Exclusively pumping Big Thread

spalumb9

Anyone out there exclusively pumping? I tried nursing and it stressed me out too much. I want LO to have breast milk so I am exclusively pumping. How long is anyone planning on doing this? Any tricks for soreness? Share your thoughts....

isamaraguirre

Exclusively pumping here...but not by choice. Baby was in the NICU so he was only being bottle fed. When I tried to breast feed he just wouldn't latch. So now I pump and give it to him in a bottle. I also give him formula, unfortunately I am not producing enough milk.

Ill probably pump for as long as I can.
So sorry but I have no tricks for the soreness.

spalumb9

I am basically in the same boat @isamaraguirre‌. My little guy was in special care and wouldn't latch and still won't so I am bottle feeding breast milk.

MrsH2007

Exclusively pumping is hard work, but it definitely has its perks. I exclusively pumped for six months with my older daughter. It was great for others to be able to feed her, especially during those early months. I also got to the point pretty early on where I could pump during the day and skip the nighttime pump without a drop in supply. I have no advice for the soreness, but I do recommend pumping often in the beginning. I stopped at six months after getting the flu. I tried power pumping to get my supply back up after being sick, and ended up bleeding into the milk. That was also when my husband was going out of town for a few months and I just couldn't take care of my daughter solo while pumping. For me, it was just a good time to stop. I do know others that pumped exclusively for a year. My only advice is to try really hard not to obsess over it. Because you are able to measure how much you are getting, it is easy to let it completely run your life. When we got pregnant with this little one, my husband made me promise not to get crazy with the milk again. That is part of why I am breast feeding this time around and I haven't even pulled the pump out of the closet. I do miss the help that others were able to give me when I was pumping though. Good luck!

Mustardseed2007

I'm also exclusively pumping. Dd was in the nicu and I pumped then and am continuing to do it for a few reasons. She can latch but tends to immediately pass out afterward. Even though I'm using the slowest flow nipple I think it takes more effort to get milk from the breast so she just uses me as a pacifier. Also since her eating was an issue in the nicu, I feel more comfortable knowing how much she eats. Lastly, I'm going back to work in 4 weeks and I just don't know that it's worth it to work on getting her to latch and feed successfully when pumping is necessarily going to have to be a big part of feeding her anyway. 

 I found an article at one point that gave some tips on soreness and keeping production up that I have found helpful..I'm sorry I'm not sure where it was, it was just one if many I have come across while googling: 

1) pump at the lowest level. At one point I had read to pump at the highest level since babies are so efficient at the breast, but this article said that the level won't matter and higher levels just contribute to soreness. I have found that with using the lowest level I still get the same production and much less soreness. 

2) really try to get in 8 pumps. However they don't have to be 3 hours apart. I you need to, you can go 4 or 5 hours for sleep or some other activity and then make up for it with 2 hour stretches later on and your total production should be maintained. This has helped my production I think, bc I am now more often actually getting the 8 pumps in. 

3) I have put lanolin in my breast for soreness and it helps. I also put it on directly before pumping and then wish I didn't bc the milk stuck to the sides of the shield. I also read that you can apply some olive oil and I think that might work better bc it's not as thick as some of the petroleum based creams.

 4) I haven't done this yet but I do plan to try it: pumping in 10 minute increments for 1 hour to raise production. Again, I don't know if this works or not. 

I plan to keep pumping when I go back to work but I expect it to become harder and I expect my supply to go down. We will see. I definitely feel like we're doing this the hard way but it's also is the best way for us in our situation.

spano41

I don't have first hand experience yet but I've heard pumpin pal angled flanges can help increase supply and help with comfort. I've been getting a ton of info from the exclusive pumping board on baby center if you are looking for a resource.

mooncusp22

I am....kinda stumbled into it. Was really heartset on BF but DD was not latching and she lost 12% of her weight during the first few days after birth. Had to supplement with formula and pump, but my early pumping wasn't producing enough milk. Kept trying to BF for about a week PP but she was freaking out, I was freaking out- it just wasn't going smoothly. I felt so guilty I couldn't BF (still do).

