I'm not Kara but I want to help. That said, my first suggestion is RELAX. Yes breastfeeding has its challenges but most of all it's a magical experience only you can share with your precious baby. So slow down a little and try to enjoy it.

Second, I personally think any time is a great time to start pumping if you want to build a stash. Preferably pick a specific time of day and then pump consistently at that same time every day until your stash is what you want. Do not be discouraged if you get very little milk in the beginning. Your body will respond to the increased demand over a few days or up to a week. Just be steadfast and confident in yourself.

Like Kara said, some babies like to comfort nurse which just means they would rather pass the time with a booby in their mouth. I had one of those and it seemed like she nursed endlessly. But at some point I just realized my life would go on. So I would nurse her in a sling so I could move around, or nurse her in front of the computer so I could work or play around etc... Trust me, before you know it your baby will be several months old and interested in the world outside the booby and you'll be begging her to please just breastfeed while she pushes you and tries to get down.

As for timing, this was frustrating for me because I went from the time the feeding started to the time the next feeding started. So if I fed her at 1:00 pm and again at 3:00 pm I said I fed her ever two hours. However she might have stayed on the boob for an hour or more from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm which some will tell you is outrageous. And for some babies they never would breastfeed for that long. But for my newborn and lots of newborns that was just her norm. It's what she liked to do. And fight it all you want, if you are committed to making breastfeeding work you have to listen to your baby and not the naysayers around you. Trust your baby.

Alright, I hope some of what I have said helps you a little. Trust me I know how hard it is. I have not had the easiest time. But I was committed and am so happy I never gave up. Now Addi is a walking almost talking 11 month old who is healthy as a horse thanks to me. We will continue to breastfeed for a long time and I absolutely adore the special relationship I have with my daughter. Best of luck. And come here any time you need advise or encouragement. That's what we're here for.

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