breast pumping questions!

[kdircks]

I'm sorry if this question sounds ridiculous but with my first child I didn't try to breast feed at all. Now that I'm older and more mature I am definitely going to try. I am 36 weeks and have already started leaking milk. Is it ok if I use an electric breast pump before I have the baby and freeze the milk so I'm ahead when she comes?

[kdircks]

Thanks ladies your comments helped! I go to the doctors again Tuesday and I will be 37 weeks. I will ask him his opinion. I planned on only breast feeding the first few days and then pumping exclusively as long as possible. I have heard you produce less if your not breast feeding so if I can freeze some colostrum ahead of time it would be really helpful

[camerinj]

I wouldn't do it as it could start contractions and because it's just the colostrum not much will come out anyway.
as for introducing a bottle before four weeks, don't let that scare you. I had to return to work before my son was two weeks old and he did just fine! and we successfully breastfed for sixteen months and would've gone longer if I weren't carrying twins. good luck with breastfeeding, it really is a wonderful experience!

[nikki1214]

Actually you could if you want... Your colostum doesn't come in until your hormones start to decline after birth. The only thing that I could think of it complicating is that when it gets close to your babies due date the nipple stimulation could bring on labor. Just to be safe I would ask your Dr.

[Chefswife]

No. And for several reasons. The first one being that the nipple stimulation may put you into labor. Next, your producing colostrum right now and not milk. Also, it's really better to wait and pump or even introduce a bottle until your baby is four weeks old. You need to work on getting breastfeeding down with the baby and wait to introduce the bottle so you don't cause nipple confusion for the baby and so you know what your supply/demand will be.

[Wolfeenix]

Milk doesn't come in until after the baby is born. The colostrum is super important in those first days of life and in my country the midwives tell you its OK to try and express some to store just in case anything happens that way you have some saved up.
Pumping can kick start labour and since you're not quite full term I'd keep an eye on if it gives you contractions.

[ericatoday]

You shouldn't do that. You're leaking colostrum and you'll need that for baby since that's the first thing babies should drink.