Ah, finally, we’ve delivered our baby and they are here!  We have been waiting for this moment forever it seems like!  The feeling of holding them for the first time and bringing them home to complete the family is the feeling we’ve been waiting for! 

The first week of having your baby is very exciting, but it is also overwhelming.  If you’re like most mothers, you’ll be very emotional, may have the baby blues for a few days and will need some time to get back to your normal self.  One thing that seems to come out of no where is your breastmilk.  You’re soar from delivery, you’re tired and now your breasts have become so much bigger than before.

When your breastmilk comes in, they are often very tender, soar, and feel very heavy.  This can get a little overwhelming and you may be looking to start breastfeeding your baby. 

If your baby doesn’t take breastfeeding too well right away, don’t give up this is very common in the beginning!  It takes time for you and your baby to get used to doing it.  Although, one thing I found very helpful was a breast pump.  Since my baby didn’t latch on right away, I wanted to get rid of the pain and swelling by at least pumping it out.  I then stored it in bottles and fed it to him throughout the day. 

You can start using your breast pump right away if you’d like.  Some lactation consultants say to wait awhile, but when your breasts hurt, you will want to release the pressure!  Once you start using your breast pump or once your baby starts feeding off you, you will feel much better and your chest won’t be in anymore pain.

Breast pumps don’t offer that connection with your baby, but at least you’re giving your baby your supply of milk still!  Breastfeeding is an excellent thing to do for your baby and it will help them grow up big and strong!  So, whenever you’d like to start using your breast pump, go ahead!

There are a lot of great breast pumps on the market, but if you’re looking for the best, we have a whole list here!