breast feeding

[mandi0913]

Ok i am a sahm and this is my 3rd rpregnancy. With my oldest two 5 & 4 i never breast fed or thought twice about it. I have been really thinking about bf this baby. So a couple ?'s 1 is a breast pump needed and if so any recommendations. 2 till about what age should you exclusively breast feed. And 3. Any and all tips are welcome!!  

Thanks for the advice and help!  :-)

[Angebelle]

Breastfeeding is an excellent decision for your baby's development. Pediatricians now recommend bf for the first year (supplementing it with vitamin D drops), and while introducing solids at 6 mos. and later. With a good bf class, lactation consultant (usually on hospital staff), and a bf support group, you'll be sure to have a successful latch. I had great difficulty with pumping and eventually gave up. Luckily, I work from home and my daughter pretty much goes everywhere with me, so it wasn't much of a problem to bf. We didn't introduce a pacifier until 10 weeks to avoid nipple confusion. And we didn't introduce a bottle until 4 mos. She did fine and it really does make a difference in the brand you choose. We tried a couple before settling on Avent Natural. Unfortunately, despite all attempts, my milk supply has decreased at 5 1/2 mos. and I introduced formula to her at 6 mos. to supplement her feedings. I don't feel bad, because she's getting a lot of mixed nutrition from solid foods, bf, and formula. Meal times are a lot more fun!

[Startzfamily]

If you only breastfeed (no bottles of expressed milk) the baby tends to refuse bottles when you do decide to use them. They say once they are 2 months you should introduce a bottle if you do not plan to exclusively bf until the child is ready for a cup. I made this mistake with mine and her daddy was sad that he never got to feed her. She refused bottles. I exclusively bf until she was 20 months because even after introducing cups, she would not drink milk or breastmilk from one. Other mamas I know had similar experiences with their child refusing milk once it was ok to introduce it. I am due with my second in July and have a medela double pump so that I can give baby my milk in a bottle once a day (and I will be able to have a date with daddy every once in a while without bringing baby along for feedings. Good luck!

[jessica120509]

Congratulations on your baby!
Breastfeeding is a great start to give your baby. It's awesome that you're asking these questions. The World Health Organization and AAP recommends exclusive (as in no formula) breastfeeding for the first year, and then continuing as long as you and your baby wish after that. There is no need to pump when your baby is a newborn, it is important that you let the baby nurse as often and as long as he or she wants to establish a good, healthy supply.
You should only need to pump once in a while if you're not going back to work. If you feel you must, you would he fine with a hand pump.
I would recommend speaking with a lactation consultant or local La Leche League leader or group to get help with your questions. :)

[timegoneby]

Don't feel ashamed! I am in the same boat. I tried with my first but quit shortly after I got home...latching issues and I had no support...second baby ended up in the nicu...had sever GI issues. I want to bf this one...I would suggest contacting a lactation consultant. I was scared about being judged for not doing it with my first two. She was not judgemental at all in fact we came up with a plan and she and my Dr are extremely supportive of my decision. It was suggested that I get a double electric pump...best of luck! We can do this. :)

[bree157]

Madella is the top brand out right now for pumps

[Lillah]

You would need a pump if you will be.working after baby is born.. Pumping is a great way to make sure your baby is getting your milk while you are away or at night so daddy can feed while you rest. I breastfed my first girl for 1 1/2 yrs. And my second for 7months. Breastfeefing is good for atleast 6to 8 months. If you can do more is also good.

[NatFox]

With my first i breastfeed for 11 months with second for 6 months. Baby only need breast milk till they start solid food... Then they need some water as well. I didn't express milk as i just couldn't do it for some reason.... Going to try it again with this one. Good luck :)