Anyway, started pumping to get my supply up and could maybe get 1/2oz at each pump if I was lucky and would supplement formula. Now about 17 days PP and I am able to get around 1oz each pump session, 2 if I am really lucky. I feel like the supply is coming up. Thinking of going to a LC to maybe give BF another shot, but wondering if it's too late now...?

MrsMeatball41

While baby was in nicu I started pumping at 6,9,12,3,6,8,10,12 then I got to sleep 12:39-6. It was much needed I also would use warm damp hand towles( microwaved) before I pumped this helped get more milk and faster and after bc it helped with sore nipples. I did gv my nipples a break one day and only pumped 4 times. It helped as well good luck!

spalumb9

I would love to keep this thread going!!! I am enjoying the fact that people can help me out. However I do miss those moments of feeding and cuddling/playing right after when he is the happiest.

I am feeding 3oz every 3 hours. I pump about 5oz each time though. Therefore my freezer is jam packed already. I jut wonder when to increase and when to start spreading more apart too.

nursewinnie

I'm in the group as well. DD is a lazy latcher. She latches just fine but will fall asleep relatively quickly after about 5 suckles, 10 if we are lucky. So I started pumping and it seems to be going fairly well so far.

Been pumping every 2-3 (lately it's been every 2 hours) and getting about 3 oz on good pumps. She's eating about 1.5 to 2 oz per feeding. She's a comfort suckler so i still offer breast when she's rooting a lot but doesn't want to eat. Pacifier has been handy as well. It definitely helps to determine if she's really hungry or just rooting and suckling for comfort. If she is ready to eat, she spits the paci right out.

I second the notion that we should either keep the thread going or make a check in. It's very helpful to see what everyone else is doing and learn any tricks and tips we might be able to share.

JanMommy2under2

My son was in the special care nursery for a week with low blood sugar and put on an IV and formula, I didn't even get to try nursing for 5 days because of breathing issues.  So he won't latch, still at a month old.  I went to see a LC and she saw how worked up he gets with trying to breastfeed, and advised me to work on my milk supply for now since that is an issue as well.  Also my son is super grabby and kept ripping the nipple shield off like its his first toy.  It took me a few weeks and a lot of crying to realize BF isn't going to work for us, but I want to pump so he can get the benefits of breast milk, and to help cut some of the cost of formula.  

My question is:  How in the world do you have a life during the day with always being tied to the pump.  I feel like I can't get out of the house for more than 2 hours at a time because I always have to pump...how do you do it long term??

I keep thinking I can't wait to take my son to the zoo for the day, which is 45 mins away, and yeah I ordered the car charger for the pump, but if I go with my friends who EBF, I'd have to step away from whatever activity in the middle just to go to the car to pump?  Seems like a pain

Ashleypixie

I did with my second. She was a preemie and often fell asleep right away, and it was so stressful for me with her being so small and not knowing if she was getting enough. Pumping allowed me to monitor what she was eating and was more convenient having DH help out with feedings. She never had nipple confusion so I nursed when that was more convenient as well. I had to stop after 2.5 months because my supply went down, she had a milk protein allergy and I'm vegetarian and my vegan diet couldn't keep up my supply! (Not implying vegans can't breast feed, but I think the changes to my diet and the stress an exhaustion played a major role)

Mamamonzo

Ashleypixie said:

I did with my second. She was a preemie and often fell asleep right away, and it was so stressful for me with her being so small and not knowing if she was getting enough. Pumping allowed me to monitor what she was eating and was more convenient having DH help out with feedings. She never had nipple confusion so I nursed when that was more convenient as well. I had to stop after 2.5 months because my supply went down, she had a milk protein allergy and I'm vegetarian and my vegan diet couldn't keep up my supply! (Not implying vegans can't breast feed, but I think the changes to my diet and the stress an exhaustion played a major role)

I want to keep nursing but for the majority of the time pump. I'm gathering that's what you did? How many times a day would you nurse? Lucas is just a nightmare to nurse we get like one good session a day. I figure I can nurse once a day an pump the rest.

Mustardseed2007

Jessieann1020 said:

How much is everyone's LO eating at each feeding and how often are you feeding them? E takes 2 1/2 oz every 4 hours. I just wonder if this is typical. He is 11 days old. Also, maybe we should do a weekly check in? Or just keep this thread going like the BF thread....

