Breastfeeding and Bottles

Ideally, I would like to breastfeed exclusively for 5-6 months, or until baby is eating solids. This means that I do not plan to use any formula. I want to pump so that DH can feed the baby and so that we have bottles for when we have someone babysitting. Otherwise, I will be home with the baby full time.

Just wondering if I need to sterilize bottles now if I'm going to wait 4-6 weeks to pump?? I realize that there might be a chance that I cannot breastfeed, but assuming I can, no need to do the bottles now, right? I only have the Avent starter kit, do I need more bottles for the first couple of weeks?

You can sterilize them the day you need them. You dont need to put that 'in the way' with your move going on. Dont worry about it until you need it.
Since you plan to exclusively BF, maybe you can just have 2-3 small avent bottles handy. That should be sufficient.



Edited to add: As you pump and get into a routine of DH feeding the baby pumped milk, you will know how many bottles you will need to have as 'storage' in the fridge for when DH feeds. You might also want to have at least one of the bottle lids (not the nipple, the cap) and have that as your pumped bottle for DH. Keep in mind what times you pumped. Im sure youve done your research on storage of breastmilk- thats a whole other discussion!

You'll do fine !

I'm just not sure if they would still be sterile 4 to 6 months from now.
Probably not.

Niha,
I think the Avent starter kit is ok for the first few weeks until you start a large pumping supply. I am still EBF and had only the starter kit like you do. My mom came over to help me out when Annalise was 4 days old. She sterilized the bottles for me. I bought more after a few weeks when I began pumping more often. It only takes a few minutes to boil a pot of water and and a few more to leave the bottles in there. I am sure your DH will be able to help you out with this. Try to relax get some rest until the baby comes. You will be a BF pro in no time.

Niha, I will not address the sterilization question, since you got plenty of those answers. However, I did what to address something else that you mentioned....that you are not going to pump until about 4-6 weeks after the baby is born....

PLEASE, read as much as you can on the topic of BFing and educate yourself as much as possible BEFORE you give birth. The reality is, you MAY HAVE TO pump as soon as your milk comes in (which is about 3-4 days after you give birth - it varies for every woman), in order to have an ample supply of milk. BFing works by supply and demand and some babies aren't very hungry the first couple of days, and they sleep more than they feed. If your baby is not 'demanding' milk, than your supply will suffer in the long run.

Niha, I highly recommend the book, A Nursing Mother's Companion. It is very informative and helps you understand the demands BFing and your baby will have on your body.

Thanks everyone. This is one topic that I definitely haven't done my research on. I just bought the Womanly Art of Breastfeeding and Claud, I'll check out the book you suggested.

I plan to call the local LLL, but I think I'm a little afraid to go to a meeting, since I've heard they are pretty fanatical. Even though I would like to bf for a long time, if it doesn't work out I don't want to feel guilty.

It sounds like there are mixed ideas about introducing bottles and pacifiers and I'll just have to do what works for me and the baby. I have read about engorgement, and that is why I thought I might need to pump right away and freeze the mild for later. Another thing I need to learn more about! Okay, off to read my books!