I have to agree the phrase it should never hurt doesn't always ring true. After Noah had thrush it made my nipples extremely sore, so even though healed now I am more sensitive than I was and when my little man is very thirsty is suction skills even when latched on well can hurt.

i might try him on the breast again next week and see wot happens theres no harm in having another go i guess im not sore anymore so shouldnt be as hard thanks for the advice

For various reasons, I exclusively pump and feed it via bottle and have not had any problems. Its nice for the OH/family also because they get a chance to feed and I get a rest!

Now my over supply has settled down (this happens in the first month) I only have to pump around 4 times a day for 20 minutes a pop (I use a duel pump)

Pumped breast milk is ok at room temp for 4-8 hours. Lasts in the fridge for 7 days and in the freezer for 6 months. I have a whole load frozen, pediatrician recommended it for times my supply go low, for example at the moment I just got my first period since birth and it's affected my supply slightly.

If you want to switch between bottle/boob, you'll need to get a wide based slow flow nipple. Have a look around, they make nipples especially for swapping between the bottle/boob.

Not true regarding it should never hurt. My LO had an awesome latch and very strong suck, but breast feeding to me felt like she was suckng my spine out thru my nipple. I have flat nipples and was using a nipple shield, and at the advice of a lac consultant persevered for 3 weeks because the "ligaments should stretch" and combined this with pumping to help the process, but could not take it any more. It was making me miserable, the baby was getting stressed.

Re bottle feeding the EBM is not as good skin to skin. I feed her when I'm sitting in a sports bra and she's in her nappy, she gets loads of skin to skin time.

As long as the baby is getting the goodness of the breast milk, I see no difference between it coming from a bottle or the boob. Mum has to do what's best for her baby/their situation, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting to feed BM from the boob. I don't find pumping time consuming or difficult, in fact it gives me 20 minutes to my self when I sit on here and catch up with the daily going-ons lol.