Breastfeeding question So I didn't breastfeed my first two children but I'm considering…

You only would need to pump if you're still uncomfortable. And even then it's best to just get to the point where you're comfortable and then stop so you don't create an over supply, otherwise it'll be a reoccurring thing. I had a huge over supply with my first daughter and never got mastitis.

Pumping will just encourage more milk to come. Just make sure you are alternating sides with each feed. And maybe just hand express a bit if you're feeling too full.

I've nursed 6 babies and have never owned a pump lol so it isn't NEEDED to keep milk production up or emptying...

At first when your milk comes there will be overflow cause your body will determine how much it has to make for your baby..

A newborn baby doesn't know he's supposed to nurse so try nursing every hour for 15 minutes (at least) on each side

Keep offering the boob to baby. Help them latch make sure they aren't just on the nipple or you'll have a lot of pain and baby won't be getting much of anything. Baby has to be latched on the areola with the nipple just in the mouth. Make sure you listen to the swallows. Newborns can also be very sleepy so you gotta try keeping them up to nurse try undressing them or the use of a cool cloth gently on their foot or back will help them wake up.

All this will help the nursing process.

It can be tricky in the beginning cause getting a good latch and then learning to drink long enough is super important for your milk in the beginning.

Persistence and consistency is key.

And there's always gonna be milk in your boobs. They get less full but don't ever empty completely. More nursing = more milk your body will supply.

You don't have to pump after unless you are uncomfortable . I breastfed all three of my first babies and i didn't pump right after i actually pumped in between feedings tho to help keep my production up ( due to lactation issues) and to also have stored milk for baby sitter or when i went back to work. but it's totally up to you and how comfortable you are.

Thank you ladies!! Your comments are very helpful!!

This is a really helpful article.

https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/breastfeeding-the-dangerous-obsession-with-the-infant-feeding-interval/

I read a book called the first 6 weeks by ath curtin and she said mastitis often happens with mums that change boobs too soon and boob hasn't been emptied enough till soft and then the mum keeps switching breast so i assume other breastfeeding mums can confirm whether they rarely got mastitis if boob was emptied sufficiently before changing breast

While I haven't breastfed yet, I just took a class and they said to let them completely finish the first breast, then switch to the other. Start with the partially emptied breast the next feeding. The good, fattening milk is towards the end of the feeding in each breast so I wouldn't just toss it, if your LO doesn't finish. Also, you should never switch breasts until they empty the first one.