Excruciating pain while pumping
I’m currently 4 days pp and it has taken now for my colostrum/ milk to come in. So far up to this point I’ve had to give baby formula to ensure they are getting enough.
I’m not someone who is 100% set on breastfeeding and have the view that as long as baby is fed and happy, then that’s all that matters.
When I have been trying to pump today it has been so so painful and my partner can even see it on my face, I am almost in tears even thinking about it.
If I have been able to pump 70ml today and babe has drunk it all, is that enough colostrum for his immune system?
Please don’t start with the “breast is best” debate in the comments, I’m just after some advice on my situation as I’m struggling with whether I continue to endure this pain or not!
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Topically at this age they only need 30ml so 70ml is definitely enough. If it's painful turn down the strength of the pump it shouldn't hurt. I have exclusively pumped for nearly a year since my daughter was 3 days old (she's 1 in a week) lanolin on your nipples before pumping and check the flange is the right size, if its too big it will hurt
@Helen great tips but just an fyi for OP, lanolin can be a huge irritant for some so maybe try a small amount first to check you aren’t allergic or find it irritating!
First step is measure your nipples to ensure your pump fits you as that could be causing the pain
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Colostrum is the first milk. Whatever baby has had will be colostrum but might also be a mix of your usual milk now on day 4 as it’s normal for it to take till day 4/5 for the milk to come in. Have you put baby to the breast at all since birth? If it’s painful it might be that the pump doesn’t fit your nipple properly. Have you got any local feeding groups you could attend for face to face help?