Pumping for Breast-free Breastfeeding

by Missy
(Plainfield,CT)

Pumping for Breast-free Breastfeeding

Visitor Question: I want to feed my baby breast milk but I don't feel comfortable breastfeeding. I would like to pump my milk and feed her after she is born. Is there something I need to do for that? She will be born the first week of September 2008. And how do I deal with this in the hospital.

Breastfeeding Magazine Response: Our first suggestion is to try it. You may be surprised that your attitudes may change once your baby is born.

However, if you are still not comfortable breastfeeding, there are definately advantages to providing breast milk over formula-feeding.

The most important thing you will need to do in order to pump exclusively is to buy a really good breast pump. Don't skimp on quality!

This will allow you to express milk efficiently from the very first day.

You will also need to pump often to signal your body to make milk. Some mothers also try taking help from herbs like fenugreek to help increase their milk supply, because it is harder to establish a strong milk supply using just a pump--but it can be done.

Talk to your doctor, your baby's doctor, and the hospital staff about your concerns. You may even want to arrange for a lactation consultation at the hospital to answer any questions that you may have when your daughter arrives.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and good luck!