Breastmilk....

[chantal21]

This may sound dumb, but I have no clue. When does your breastmilk usually come in? Is it different for everyone? First time momma-to-be here. =)  (I am 4 months along)  Thanks!

[Michele, Katy, TX]

You are welcome.  Another good thing about pumping is that it doesn't always have to be you that feeds them.  That can be very difficult.  It's hard to go to the store or do anything that way.  You are completely tied.  I just like being able to run an errand and not worry the whole time I am gone that the baby will be crying the whole time.  I hope you enjoy your experience with breastfeeding.  I love it!!  Good luck!!

[rachie204]

thanks!  I will

[chantal21]

Some signs are better than none! e-mail me when ya find out. Praying everything goes well for ya!!

[chantal21]

Thank you for the advice. I will probably play it by ear. If he/she doesn't want a bottle at all I probably won't force it. Last thing I want is confusion and an unhappy baby. =)  But every baby is different so we shall see! I'd like to at least try it. I stay home, so strictly breastfeeding wouldn't be a problem for me, but I would like my husband to be involved somewhat in that area. He is one of 8 children, and his mother beastfed and pumped so she could give them a bottle. It worked out great for her with all of them. But thank you for taking the time to respond to my post and give me that advice. I really appreciate it since in april this will all be new for me! =)

[Michele, Katy, TX]

I actually suggest giving the baby a bottle before the 4 month mark.  I would start that at around 1 month or so.  I would do it like once a day at that point.  If the baby gives you a hard time, let someone else try.  He/she may take it better from someone else due to associating breast with mommy.  I have learned something different with each baby but my babies have all been very stubborn with the switch if I waited too long.  With my first 3, I strictly breastfed until I was ready to start supplementing.  It was awful trying to switch when I waited too long.  With my 4, I had to go back to work after my 12 week leave.  When I would try to give her a bottle, she would cry and cry.  It was frustrating for both her and myself.  I was so worried when I went back to work because she just refused to take a bottle.  I knew that when she got hungry enough, she would eventually take it but it still made me sad thinking that it would have to get to that point.  So, with my fifth that I just had in June, I started giving her a bottle at like 4 or 5 weeks.  She struggled a little bit the first couple of times, but that was it.  And now she will do either one.  I came back to work after a 12 week leave with this one also.  I've been back for 2 months now and she eats from a bottle during the day and from me at night.  I pump at work.  Going back to your original question...I would wait the 4 or 5 weeks because that might cause nipple confusion.  Don't worry though if you want the baby to have a bottle when you are in the hospital.  That won't hurt the baby or confuse him/her too much.  Sorry so long.....

[rachie204]

i'm having a little cramping low and some nasuea.  I might start testing on sunday.  I dont know.  Thanks for asking.  My son...would drink anything from anything.  Maybe you will get lucky.

[chantal21]

Thanks. I think I may give it a shot. We will see what his/her personality is like and go from there.
How are your symptoms? when can you test to find out??  

[rachie204]

some babies are born with an addictive perisonality...and once they get used to one thing they wont take anything else....others could care less how they are getting their milk as long as they are getting it.  It is perfectly fine to give it a shot.  

[chantal21]

ok thanks! I actually have another question for ya. Is it okay if after maybe 4 months of strictly breastfeeding, every now and then I pump and give the baby a bottle, will he/she become confused between the two? I know breast is best, but just in case I need to leave the baby with my mother for a few hours or something. Just curious. Thanks!

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Your milk usually comes in about 2-4 days after delivery.  I've nursed all 5 of mine.  Infact, I am nursing right now.  My youngest just turned 5 months old yesterday.  Best of luck to you!!