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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.

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.

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.

Here are some resources to get you started: http://www.lilsugar.com/Best-Bottles-Breastfed-Babies-16069693

http://kellymom.com/bf/pumpingmoms/pumping

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.

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.

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.

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.

@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.

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!