I love the idea of a weekly check in or something. Or continuing this thread. 

My lo is 1 month - she will be full term-adjusted on April 14. She drinks 2 ozs (approx 60 mls) every 3 hours. I usually pump 50-80 mls per session unless it's been more than 4 hours (in which case it has been as much as 120 but never more than that so far) so in total I pump enough for her to eat but she does get 1 bottle of neosure per day with some vitamins. I'm kinda using that one bottle to help me get ahead.

 She's gained a ton of weight really fast on this schedule though I do wonder when she's going to go up on her feeds. Wig just keep watching her cues for now. 

Mustardseed2007

houzesm1986 said:

My son was in the special care nursery for a week with low blood sugar and put on an IV and formula, I didn't even get to try nursing for 5 days because of breathing issues.  So he won't latch, still at a month old.  I went to see a LC and she saw how worked up he gets with trying to breastfeed, and advised me to work on my milk supply for now since that is an issue as well.  Also my son is super grabby and kept ripping the nipple shield off like its his first toy.  It took me a few weeks and a lot of crying to realize BF isn't going to work for us, but I want to pump so he can get the benefits of breast milk, and to help cut some of the cost of formula.  

My question is:  How in the world do you have a life during the day with always being tied to the pump.  I feel like I can't get out of the house for more than 2 hours at a time because I always have to pump...how do you do it long term??

I keep thinking I can't wait to take my son to the zoo for the day, which is 45 mins away, and yeah I ordered the car charger for the pump, but if I go with my friends who EBF, I'd have to step away from whatever activity in the middle just to go to the car to pump?  Seems like a pain

This is where I would pump in 2 hour increments the rest of the day/night to give yourself like 5-6 hours or so between pumps so you don't have to worry about pumping while you are out. Also, I've never used it, but I would think maybe a  non electrical hand pump would probably come in handy so you don't have to go to the car but you can relieve discomfort?

PoppySeedWindsor

My sister is now just exclusively pumping with her LO who was born 3/19. She just made the decision to pump (poor sister cried about it) because her little guy wasn't sleeping for 12 hours and when he did fall asleep, would only rest for about 45 minutes. She wasn't sure if he was getting enough so now she is pumping on his feeding schedule. He's happy and gaining weight AND sleeping. 

I think it's a great way to still give your baby the amazing food you make, especially if you have trouble breastfeeding and don't have the resources/energy/time to get additional support (My sister doesn't. There are no lactaction consultants where she lives and she went back to work at her daycare that she owns 3 weeks PP). 

Ashleypixie

Mamamonzo said:

I did with my second. She was a preemie and often fell asleep right away, and it was so stressful for me with her being so small and not knowing if she was getting enough. Pumping allowed me to monitor what she was eating and was more convenient having DH help out with feedings. She never had nipple confusion so I nursed when that was more convenient as well. I had to stop after 2.5 months because my supply went down, she had a milk protein allergy and I'm vegetarian and my vegan diet couldn't keep up my supply! (Not implying vegans can't breast feed, but I think the changes to my diet and the stress an exhaustion played a major role)

I want to keep nursing but for the majority of the time pump. I'm gathering that's what you did? How many times a day would you nurse? Lucas is just a nightmare to nurse we get like one good session a day. I figure I can nurse once a day an pump the rest.

Just sporadically. If we were out a little longer than planned and pumping was an inconvenience, it was just easier than stopping what I was doing and finding a place to pump. A hand pump isn't always fun to carry either. There were some nights I was so tired that it was nice to just lay there half awake than have to get up and warm a bottle. I think I had the same plan as you but somewhere along the line it was just easier to wing it.

Kljensen23

My daughter was sent home with a uv blanket to help with her jaundice. This made it difficult for me to breastfeed her. I've been pumping exclusively right after her feedings (I was told to supplement with formula too for the jaundice). Also going back to work in 6 weeks so will be relying on pumping at that point too. To not lose that bonding time a lot of mom talk about with breast feeding, I've started putting her on my bare chest for skin to skin contact while she sleeps a few times during the day. To help with my soreness I used the soothie pads. They are rather expensive (~$10 dollars a pair) but really worth it to me!! I bought two pairs and keep them in the fridge. Putting on a cold soothie right after pumping feels so nice and helps with the discomfort!

amandamatt72409

We have to keep this thread going! W are at NICU now, day 4, LO born 4/9. She was in special care nursery for two days, and I as able to start with breast feeding. However, they had me start pumping to get my supply in since things were really up in the air with her treatment plan (depending on lab results).

