I found it a relief to feel that the breast pump did not hurt at all.
Every other week we ask a Real Mom if they would like the NurtureGoods experience. These moms use a breast pump from NurtureGoods in order to describe and share their experiences. In this way, we hope to raise awareness of the NurtureGoods experience and help you make a choice. This week it's mom Laura Louise's turn. Will you read along?
Laura Louise's NurtureGoods experience (Instagram @lauralouise.co.uk)
Should breastfeeding not take off so nicely, backup plan: the breast pump
Suzy came into the world very relaxed. She is my first child and I really wanted a home birth and preferably in the bath. At the same time I also knew that especially with the first child there is often an introduction. And that there is a good chance you will give birth in the hospital. But it all went exactly as I had hoped. She came into the world at home and in a bath. Partly because of this, breastfeeding - another big wish of mine - also started very well.
Suzy is now 5 weeks old. During my maternity week, the breastfeeding was right on track. I did not experience any congestion and Suzy was able to match supply and demand perfectly. As a result, I didn't have to pump in the first few weeks. Of course, I did have a breast pump ready, namely the NurtureGoods Smart 3.0 Dual Efficient Breast Pump. Always from bed, I could see it in Suzy's closet. I found it very comforting to have a breast pump ready. So for many expectant mothers, the price is very affordable and the reviews are very good. In case breastfeeding didn't take off so nicely, I had a backup plan ready: the breast pump. Because breastfeeding, preferably as long as possible: that's what I wanted so badly too!
Getting used to breastfeeding
As is often the case with breastfeeding, your breasts take a lot of getting used to at first. I found it quite tough to keep breastfeeding because it hurt so much. This made me look up to the feedings a tiny bit. But at the same time, I wanted nothing more than to persevere. Here too it was nice to know that there was a breast pump ready for me. In case I really couldn't make it anymore. But the pain ebbed away and I was able to enjoy more and more the beautiful moment between me and my daughter. I breastfeed on demand and that works very well.
I deliberately waited - not entirely without struggle, that is - until my daughter was 4 weeks old before I would start pumping. First of all, I felt very strongly that supply and demand were so nicely matched that I didn't want to get in the way of this process. When we heard at the consultation office that she had grown from 3890 grams to 5600 grams, I knew: now we can start pumping.
Stock up in the freezer
I also really liked how this feeling came very naturally. The first weeks you are very busy with bonding, feeding and so on. But now I felt: there will come a time when there will be more time for me. Even if it's just being able to exercise for an hour. I want to have breast milk in the freezer or be able to put some surplus in the bath for her little skin. So time to start pumping!
First of all, NurtureGoods Smart 3.0 Dual Efficient Breast Pump is a very handy breast pump. I tested it briefly and I can easily take it with me later when I go out and still want to pump. In addition, I also think the breast pump looks aesthetically pleasing. The colors and shapes are very anno today. Cleaning, something you don't want to take too long to do, is also smooth. You can easily reassemble everything. This is definitely not higher math.
Me-time while pumping
But it doesn't hurt at all. For me, it was also an absolute moment of rest. Pumping with a podcast while Suzy was sleeping close to me. I had planned the pumping so that it was always during a nap of hers, so she would not be short of milk. Nor did it negatively affect my milk production, or supply and demand. Something I am also very happy about. Another positive I find is the fact that the sound is not mega loud. So it's not disturbing and doesn't wake the baby. After all, it is very nice to have your baby around in order to get the milk production going a bit.
Now that the freezer is starting to fill up a bit, I feel the space to really take a moment for myself soon. I believe a good pumping machine is absolutely a must for your baby gear. Not only to experience more peace during your first breastfeeding period, but also to eventually feel and experience that there is enough nutrition for your baby which can also make a little more room for mom.
Much love, Laura Louise
Want to know more about Laura Louise? Then follow her on Instagram @lauralouise.co.uk