I can't be the only one?

earlgreygirl

Im a new FTM mom and my LO is nearly 5 weeks old---I EP.....sigh.  Since I have to take care of pumping and my LO (which I can't say is easy!!) I have a seriously hard time leaving him in another room to go pump or go to the bathroom!  Am I the only one that struggles with this?!!  I know it's probably FTM feelings but I have this psychological barricade that makes it really really hard for me to leave him in a safe place (crib, bassinet, or pack and play) to go to the bathroom or pump for 10-20 minutes....what if he gets hungry?  what if he starts just absolutely wailing?  I've been lucky having DH around due to Christmas/New Year but now it's back to reality.......

None of my friends EP so we aren't in the same boat...

Thanks! 

redhead610

As far as going to the bathroom, it would be okay to put lo in the crib. If he starts crying, it's not like it will be a long time before you can come get him.

As far as pumping, I don't ep, but if I needed to pump during the day when ds was that young, I would put him in the bouncy seat, swing, or on his playmat in the same room. You could even sit next to him while he is on the floor/bouncy seat while you pump.

Adriainman

It is hard, I have the same feelings and my LO will be 5 mo tomorrow. You have to accept sometimes he will cry. I put my LO in the same room as me so I can talk to him. Also try a hands free pumping bra so if you have to pick him up you can

MWagner10

I EP so I know that it is super hard! I have a hands free pumping bra (simple wishes) and I pump either when LO is sleeping or playing. Sometimes I get on the floor with him and play while I pump. At first when I could not let him out of my sight I took him in the bathroom with me in the RNP and I still do this for showers. But if he is on his playmat or sleeping going to the bathroom is no big deal anymore. As long as baby is in a safe place you are good. A hands free pumping bra will be a lifesaver.

LnR70707

I mostly pumped over a year with my son.  I tried to pump during naps or in the bouncer.  He had reflux so there really was no leaving him anywhere I couldn't reach.  While he still slept with a swaddle I'd bottle feed, swaddle and rock to sleep on the boppy in my lap, then pump while he slept right there.  I did one day of EPing for DD at the request of my pedi and I used a hands free to pump while I bottle fed.  Took a little careful balancing but I wish I'd tried that with DS.

ns1

I remember feeling the same way with DD.  Even if she was fine by herself, it worried me that she wasn't getting mommy/daddy time.  But really, it is ok!  You need to get things done too!

But another possible option if you haven't done this already is to get some kind of bouncer seat or something like that.  DD didn't always like to be in her crib, but if she was bouncing in her bouncy seat she was happy!  That was my go to when I showered!

And, another thing, I found with DD that it seemed like she wanted to be held constantly in the beginning.  It does change; everything is a phase!  

Colada584

MWagner10 said:

I EP so I know that it is super hard! I have a hands free pumping bra (simple wishes) and I pump either when LO is sleeping or playing. Sometimes I get on the floor with him and play while I pump. At first when I could not let him out of my sight I took him in the bathroom with me in the RNP and I still do this for showers. But if he is on his playmat or sleeping going to the bathroom is no big deal anymore. As long as baby is in a safe place you are good. A hands free pumping bra will be a lifesaver.

This exactly! My LO is 3 months now and it is way easier than it was at 5 weeks. Hang in there. It will get easier!

Carnation77

I understand completely.  I put LO in a rocker or bouncey seat in the bathroom when I shower or go to the bathroom, and put LO in a crib and pump in his room where I can see him.  Do what's comfortable for you.  I rarely have LO out of my sight - just when I load the car to go to work and he's in the crib for those few minutes.  In fact I'm sitting here with the video monitor on beside me while he sleeps and I use the internet!  Do what you feel comfortable with.  

mexicolombiana

Just simplify things.  Why are you going to another room to pump? If you get worried about the baby alone while you shower just wheel the bassinet close to the bathroom, but honestly I would just take a deep breath and relax.  Babies are resilient.  Also try baby wearing!

Good luck

YellowLily2013

Yep, just take the baby with you! I've even had the baby on my lap while going to the bathroom!

URMySunshine77

I used to place DS in a bouncer next to me while I pumped. Then, when he got bigger, I placed him in the exersaucer. It supposedly helps you to produce milk when you see your LO's face. When your LO gets bigger, you can get on the floor and play while you pump. Don't stress, momma. You're doing great.