breast feeding and wanting to start giving an occasional bottle

My daughter is going to be 4 months on the 19 and I really want to give her an occasional bottle.  The problem is that when I pump I hardly get any milk out.  I have two pumps an old electric medala one and a a manual avent one.  It takes me about 45 minutes to get maybe an ounce if I'm lucky!!  My doctor said that she is more efficient than any pump and is sure she is getting enough.  I just would like to get out occasionally!!!  I tried splitting 2 ounces milk to 2 ounces formala and she got constipated.  Should I maybe go out and rent a better pump??  My sil said that only helps in the beginning to let the milk in.  Any suggestions?

[gonza]

I am going to tell you what worked for me.  When I started pumping, I waited until I got so full of milk (maybe nurse on one side for a couple of feedings IF you can) and pump from the other.  Then, the next feeding you can use the milk you pumped and give both breasts time to get really full and so on.  When I first tried pumping, I was the same.  I only pumped an ounce and it took forever.  Try this and see if it helps any.

[IWantToBeAMom]

I used the Gerber Manual Massaging pump ($30 or $40).  It worked SOOO much better for me than the electric Medela.  You don't have to pump it constantly either, it builds up a suction and you can pump and sit, pump and sit.  I could get 4 ounces quite quickly.  Also be sure to think of your baby and think "baby thoughts" while you are pumping - for me that dramatically influenced whether my milk dropped or not for pumping.

[Bumbo]

I know this sounds quirky, but my mom tried this onme and it really worked. I have four children, and this always worked better than any breast pump I ever tried. Steralize a jar that will fit over your breastfeeding area, and put a clean wash cloth in the freezer. when the jar is hot and steralized, put the cloth around the mouth and then onto your breast. The hot and cold makes the milk come out in a jiffy. I used this procedure, when I felt engorged. It doesn't hurt, and there's pumping!!!!!!

[cinnamonheart]

Yes babies do work better than a breast pump, some think it has to do with relaxing also,
Hopefully you can pump before a feeding is due that way your milk would have a chance to build up for a bottle.

It is nice to get out even for a little while by yourself
Hope it works!

[Still_AndiJ]

It might be best to rent a hospital grade pump if you aren't looking to wean yet. Just to give an occasional bottle, the hospital grade pump will keep your supply up better than most regular pumps. Stress is a big factor, so try to relax (easier said than done when pumping, I know) and hold something of baby's close, you know something that smnells like baby. It used to work like a charm for me. Though my problem was I could pump gallons of milk but neither of my kids wanted the bottle,lol! All that good breastmilk went to waste!!

Andi

[blondie72]

That does stink about your milk having to go to waste.  I have always said breastmilk is "Liquid Gold".  I remember I was able to pump a 4 ounce bottle once and it never got used.  I was so upset.  I can NOT pump enough either.  I do not have time to produce any.  Christopher is at the hoot constantly and I am really going crazy now.  Take care.

[Bumbo]

Oops! I meant to say NO pumping. I always felt that it hurt a little to use any pump.

[Still_AndiJ]

I used to be able to pump 8 ounces in 15 minutes using a cheapo 30 dollar breast pump. Not bad considering I only nursed off of the one side the whole time. Of course, it was hard finding time to do that, as both my boys were snorkers (our word for pigs) But neither of them liked bottles. I must have tried 12 different nipples and they never wanted it!! Little stinkers.

When Tristan got ahold of a glade deco-sphere air freshener, I called poison control because I was freaking out (BTW, they are non-toxic) he just suggested giving him some milk, I asked if breastmilk was sufficient or if it needed to be regaulr milk. He laughed and said that breastmilk is the best stuff you could give and that I should bottle it and sell it! I got a little giggle out of that. Not so much of a giggle when I had a baby smelling like cinnamon and spice for three days despite bathing!!

Andi

[tura]

Thanks so much for everyones comments!  I'm gonna try a few of your suggestions.  Wish me luck!

[brenda77777]

HI girls well i had my baby five weeks early.  He was in intensive care for nine long days.  He is pretty good now.  I am breast feeding but my nipples are very very very sore.  I had to give him a bottle I can barely touch them.  Any experience from anyone on what I can do so i can get him back on breast.  I think i will start a new topic on this also.

Thank You
Brenda

[Still_AndiJ]

The first week of breastfeeding is murder, but trust me when I say it will get better!!

Keep up on Lanisoh, which helps a little bit and make usre baby islatching correctly. Once you make it through the first week or so, it should be smooth sailing. It was that way with both my boys, cracked and bleeding the first week and then on day 8, it all cleared up!

Congrats, I am happy you and baby are doing well!

Email me if you have any questions on breastfeeding, I will be happy to help in any way I can!

Andrea
AndiJ.***@****

[Butterfly_Baybee2005]

Hello,
My name is Holly. I am 20 years old. I am planning on going off the pill (i have been on it for 3 years now) in November. I hope to get pregnant right away so I can give the news to my in-laws and my parents as an xmas gift. Do people usually have problems conceiving the first few months they go off the pill? How does it work? I also want to lose weight before I have a baby. As it is I am not comfortable in my skin. If anyone has suggestions or would like to chat, please email me at butterfly_baybee2005***@**** I will respond to everyone!
Also, will you only conceive on certain days of the month? I can use as much information as I can

[teachtsu]

Hi, I agree with an earlier post.  Try a hospital grade pump, they work wonderfully and you can adjust the suction so that it is comfortable for you (as comfortable as that can be).  You might also try taking a hot shower right before pumping to help your milk come down, that helped me when I first started pumping & I went on to pump successfully until my daughter was a year old.  Relaxation is key as well.
Hope this helps!