I'm a FTM, and really did a lot of research through my pregnancy. I started drinking the mothers milk herbal tea the day after delivery. I've eaten oatmeal every morning for breakfast, trying to eat good amount of proteins and veggies throughout the day. Trying to eat a snack of some sort after every feeding. Drinking LOTS of water! I found some recipes on Pinterest for lactation cookies - seems that key ingredients are flaxseed meal and brewers yeast. Going to try those once we're home and settled.

LO is doing ok with nursing. Seems to depend on how full my breasts are and how hungry she really is. She gets sort of frantic and will latch but then if my milk doesn't let down immediately she's feeaking out and flailing her hand to her mouth. I try both breasts with cross cradle and football hold. She is not consistent with either hold. She is definitely favoring the right side. I've also been pumping for two minutes before we start nursing as it helps with letdown. Sometimes she will take both sides, sometimes not. Sometimes she only feeds 10-15 minutes then falls asleep, then after I pump she wakes up hungry so hubby will give her a bottle. I've been pumping after every feeding about 20 minutes. She seemed to be cluster feeding the last two nights.

I have no idea what to expect over the next few weeks, this thread will be so helpful to have!!

christinanoelle

How does exclusively pumping work? Do you pump every time LO feeds? Or can I just pump a few times during the day? I am very overwhelmed with nursing and enjoy pumping since I know how much LO is getting..but I also can't imagine pumping at 2 or 4 am when LO wakes up in the middle of the night..

EnFuego12

This is definitely helpful!  I still have an inside baby but had such terrible luck with BFing my last two times I am completely overwhelmed by the thought of it this time around.     BUT I am determined to try it and have success.  I'm hoping it will be somewhat easier having only one infant at a time and more manageable.  I did like pumping as a means to know how much LO was getting before (both lost tons of weight because they weren't getting enough and it freaked me out as a new mom), but would love to be able to BF and cut out the extra steps. I'm grateful that there are mamas out there that can sympathize and are able to share their good ideas!  

spalumb9

So it seems decided... We will use this thread continuously!
My husband feeds Owen at night while I pump the next bottle. Any extra goes in the freezer for when I "quit" pumping. My boobs are so big I don't dare try to skip a pump. So every three hours I am attached to the pump. I used the battery pack to pump in the car today on the way home from a mall 45 minutes away.

How long do you all plan to pump and feed breast milk to your babies?

spalumb9

Just need to say I feel like I have been attached to the pump all day!!!

marsht

A14 mom/lurker here. WIth DD1 I did for 15 months- I work full time too as a teacher. I also donated 2500 ounces to another mother who couldn't produce for medical reasons. YOU have to be very committed but it can be done. I got a attachment for the car and would pump when driving when I was going to be out for long periods of time. I just brought a cooler and icepacks along. 

christinanoelle

Bump

Mamamonzo

I am just barely keeping up with his demand. I've been told pumping will increase supply, when does that happen. I'm freaking out because I can pump exactly what he needs. I never have "extra" anyone else just squeaking by?

Mustardseed2007

Jessieann1020 said:

Are you all washing your pumps after every pumping session? I've heard you can stick a pump in the fridge so you only have to wash it once a day. Wanted some input on the difficulty of using the parts.

I wash all the pieces once a day with hot soapy water and then just rinse them after each use and stick them in the refrigerator! My nurse in the hospital told me that trick.

this is what I've been doing for the past 2 weeks and its been a lifesaver. I cant imagine sterilizing after each pump or even once per day...I wouldn't be able to keep up even on maternity leave.

Mustardseed2007

Mamamonzo said:

I am just barely keeping up with his demand. I've been told pumping will increase supply, when does that happen. I'm freaking out because I can pump exactly what he needs. I never have "extra" anyone else just squeaking by?

I do pump a little more than she needs but not much. I have excess only because she's on one bottle of formula w/a vitamin supplement. That's down from the 2 that the NICU doctor ordered due to some lingering jaundice issues that seem to have resolved.

