Should I pump or not?

I hated breast feeding for the first week, so I decided on formula. But as I got used to the feedings, I found they weren't so bad. I compromised and pumped a lot of my milk, that way I could supplement with formula if someone had to babysit, but he still got breast milk most of the time.

What I did was rent a good electric pump from the hospital for 3 months. That way I wasn't wasting my money and I wasn't hand pumping. I will say, though, I sure felt like a cow when I pumped. In hindsight, (particularly since I was home), I might have not bothered and gone with just breast feeding.

Now, my husband took midnight duties every weekend, which was a blessing that only worked because of the pumped milk from a bottle. I don't need to tell you how exhausted a mom can be when she doesn't get a good night's sleep for the first 2 to 3 months. Furthermore, even if you're home for the first part of your baby's life, you have to still be up and awake to take care of your older child. That means while you could nap with your first on his schedule, you may not have that luxury with your second.

Only you can know what's right for you and ultimately, it might be the baby that decides if s/he doesn't latch on to you or to the bottle.

One other thing, though. Can you take your baby to the day care with you? Do you get enough breaks where you might be able to slip away and feed your baby or were you going to get a sitter? This will impact your decision, too.

Good luck and congratulations to you.

I know a couple mommies who combine nursing and pumping. I had trouble nursing at all, so we paid for an expensive pump and tried to do that exclusely. It was a waste of money. Because I pretty much ran out of milk after a month...maybe I did something wrong. But I suggest maybe borrowing/renting one from the hospital for a week or two before investing in a pricey one just to make sure it will really be necessary....

I couldnt get my daughter to latch on, even after help from a lactation nurse, so I pumped. It was a royal PAIN. I had to pump every time she ate, which meant at 3 am, when she was hungry, Id have to get up to feed her, get her back to sleep, and then pump, otherwise I wouldnt make enough milk. Eventually, my body didnt make enough milk because pumping does not provide the same stimulation, so I had to switch to formula. My advise to you is to try to nurse your baby, dont worry about the pump just yet. Once your baby is born, you will see how things are going, like if you want to take turns with night feedings with your fiance, and then if you need a pump you can buy one.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with a pump if you don't have to. Let your fiance be in charge of all bathing, or something like that. it's such a short time that women can exclusively breastfeed, and it's such a time saver. Plus, it forces you to sit down. Enjoy it while you can.

Going natrual is better then pumping . I am on my 5 th baby an i am due in 3 more months . I suggest that you should breast feed your baby without the pump its better for you and your baby .

Nopepumping is a nightmare... Body undertands if you feed the baby from the breast an your milk will adjust with baby's requirements

I wouldn't even bother. Having other kids to watch wouldn't interfere with your ability to nurse and dad can take part in the parenting process in other ways.