help needed, Breast pump - manual/electric

Gingham_Ribbon

Sore nipples are usually because the baby isn't quite latched on correctly. A breastfeeding counsellor will be able to show you how to adjust his/her position for better latch.

See here for some quick tips. Also, try using a pillow/cushion under baby and make sure he/she is facing you with her whole body, not having to turn her head to reach you.

If you want to use a breast pump, ask at the maternity hospital if you can use one of theirs as they are very effective, much more so than electric or manual ones available in mothercare etc.

craftdaft

I think when people say it's painless they mean it becomes painless after a couple of weeks. When DD 1 week I mentioned to midwife that nipples were sore (but not cracked? - can't remember now!) and she indicated that this is normal.

I found lanisoh on nipples and little bit smeared on breast pad helped. Also was trying to be MSE and not change breast pad after every feed but when I started doing that it made a difference (not sure why and didn't need to continue changing as frequently once DD older/I'd got used to bf).

I started expressing when DD 5 weeks old. I was very fortunate that I could generally express easily. Both times I had mastitis and was trying to drain the area I found using heat helped (I used a hot flannel) as did massage to help milk flow. MW suggested holding/smelling DDs clothes, I found visualising her crying wanting fed helped .

I also had a good look at various bf websites and forums which helped. Sometimes it's good to know that others are going through the same problems you are!

I used medula hand pump and loved it. Decided after 5 months of everyday use and starting back at work to get medula electric one (can't remember name but the smallest one). I actually preferred hand one as I found it quicker.

Despite a few blips when could of happily given up bf I'm glad I continued. For me it's a special time (especially now that I'm back at work) and I love it.

Well done on your progress so far :T Good luck and I hope you find it less painful soon.

bylromarha

I borrowed a Avent manual pump from a friend and it took me ages to get a tiny bit of milk. Stuck with this for 3 weeks and didn't get better.

I bought a Medela Mini Electric as I'd heard many good things about it and, if I'm honest, it was my last chance saloon with breast feeding. If that pump didn't let me have a break from feeding, then we were switching to formula.

One of my best investments. Took 3 minutes to get the same amount of milk as the manual pump, then just kept milking! 10 minutes of the electric pump gave a full bottle.

So I'd recommend the medela mini electric - I've heard the medela swing is even better (but it's £90 - £35 more than the mini electric if budget is an issue)