A friend of mine that is exclusively pumping for her late February baby (2 month old) came by and pulled out a one of those TALL Dr. Browns bottles (probably only had maybe 6 ounces in it but still). I was like OMG DID YOU REALLY PUMP ENOUGH TO FILL THAT BOTTLE??? IN ONE SITTING?!?!

I can't even imagine it.

PurpleSnapDragons

I EP'ed for my first baby for 11 months.  I HOPE HOPE I won't have to again this time.  

Get a hands free bra!!  Seriously, simple wishes bra is AMAZING

Here are some links

Exclusive Pumping Groups and Info (also good for pump related questions)

• Ivillage forum and tips for Exclusive pumping -https://www.ivillage.com/forums/pregnancy-parenting/babies/exclusively-pumping 

• Ivillage beginners guide Exclusive pumping - https://www.ivillage.com/forums/pregnancy-parenting/babies/exclusively-pumping/exclusively-pumping-intros-chat/beginners-guide 
  
  
• FB group for exclusive pumpers.  Also a great place to ask questions about pumps, flanges, fit of pump parts, anything pumping or milk storage related - https://www.facebook.com/groups/19128555821/
  
  
• FB group beginners guide to pumping (need to join the group) -https://www.facebook.com/notes/exclusive-expressing-pumping/exclusively-pumping-a-beginners-guide/10151150392150822
  
  
• Kellymom on Pumping - https://kellymom.com/category/bf/pumpingmoms/

PurpleSnapDragons

Realize that many peds, obgyns and LC give crappy advice to EPers because they don't have much experience with it.  I REALLY recommend joining that FB group to be with tons of other ladies who have been there.

I PROMISE it gets easier around week 3 and then more around week 6-8 and more and more as you can start dropping pumps.

By the time I went back to work around 11 weeks, I was doing 6 30 minute pumps a day.  By about 4 months I was doing 5 30 minute pumps a day.  Realize that the middle of the night pump (between 1-4am) is SUPER important for supply.  I didn't drop mine until I quit at 11 months.  I was pumping 3x a day (every 8 hours) for 45-60 minutes at that point. 

Bonus, just like with bf, ep CAN keep away your period.  Not for everyone but mine stayed away until 6 weeks after I quit pumping.

PurpleSnapDragons

Another time saving trick is you can just put the pump parts in the fridge between pumps.  The only downside is I found it fogs up a bit when you start.  

When I pumped I would normally just rinse or wipe out my parts between pumps and then sanitize every 1+ days, especially as baby got bigger, I'd space it out

nursewinnie

Just for a daily update: holy cow did my milk come in!!!! DH stayed up with LO last night so I could sleep a 4 hour stretch. Woke up to pump and because I could hear LO crying (she hates diaper change time) after DHfed her. I started leaking! Then pumped 3 oz per

patunia7321

I guess I'm exclusively pumping. We didnt get a good nursing session in right after delivery, I was flat on my back getting my vagasshole sewn up and we couldn't get latched in that position. After that we did ok. All through my stay at the hospital and meeting with the hospital nurses and LC I was told everything looked great, his latch, our positioning, everything was great. I was obsessed with making sure everything was good to go and I took all the help I could get. He seemed like he constantly wanted to nurse, my nips were dying. We met with our pediatrician and LC the day after leaving the hospital and he had lost 10%+ of birthweight so we had to start supplementing with formula. I was beyond devastated, a hysterical mess, basically starving my child. I was a total mess. Apparently every was not fine. Our plan was to have him nurse both sides, go back to the first side to make sure I was empty, then give a bottle for supplement. Our first feed at home after that was picture perfect, and that was it. He wouldn't latch again. Every once in a while now I try again and he either screams or will latch for a few sucks and that's it. I'm blaming the bottle but who knows. At the time I was more worried about getting him fed than how he was getting it. Mistake? Maybe. Oh hindsight.... 

