Breastfeeding Part 5- Final Thoughts

My final thoughts on breastfeeding... enoughs, enough, right?

Breastfeeding is quite literally a pain.  It hurts, it's time consuming, it's messy (well babies eating is just messy), but it's worth it.  I have been breastfeeding #2 almost exclusively for close to 9 months, I love it.  It's fast, it makes less dishes, and the best part is I have gotten to bond with my baby.

I know that breastfeeding is not for everyone, but I truly think everyone should TRY if physically possible.  I am a strong believer that if you don't try something at least once, how will you know whether you like it or not?  Had I based my opinion of breastfeeding solely on the first 2 weeks of #1's life.. I would be telling people to quit before they started.  But I stuck with it and ended up pumping for 10 1/2 months exclusively with him.  #2 my husband wanted me to give up right away and pump, I stuck with it and I couldn't be more pleased!  (I think secretly my hubby likes it, too, because he gets out of baby feeding duty every time when I am home).

So, short story long, try it.  You might like it!!

In case you missed the first four installments...
Part 1-Clothing
Part 2-Pumping
Part 3-Pumping Supplies
Part 4- Books

Nursing... Part 3... Pumping Supplies

Third installment in my "Breast feeding" series.

Pumping Supplies

*** #1 Rule of pumping- do it often and on a schedule!! If you don't pump as many times as your baby eats, your supply WILL go down and it WILL be frustrating***

THE PUMP

It is SO tempting to buy a cheap (meaning both inexpensive and made) pump.  I don't suggest it.  I suggest spending the money for the GOOD pump... why, you ask?

1.  Longevity- I used my Medela Pump in Style 5+ times a day for 15 minutes each time for 11 months and have had ZERO problems.  No battery problems, no parts going crazy, it's a good working machine.  I have a friend who pumped solely with both of her children for a year and has had NO problems with her $300 Pump-in-Style.  It's worth it.

2.  Suction - the better pumps get more milk out, plain and simple.

3.  Let-down feature- this is AWESOME and will help you get more milk each time.  I use to use it 2 times during a pumping session to help build up supply.

4.  You only have to buy it once (and maybe your insurance will pay for it)

5.  Resale- many people will purchase a used pump-- it voids ALL manufacturer warranties, but if you buy all  new tubing, shields, bottles, etc.  It should work just fine (the milk doesn't get to the machine really).

Breastmilk Storage

1.  Buy the cheap bags if you are pumping solely... it makes it worth it.

2.  I buy the Medela bags for travel purposes.  When we go somewhere I have them to pump into so that I  can store the milk easier (in a cooler or fridge), plus bottles take up lots of packing space.

3.  Look for sales and stock up- I like the NUK brand sold at Target and the Lansinoh
bags are more sturdy, but more expensive.  Stock up when they go on sale!

4.  Storage Box- I use one of these storage boxes to help keep my frozen milk flatter for storage.  It really helps with storage in the freezer.
5.  We store breastmilk in zip-lock freezer bags in our deep freezer (we had one for food storage before babies).  I can fit 12, 5oz bags in 1 ziplock.  I write on the outside of the bag how many ounces are in the bag and the dates of the milk inside. It helps with rotating milk.

OTHER STUFF

1.  Exta bottles- I have about a dozen bottles between my 2 kids and it comes in handy to store in the fridge and for fast transfer to the fridge.

2.  Extra set of tubing- in case your tubing gets wet (or your 2 year old chooses to suck on it) and then you always have 1 set handy

3.  Extra set of shields- I have 4 sets of shields that I use, that way I can keep them super clean and they dry easily-- I had Mastitis a bunch of times with #1, so I am super paranoid with cleanliness... see my post about it here.

4.  Sanitizing wipes-  I love these things.  Medela sells packages of 24, I use them when we are on the go and I can't clean everything out with running water.  I also use them when we travel so I can clean everything well and only carry 1 set of shields.  See #3 for my reason for using these wipes.

5.  Car Adapter- if you are pumping or ever leave your child- you will want one of these!!!  Medela came out with an actual car adapter so you don't need to have a converter anymore... but a converter works, too!

What is your "can't live without" pumping supply?

Next up... Books...

Mastitis

As promised in a previous post...

Mastitis is an infection that you get in your milk ducts while breastfeeding your child. It is PAINFUL, but you can over come it quickly if you know the signs.

1. Tenderness of the breast... this is more of a localized tenderness that you will feel anytime you touch that particular part of your breast.

2. High Temperature: As with any infection you will notice a temperature. I had a 104 degree temperature when I got mastitis... 3 times... however it's safe to take a little tylenol.

3. Hard lump... this can be the clogged duct, massage it, take a warm shower, anything to get it loosened up.

4. DO NOT STOP BREASTFEEDING/PUMPING!!! It feels bad, but it will feel worse if you stop while you have the infection. If you have to stop, wait until the infection is cleared up, then wean yourself.

5. As a follow up to #4... Pump more often when you have Mastitis, it will ease the pressure and will make it feel better.

6. Call the Doctor, if you think you are getting mastitis or just have a clogged duct, try pumping more to clear it up. If it doesn't get better and you end up with an infection call your doctor. They will tell you to pump more, clean your parts, etc. But if you have already tried that they will have you come in and get an antibiotic.

7. Keep your pump parts clean... it helps! I suggest having an extra set of parts, then you can really soapy clean everything out and keep it extra clean.

8. Don't give up, I got mastitis 3 times with my first son ... it HURT... but I didn't stop breastfeeding, mostly because I was afraid of getting it again!!!

9. Most importantly, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!

10. If your nipples are burning and you get a fever, you may have a yeast infection on your nipples. Check your baby's mouth, if they have you you might have gotten it too!
a. Bottle feed until the infection is cleared up or you could keep passing it between the two of you!
b. Use a cotton ball dipped in a small container of water and white vinegar to gently rinse your nipples after each use. Let them air dry. Use this same solution on the breast shields of your pump. And be sure to rinse all of the other parts in HOT water.
c. Again, your milk is SAFE for your baby to drink!
d. Finally, call the doctor if it doesn't go away. They may subscribe something.
e. A fever could accompany a yeast infection.

Hope this helps all you breastfeeding Mommas!

Emily

Breast Feeding

I read a book Breast Feeding Sucks.... it's so true! Especially the first 2 weeks of breastfeeding... I am not going to put on this post that everyone should breastfeed, because it's not for everyone. However, I was one of those people that had a lot of trouble breastfeeding, but persevered and got some sort of results. Here are some of my pointers.

1. Talk to the lactation consultants at the hospital and be SURE you understand what the heck they are talking about before you leave!
2. Don't be afraid to call the lactation consultants about breastfeeding... they are happy to help!
3. Go visit the lacation consultant! They can help!
4. Whether it comes from a bottle or a boob, your child will not be messed up!
5. If you have to pump... I did it for 10 1/2 months. It was the best decision for all of our sanity!
6. Pay for a good pump. I loved my Medela Pump In Style
7. Buy extra parts for your pump... especially if you will be pumping often... keeps them clean
8. Don't stop pumping if you get Mastitis (later post).
9. Mix breast milk and formula if you need to, it's still good!
10. Use Fenugreek if you have any trouble producing... I use to take 4X the recommended dose... I got a lot of milk!

Good luck. I solely pumped for 10 months of my son's life and it was a great descision for my family. I would be happy to offer any help I can!