For those ladies who plan to breastfeed
May 5, 2015 18:51:48 GMT -5
Post by omgtree on May 5, 2015 18:51:48 GMT -5
I just thought I would share some things I have learned that have helped me so far. Because Ellie is a preemie I have to pump for her while she figures out how to latch. Something I have found helpful for my body is the pump tends to stress me and is uncomfortable. It might be because I have some negative feelings left over from when I had my first DD1 and breast feeding failed after 2 weeks. Hand expression is seriously one of the best things ever! If you don't know how to there are tons of youtube videos. Because you are applying the pressure you have more control and I get way more out of my hand expressing then I do from the pump right now. I have also found that any time a side starts to feel weird I switch to the other. There is no rules saying you have to stay on a side until it's done, switching every few minutes has helped me get more and not feel so sore. I also find if I massage and hand express a little, then do the pump, then hand express again I get the most out. Also don't be afraid to ask for those heat packs they use on your arm when you get an IV. They are perfect for putting on your breasts right before you pump, they cut down on soreness and help you get more milk because they loosen your milk ducts. I'm using the Earth Momma Angel Baby natural nipple butter instead of lanolin and I love it! It's not as crazy thick/sticky and Ellie seems to not mind the taste of it.
Hope this helps. Do whatever will relax you and don't stress about how much you are making. You're body knows what it's supposed to do. Also while you are packing your hospital bag thrown in a blank notebook and pen so you can log feedings, times, and how much you made. Super helpful! Here is the booklet I mentioned in the comments. You could easily make one something similar in excel and it can be used for either pumping or just keeping track of feelings. Hope it helps and you can see it ok!![]()
Hope this helps. Do whatever will relax you and don't stress about how much you are making. You're body knows what it's supposed to do. Also while you are packing your hospital bag thrown in a blank notebook and pen so you can log feedings, times, and how much you made. Super helpful! Here is the booklet I mentioned in the comments. You could easily make one something similar in excel and it can be used for either pumping or just keeping track of feelings. Hope it helps and you can see it ok!
