breastfeeding??? FTM

[NeonDreamzz]

So I have a 3 day old newborn and I'm trying to breastfeed. Things are just getting confusing on me. My doctor told me to make sure I pump as well since newborns can't get all the milk from my breast out and that could cause my milk buds to back up. So when do I pump? After the baby feeds? Every single time she eats from me do I pump? Or just once a day?. Or am I pumping before she feeds?.. I'm just really confused.

Also I was told, for now to let her nurse as long as she wants. So I'll start on one side and let her nurse for 15 minutes then switch her. She usually feeds like 30-40 minutes all together. I'll feed her every 2-3 hours but every time she gets off me she shows signs that's she is hungry...?? Is that normal? Cause first it's, let her nurse as long as she wants, then its "there isn't a need to nurse her for to long because the breast is usually empty after 15 minutes of the baby feeding off of you." So, does this mean my flow is super slow or something? (Like there isn't enough milk coming out) or she isn't suckling right? Or everything is fine and she just likes to suck because she is still a newborn? Ugghhh, I'm so confused. Truly any advice would need helpful:(

[camerinj]

I always pumped until I wasn't getting anymore, but wait until milk is in. I've always had to go back to work right after having my kids, so I've needed to pump often to build up a supply in my fridge.
also, pumping at work, I would keep the pump hooked up during my full plan period but change the settings to maximize production

[NeonDreamzz]

Well thank you @Daisygonz... I feel a little more comfortable now

[Daisygonz]

My baby does the same thing. Sometimes they just want the breast to fall asleep as comfort. My baby does it all the time.

[NeonDreamzz]

@4shrooms0611
Your right it is my colostrum. And I do hear her swallowing all the time. My actual milk hasn't came in yet so I'll hold off on pumping for now.

@daisygonz
That's the exact routine I've been doing. Expect she will stop feeding off me sometimes but still act hungry.routine with opening her mouth and trying to sick on her fingers. I mean she is pooping and peeing just fine tho. And will fall asleep once I bundle her up.

[4shrooms0611]

When you do pump, u can pump before or after feedings. The hind milk (milk in the back basically) has mire calories so maybe pump before on one breast, give that breast to baby. Then offer other side and pump 2nd side after feeding to balance the calories.  I always nurse between 10-20 min on one or both sides depending on what my son wants. It's up to you

[4shrooms0611]

Are you sure your milk has come in? It can take 3-5 days after birth to come in. If it hasnt, u won't get much pumping. Your colostrum has enough calories for your baby until the milk comes in fully. You will hear your baby swallowing very often when it's in. I wouldn't pump for stocking up until 2-3 weeks. Also, the baby can never fully empty your breast. Your body always makes milk. The more he/she feeds, the more your body will produce

[Daisygonz]

You know he is eating right by the diapers. If He is peeingand pooping and gaining weight your baby is eating fine  

[Daisygonz]

I have a 2 week old. And I haven't pumped at all.. I let my baby nurse as long as he wants and then after he is done I try to switch him to my other to see if he is still hungry if not I'll wait till his next feeding 2-3, hours and feed off my other breast...

[NeonDreamzz]

@canerinj
So how long do you pump afterwards? I feel stupid but I've never used a pump before. Did you get a lot of breast milk when you pumped, or just a few oz?

[camerinj]

at three days, let baby stay on the breast as long as they want. they may just be using it as a pacifier, but they are.helping build up your supply. as for pumping, I would always pump as my son was eating from the other side. I'd also hook both sides up to the pump when he finished. hope this helps