Hi All Mummies
I've been a silent reader and thought of sharing with you guys:
BREAST PUMP
I do direct latching with #1 and got the pump just in case I need to leave home. I realised that not many people are aware of this brand-Spectra. It's affordable and you can purchase extra parts for double pump. It's quite cheap for a double pump so you can actually put one at home and one if office compared to Medela. I'm not really sure if a good pump can help increase supply since I dun have much experience.
http://moms-rus.com/estore/product_info.php?cPath=30&products_id=439
Another suggestion is doing it manually, with your hands! There came a few times when I had breast infection and had to drain the pus that the cut by the surgeon was 2cm wide. No way to use breast pump. So I tried to do it manually and realised that it's not that difficult if you get the hang of it. Subsequently, I was too lazy to wash the parts of the pump and just do it manually.
DIRECT LATCHING
I read that a few people were unable to latch with #1. I had the same problem too as I could only try latching him when he came out from the ICU four days later. My lactation consultant at the hospital recommended Medela Nipple Shield Size L. (Only Size S and Size L) My boy was able to latch immediately! Life Saviour! Even my hubby said the invention of the nipple shield is so fantastic! I actually brought the Pigeon latex type to hospital just in case, but the shield was too thick and hard for my few days old boy.
I tried to do direct latching once in a while in his first month but the nipple kept slipping off becos I have short nipple according to the LC. I just kept trying once in a while and by 3rd month, my boy's suction is strong enough and his mouth is big enough to latch directly. I've been doing so till now that he is 17 months and still going strong with another little one inside me due in July.
NEPIA
I'm used to be a strong supporter of Nepia till the price get too expensive for size L. I remember ordering 2 packs of NB and 2 packs of size S for the first time. You can try which size is more suitable and according to them, you can exchange the next time you order if the size is not suitable.
I'm a strong supporter of breastfeeding so if you have any questions, feel free to PM me. [IMG=http://www.singaporemotherhood.com/forumboard/clipart/happy.gif]