 Now I have a really low supply. It's very slowly increasing but I still am not pumping enough for a complete feeding. When I started 2 weeks ago I was getting 1/4 to 1/2 oz total (both breasts) now I'm getting 1- 1 1/2 oz total. I'm doing everything I can think of to increase supply. Taking motherlove more milk plus supplement, milkmaid tea, eating oats, lactation cookies, eating healthy, drinking insane amounts of water, getting as much rest as i can, pumping 8+ times a day- at least 2x are middle of the night, skin to skin. I keep telling myself any amount is better than nothing but it's so frustrating. If one more person tells me "noting drains the breast like a baby" I will throat punch them. 

So anyway, sorry so long. I will now be obsessed with this thread. I'm trying to make sense of what happened with us. Overall I have no problem with EP I just need to get the supply up, and I'm trying not to worry about it because of the effects of stress- vicious cycle. 

 I'd love any advice!

Edit: autocorrect 

spalumb9

Sounds like everyone seems to be in the same boat! We tried and this is what's best for our little families!

How much is everyone giving their littler ones and how often? I am giving 3oz every 3 hours. But I want to figure out a way to make at least one feeding a longer stretch. Thoughts?

nursewinnie

So far I give about 2-3 oz per feeding around every 2-3 hours. She has started today wanting to have half a bottle and then an hour later wanting more. I'm trying to keep that from becoming a habit with her, I can be up every hour at night to feed. Every 2 is enough!

Mamamonzo

spalumb9 said:

Sounds like everyone seems to be in the same boat! We tried and this is what's best for our little families!

How much is everyone giving their littler ones and how often? I am giving 3oz every 3 hours. But I want to figure out a way to make at least one feeding a longer stretch. Thoughts?

3 seems to be too much for Luke but 2 isn't enough. I do one bottle at 3 and he chows down then then next couple are 2.5. He seems to take the 3 right in the morning and at night.

liztheus

FTM Mom here- I so wanted to exclusively breast feed but after a jaundice issue he got used to bottles and now won't latch (screams and is PISSED) so I am now solely pumping. What I have figured out work best is to pump Atleast every 3 hours and Atleast 2 times in the middle of the night. Always have water by you and chug that shit down! I can pump 3-4 oz. each time. The last pump I have before bed I just keep on my nightstand so by the first time he wakes up I can just feed him that, then when he falls asleep I pump. Wake up, feed him the last pump etc...freshly expressed BM can last 6 ish hours at room temp and its much better than going to heat up a bottle out of the fridge every 3 hours at feedings. I never have to get out of bed at night (except to snack hope this helps other FTM's!

melissashogan

Hello looks like I am joining you ladies, bought my pump today and am about to give it my first go. Gage and I do well at some BF sittings but mostly we just get frustrated with each other. He likes to put his hands in the way refuses to latch at times falls asleep etc... I know he probablly thinks I am doing alot wrong as well and I probably am. We are going to EP from here on out and I hope that it will work better for us. Reading others responses to this thread gives me hope. It is important to me that DS gets my breastmilk and pumping is looking like our best option.

Amyboxer

So glad this thread is here! Benjamin seems to not want to breastfeed either. The LC even came to our house and he did it perfect when she was here and then never again. He cries and pulls away and then freaks out and it's just too frustrating for us both. Luckily supply hasn't been an issue and I can pump about 4-5 oz every 4 hours. I leave the bottle out at room temp for up to 6 hrs and that way it's always ready to go. I have some in the fridge and freezer as well. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience or ideas regarding traveling though. We're going to visit family about a 2.5 hr flight away for 4 days at the end of next month. He'll be about 2 months old by then. I'm just wondering how traveling will go regarding bringing the pump and milk and parts etc.

danamarie421

I am so very thankful for this thread! I have had a very difficult time with bf. I haven't been able to get LO to latch at all. I had a terrible experience in the hospital. A few of the nurses were just incredibly rude and made me feel terrible that LO wasn't latching. I have been so upset about this and it really has prevented me from enjoying LO's first days.

I'm sorry that so many of you have had similar experiences, but it makes me feel better that I'm not alone in this...

Mamamonzo

Jessieann1020 said:

Have any of yall tried power pumping?

Also, they say fenugreek makes you smell like maple syrup-I want to take it just so I quit smelling like a 13 year old boy who just left a July double foot ball practice!

I'm interested to know about power pumping on my left side. It supposed to increase supply and that's what needs to happen!!