Hi Mummies!
I'm currently pregnant with our 3rd baby, my question is about breastfeeding - is a breast pump required to help establish milk supply? My first bub I had supply issues, 2nd not so much but I didn't BF for very long. I'm planning on exclusively BF for as long as I can with this one. I know you can take fenugreek and brewers yeast but just wondering if the actual pumping is required? Don't want to buy one if I don't need it. Thanks! Xx
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding
Posted in:
Baby & Toddler, Baby Feeding
3 Replies
If baby is feeding often then a breast pump is not needed. My son fed 2hourly at the start and didn't sleep through or skip feeds. I got a breast pump only because it was necessary to leave bubs and Would need a bottle feed a few times a week.
My sister got a pump once breast feeding was established as she and hubby decided that she would go to bed early, and dad would bottle feed one feed to give my sister a decent sleep window before hubby went to bed.
I found a pump useful but my milk supply was good anyway and my son was a good regular feeder.
The best way to establish your milk supply is by feedhiing your baby.
The more often you feed, the more milk you make. That's why they suggest pumping, as it tells your body to make more milk - but baby is even better at getting the milk out than a pump is.
You can also get a script for a tablet that can help if you do have a low supply.
Although, I did find my pump useful. I had problems with clogged milk ducts, and the pump helped with that. It was also good so my husband could help by giving our son a bottle if I needed a moment to myself (as I swear he was glued to me 24/7 at first, haha)
Absolutely not.
A breast pump can actually do more harm than good.
It can cause an oversupply of breastmilk or a foremilk/hind milk imbalance.
Just feed whenever Bub is hungry.
Also, maybe a trip to see a lactation consultant will help you be more successful this time.
I breastfed for 14 months with my second (he self weaned). I wouldn't have fed for so long without the help of the LC.