u/Financial-Pace6378

im 9 days post partum and my bab is already back up to birth weight, so i think im making enough for him right now. i feed every 2 to 3 hours (i shoot for 2 bc im paranoid he'll lose weight) but ive only been pumping a few times a day, usually right after i feed him. im so ignorant on the topic of lactation and the consultant at the hospital wasnt helpful really, she didnt explain latching, holds, supply, or even mention pumping at all, and i only saw her RIGHT after i gave birth so i wasnt super ready to ask questions.

should i be pumping more to establish a greater supply? i know i cant control everything but i do eventually have to go back to work, so i would like to have something to store. i wont be upset if i have to rely on formula, i just would rather not. in my head, i get scared to pump in-between feeds because ive convinced myself i'll be too empty to make bab feel full, but i dont think that's the case, as usually after i pump im still lactating/could hand express more. should i pump after every feed? or how many times a day? im feeding 8-12 times, and pumping that often almost sounds excessive but i dont know what im doing

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u/Financial-Pace6378 — 6 days ago

i had him! induced at 39+1, started pitocin at 7am and had my water broke, had baby by 3:30pm ish

it went so much better than i could've expected, i totally am in so much pain, but ive never felt so much love for anything in my life. this was so worth it. i know it's only going to get so much more difficult from here. i got an hour of rest though! and then got up to feed at 1 am lol, and he's back swaddled and asleep. my partner was here through everything, only ever left the room to get us water or juice. i finally convinced him at 11:30 that he NEEDS to get some rest lol, he was dedicated to staying up until the 1am feed, but i need him rested. i feel so much love for the family im starting, im not sure what the point of this post is, im just so emotional.

ive been so grateful for the information and support I've found here. im not close with many people at all, and at times it felt like this was the only place i could find understanding and feel seen. i do not know if i'll ever be pregnant again lmao, this has definitely been quite the process, but i hope all women, no matter what stage of pregnancy or what choice they make find a safe space here, thank you all so so much.

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u/Financial-Pace6378 — 14 days ago