message to your boobs that baby is eating less and you start to produce less milk.

Offering a bottle of pumped breastmilk occasionally if you need some time off is okay AFTER 6 weeks of age. It is important that newborns are not exposed to any artificial nipples in the first 6 weeks (that includes bottles and pacifyers/suckers) to avoid nipple confusion and ensure that they learn how to BF well and your supply is able to come in to fully support thier needs.

BF is really easy if you get good information but watch out for Booby Traps!

I never used a pump. I exclusively breastfed til 6 months. She weaned totally at around 20 months...

I agree with the previous poster about being careful with supplementing with formula. ESPECIALLY in the first few months. It's very common for supplementing to reduce milk supply.

Quoting Mom2BPB{+.5}:" You dont HAVE to have one. More of a convenience thing, IMO. Unless you are going to work and dont want ... [snip!] ... use formula. Also, you CAN buy replacement tubes. Its actually recommended (or necessary IMO) when using a used breastpump. "

any recommendations for where to purchase a replacement tube?

Quoting Lotusmama:" No it is not necessary but it is handy for when you will want to have a few hours off. A hand pump ... [snip!] ... is able to come in to fully support thier needs. BF is really easy if you get good information but watch out for Booby Traps!"

Oh wow, I didn't realize that I could sabotage my efforts to breastfeed by supplimenting with formula. Thanks for letting me know that!!! That changes alot of things. So I shouldnt pump in the first 6 weeks anyways so the baby only doesnt reject my nipple?

You can buy replacement tubes at Target, and probably some other places too.

I HIGHLY recommend kellymom.com

It was my breastfeeding lifeline. It saved me.

Quoting lauren [+2] TTC#3:" You can buy replacement tubes at Target, and probably some other places too. I HIGHLY recommend kellymom.com It was my breastfeeding lifeline. It saved me."

thanks! I'll be sure to check it out!

Quoting Dani Bryant-Murray:" Oh wow, I didn't realize that I could sabotage my efforts to breastfeed by supplimenting with formula. ... [snip!] ... that!!! That changes alot of things. So I shouldnt pump in the first 6 weeks anyways so the baby only doesnt reject my nipple?"

You can pump if you feel engorged and want to relieve some pressure and you can freeze it for later but usually you won't get the "full" feeling until later anyway. Just don't give baby a bottle or sucker until over 6 weeks.

Every baby is different if they are latching good from the beginning then alot of the times using a binky will not effect their sucking habits.