Exclusively expressing

[Sue Clare]

I don't want to BF for various reasons but am thinking of expressing from the word go.
I've no experience of this as ff my 2 dd.
What equipment will I need to purchase to express? Can I express from the moment lo is born or does it take time for milk to 'come in' Thanks xx

 

[Emamay]

It takes about... 3 days, I think? For the milk to come in.

You can express colostrum from the start, but you'll literally only get a few drops.

I think you need to express from the start to keep the flow... If you don't, the flow will dry up.

You'll need storage pots/bags to express the milk into, and a pump to express with.
Apparently it's best to start with a manual pump, then move on to an electric once things are established...

I'm on the manual at the moment, not sure if I'll bother going on to an electric.

I wanted to BF but I've given up so I'm expressing and feeding that way.

Luckily, I went crazy over-prepared during pregnancy, so I had everything in in case I couldn't BF.
Flippin good job too.

I hope I helped xx

 

[CARNAT22]

Yep it takes about 3 days for milk to come in.

Is there any reason you want to express as opposed to actually breast feed?

I had to express as I really had trouble getting baby to take from breast.

Expressing is hard work - you have all the sterlising, plus all the extra time it takes to express. It comes with all the "hard work" of FF!! I used an electric pump BUT if oyu are serious about this you may want to consider a double pump?

Wish I'd been able to actually breast feed - I stopped expressing a good few weeks back now as it was too demanding.

That said I know some ladies (Tweetyfoo in particular) exclusively express and get on OK with it.

xxxxxx

 

[Emamay]

For me, I just can't handle the pain of the sucking.
There's no pain between feeds, just, whilst he's actually latched on and sucking, I'm in tears... Feels like that lumpy bit of tissue in the breast is seriously bruised, and him sucking off it is just unbearable. Even with taking paracetamol half hour before feeds.

So, I'm sat here hand-pumping, trying to build up a bit of a stock pile.

We're getting there.

Slowly xx

 

[Mrs Wibbily]

Hey chick

Could it be that you have the latch incorrect if the pain is only when lo is suckling? I know when i got the latch sorted the pain went away for me after a few days (although the initial pain was for 2 weeks i think). Have you got a breast feeding support group near you or any support from mw or hv?

xx

 

[Kate1985]

I expressed while dealing with latching issues and I won't lie to you I found it really hard work and very demanding. My life revolved around expressing and it's double the time because you have to feed and express! The night times were particularly hard. I did it for 7 weeks. It is doable if its something you really want to do but I have found bfing Harry so much easier xxxx

 

[Andreabrad]

I express. Ollie wouldn't latch and was NG fed in neonatal so I expressed. I hand expressed for the first few days. Those first drops are precious!!!
I have a Avent manual pump and an ameda electric pump.
You will need bottles/pots to store it in. I bought some cheap 99p 9oz bottles from B&M!!
Sterilising equipment and obviously feeding bottles.

Your milk will come in around day 3. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it for up to 6 months, once defrosted use straight away don't re freeze. Breast milk is good for around 6hrs at room temp (fresh milk) and once its been warmed used within 2-3hrs don't re-heat. Breast milk goes 'off' just like cows milk. If in doubt do the sniff test!!

I bought a travel microwave steriliser from asda for £5 and I use that for my milk collection kit or manual pump. Makes it easier for expressing through the night as I can carry the box with me and it remains sterile.

You need to express at least 8 times a day and not leave a gap of longer than 5-6hrs. Also express through the night I usually do between 2-4am.

I try to express while I am feeding Ollie. 2 birds one stone.

Double expressing is best but can be restrictive!!!

Don't be disheartened if you only get a few ml. It can take a while to get the hang of it. Ollie had to be topped up with formula until my supply got going.

Drink plenty is a must and a good diet. There is a supplement called fenugreek (holland&barrat) which can increase milk flow (worked for me but not for all).

I've noticed garlic, pastry, sprouts and coffee give Ollie a upset tummy so I avoid.

Drink alcohol within the same limits as if you are pregnant. If you do have a drink, it will clear out of your system around 3hrs after.

It can be time consuming, but is worth it. Get into a routine. Stress can really affect your supply so its important to relax. Hot flannels over your boobs can really help the letdown too.

Good luck! If you need anymore advice, message me . I've been expressing for 12 weeks now xxxx

 

[Andreabrad]

Sorry - a couple of extra things!!!

You can mix the milk I.e if you express at 6am 9am 12pm etc they can go in the same bottle. I try to keep the same day in the same bottle.

Also when your expressing, and your milk stops dripping keep expressing for 5 mins or so - it will trick your body into thinking it needs to produce more.

Try to express for at least 15min per breast that will ensure you get all of your milk. And don't be in a rush - express until the milk stops or you could be at risk of mastitis where milk leaks from the ducts into the breast tissue.

xx