https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 11:51:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1059181 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:17:19 +0000 Foodnerd81 1059181@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ZombieBullfrogHoller: I'm laughing at you calling bc it didn't hurt! I haven't felt irritation with my pump yet- it's weird but doesn't hurt, but I might be mildly sore after. You want to make sure the shields are the right size- which I don't know how to tell. And start on a low setting! I don't think you'll have any pain. </p> <p>I'm impressed you can hand express. I tried the other day and couldn't get anything out so I just broke out the pump! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1059161 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 17:03:11 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1059161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks, everyone! I've been reading and reading and I think I've calmed down...at least a smidgen...now :P </p> <p>Tomorrow (unless they're closed for Labor Day, which I expect) I'm going to reschedule an appointment for WIC and see what they can do about an electric pump. I'm about 99% sure the LC at the hospital said they'll provide one + this new insurance thing that's happening. In the meantime I'll try out the hand pump just to see how it works. I've become a pro at hand expression at least, haha.</p> <p>I'm going to ask my manager about an extension on my leave. I think I can get another two weeks if I try - then he'll be 7 weeks (which is still soo little, but I think he could be 5 yo and I'd still declare him 'too little' lol). Then I think I'll feel better about it. I may also be able to ease back in with only coming in for a couple days at first - I'm technically only part time anyway at ~32 hours, so it shouldn't be too much of a hassle.</p> <p>Oh, another question: Is there any...irritation...with pumping I should expect? I lucked out with breastfeeding - after hearing all sorts of stories and personal accounts of the trials and tribulations of poor latches and bleeding nips, then being told that LO has a pretty severe tongue tie, I was all prepared for the worst of it. So when it *didn't* hurt and I didn't have so much as dryness or any irritation, I was on the phone with the LC, convinced I was doing something wrong because it didn't hurt. XD </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058704 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 10:41:28 +0000 Foodnerd81 1058704@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree to check with the WIC person about a double electric-- you'll definitely need it and I would be shocked if it isn't covered-- they are trying to help all women continue breastfeeding as long as possible. But I would trying to use the manual-- either pump one side while baby nurses on the other (though, that sounds like you need some serious coordination) or after she eats one side, pump the other if she doesn't take both. Or, I usually pump 30-45 minutes after C's first morning feed, if she goes back to sleep. Feed her, put her down, then take a hot shower to help my boobs refill. Right after the shower, I would pump, which usually left enough time between pumping and baby waking up hungry again. </p> <p>You can start bottles at 3 weeks-- that's when we gave C her first one. We are lucky and she never had a problem with them. The Medela ones come out too fast for her and she spills a lot and coughs on it, so we prefer the Tommy Tippee ones, though I hear the Playtex Drop Ins are really good-- we just happened to have the Tommy Tippee ones out and clean already. </p> <p>Is there any way you can extend your leave? My C is going to be 5 weeks on Monday and I agree-- she's still SO little! But if you have to-- and I wouldn't quit before going back and at least trying it-- I'm sure you will both be fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058655 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 09:55:12 +0000 Bookish 1058655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hug!!! Don't worry, this will all be ok! I'm about to leave my LO in daycare on tues, and I'm pretty torn up. But..I have no choice! We gotta do what's best for our kids!</p> <p>Since you have to go back soon, I'd start pumping pretty soon, and definitely get a double electric. I got one free through insurance, so check with WIC for your options. You won't be able to keep up with demand with just a manual, unfortunately. As for bottles, start trying them now. Our LO still fights them, despite using them occasionally for weeks. We bought several different types of bottles, and her favorites ended up being Playtex vent air in the wide type. Apparently babies are picky!</p> <p>Good luck and don't stress; you can do this!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058642 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 09:44:16 +0000 travellingbee 1058642@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started pumping in the hospital. There is no such thing as too early. But you will need an electric for getting enough at work. It is recommended that you introduce the bottle right around 4 weeks. That worked well for us. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058617 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 09:23:55 +0000 katsupgirl 1058617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Like mrs. Twine said try to get a double electric. Also is it possible to get an extension at least long enough to build up a stash. I didn't realize how much milk I'd need that first day back. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058585 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 09:04:50 +0000 Mrs. Twine 1058585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First, big hug. I can imagine you feel concerned and sad to leave him when he's so small. My smallest is 17 months and I still think she's too "little" to leave! But if you need to do it, I know both of you will be fine. As for pumping, in your situation (if you will be working, or need to build up a stash) a hand pump, while not impossible to make work, isn't the recommended type. Have you looked into getting a pump through insurance under the new healthcare guidelines? If nothing else, I have a double electric that I never use that I would be happy to pass on to you if you need it.</p> <p>Think long and hard about the work situation. Make sure you consider what you would do if you quit your job and were not able to find anything else. Would your family be able to handle it financially? Are you eligible for FMLA (you might not be getting paid, but at least you would know you had A job waiting for you at the end)? Just make the most informed decision you can.</p> <p>As for pumping, it is never too early to start pumping. If you plan to return to work, it's good to start early. You can absolutely nurse any time you are with baby. My oldest was in daycare and I nursed her for a really long time even though she took bottles during the day. I was also fortunate enough to be able to nurse her on my lunch break. </p> <p>Here are some resources to get you started: <a href="http://www.lilsugar.com/Best-Bottles-Breastfed-Babies-16069693" rel="nofollow">http://www.lilsugar.com/Best-Bottles-Breastfed-Babies-16069693</a></p> <p><a href="http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping" rel="nofollow">http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ohgod-do-i-hafta-no-idea-what-im-doing#post-1058567 Sun, 01 Sep 2013 08:49:04 +0000 ZombieBullfrogHoller 1058567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am having so many mixed emotions right now. :| </p> <p>LO will be 3 weeks on Wednesday. I'm suppose to go back to work when he's 5 weeks. </p> <p>I don't know if I can do this. I'm seriously freaking out. 5 weeks?? He's so.freaking.little. How can I leave him when he's *so little*? I'm starting to cry just thinking about it. I just want to call my manager and be like, "Yeah, better hire someone else, because I'm not coming back!" We're immensely poor right now, but I'm seriously thinking about just not going back and trying to see if we can make it a bit longer, then just looking for a new job. Finding a new and better job is something I've been contemplating for awhile anyway and, combined with not wanting to leave him the fact that I don't think I'll be *able* to pump while I'm at work? Part of me just wants to say it's the universe propelling me in a better direction :P haha</p> <p>But, regardless, whether I go back to work or not, and especially if I do, I need to start this whole pumping thing. I'm even having mixed feelings about that! On one hand, it would be so awesome if DH could help with feedings. On the other (very selfish and emotionally dependent) hand, I sort of like being the only one that can feed him. :S lol. BUT, I know I need to do this eventually.</p> <p>But, I have no idea what I'm suppose to do. The hospital sent us home with a Medela hand pump. And, if I everg et around to rescheduling my appointment to apply for WIC (I went into labor on the day I was suppose to go in, haha), I believe they'll help me with an electric pump as long as I'm going back to work. So, for now, the hand pump is all I have. Is it too early to start pumping? Should I be trying to "build a stash?" Will I still be able to breastfeed him when I'm here? And bottles - how long should I wait to try him on bottles? And what brand should I use to avoid nipple confusion and easy transition? </p> <p>I'm ready to give up before I've even started XD haha</p> <p>Are there any good &amp; trusted resources to get answers that someone can point me towards? TIA. </p>