How hard is it to express? Can it be difficult for some women? Any advice for us newbies on what to do or what not to do? E.g. manual or electric pump? Brand? method?
I'm really keen to stick to breast milk as much as possible (if all goes ok) but will need to express as I'm going back to work at week 15. Can't always guarantee I'll be able to get to bubs during the day as i'm a Rep.
Interesting that so many people have different stories. My sisters kids (all three) refused the breast even with the help of the nurses and consultants. They took to the bottle like a duck to water. What ever works I guess but she just couldn't express. Not even a drop.
I had no trouble expressing when I was with my DD it just flowed out. A friend of mine whose DS is same age as DD expressed all feeds from 8wo to about 6mo because her DS refused the breast after getting a cold but she didn't want to put him on formula. I used an electric Medela and a manual elevit. I preferred the elevit but I also think the medela harmony looks good.
It took a while to get used to expressing, though I think a lot of it was in my head (i.e. I was worried that other people might hear what I was doing - which is actually pretty unlikely). Once I got used to it, I relaxed a bit more and it became easier. Also I find lurking on OHbaby for a couple of minutes prior to going to express really helps switch my mind off work and on to my baby.
I use a manual pump, though was speaking to someone today that said some pharmacies hire out good (Medela?) electric ones, so I might look into that. My pump is a cheapie and while its done a good job, I *think* the electric ones may be more effecient?
Thanks Daphne and KJCOLE, fortunately I have a nice boss and a reasonably well-set-up workplace with a fridge available and a lunch/meeting room that I can use for expressing. My boss said working from home a couple of days a week would be a possibility, and I had also thought of reducing my hours slightly. Though I am not sure whether I will be able to find childcare close to work, I think I will be able to express during the day for the following day and hopefully that will work. And the Dept of Labour link was interesting too. I have also read some stuff on the La Leche league website, and one good tip I found was to take a day or two off sick if your supply goes down etc so that you can be with your baby and give the supply a boost.
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Breastfeeding while working
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