EP Check-in 9/22

conradraging

Since there was some interest in this, I figured I would go ahead and start it.


How old is LO?

How long have you been EPing and how is it going?

How many times a day are you pumping?

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately?

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful?

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn?

epaprn

I will start. I have been EPing since the beginning. She wouldn't latch, even immediately after birth and my milk didn't come until day 7. I pump 8-10 times per day, including once overnight. I get 1-2 oz per side, per session, so I don't have enough to save or be ahead, so she gets formula overnight, since she takes 2-3 oz per feeding.
My supply has increased a bit since I started mother love more milk special blend and I have oatmeal every morning.
My fave part of autumn are: leaves, pumpkins, cider and cider donuts.

poptart109

How old is LO? 1 day shy of 3 weeks

How long have you been EPing and how is it going? Since day 4

How many times a day are you pumping? Every 3-4hrs so 6-8x?

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately? My nips hurt and I'm running out of storage baggies I pump on the "min" level of my PISA, I guess they are just sensitive

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful? Pump when LO eats so you maintain your supply.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn?
I live in FL, we have winter-ish and summer only

Bonnesetter27

I hope it is ok that I join.

How old is LO? 14 days

How long have you been EPing and how is it going? Today is the first day. DD lost 10 oz in a week from bfing so now I let her latch and use a SNS to give her milk then I pump. I realize I am not going to be able to keep this up though and will have to EP.

How many times a day are you pumping? Every 2 to 3 hours.

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately? I am worried about keeping my supply/upping it a little.

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful? I think power pumping has really helped.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn? Hoodies!

conradraging

How old is LO? 12 days

How long have you been EPing and how is it going? Since about day 5, so one week.

How many times a day are you pumping? Between 7-10, averaging about 8.

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately? Keeping up with the every 2 hours during the day has been a challenge, but it's getting easier and supply is improving.

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful? Hands free has saved my life, and I tried the power pumping today for the first time so we will see how that goes. And not washing the parts after every single pump, too.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn? Sweater weather and pumpkin spice lattes, cuz I'm a basic bish.

conradraging

@Monicavickery‌ no problem! It's nice to have a place where everyone isn't trying to convince you to go back to breast.

JustCricket

I'll check in tomorrow on the computer... but very similar situation to @cpj7‌ started bfing today... but not sure ill ever transition... we'll find out this week if I'll be permanently EP'ING

conradraging

@Cpj7 and @JustCricket‌ you are both more than welcome to participate in the check in whether you transition. Or what, if you like!

Like I said in the other thread, I'm not like "oh you bf today? You can't sit with us". If you feel like the check in applies to you at all, or you have any input for the others here, I would love for you to contribute!

JustCricket

How old is LO? 6w on thu

How long have you been EPing and how is it going?
since day 2
How many times a day are you pumping?
8
What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately?
time and some bottle feedings are a struggle also clogged ducts
What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful?
don't quit on a bad day
GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn? weather!

JustCricket

fuck it. I fail at bfing. She's latching fine ish... but ahe just took 2 oz from the bottle after 40min on the boob. my boobs hurt from not being emptied... and idk if I can take this stress of not knowing if she's eating enough

whitney4126

How old is LO?
13 days

How long have you been EPing and how is it going?

I have done it for most of 8 days, but have attempted the breast here and there. Pumping isn't that difficult, but I'm still struggling with breastfeeding not going like I had hoped it would. I have been shocked by all the emotions it has brought up.

Baby was born with a pretty moderate tongue tie. She was completely unable to latch onto my nipple, so I immediately had to use a shield and pump. She had the procedure done where they snipped it before we left the hospital. She was immediately able to latch to my nipple and I was so happy. She nursed constantly all that weekend. But apparently latch wasn't good about 25% of the time, and a lot of damage was done to my nipples. In addition, the roof of LOs mouth is slightly misshaped because in utero she was constantly digging the tip of her tongue into one spot due to the tongue tie. This forces my nipple into a grove which causes damage no matter how good the latch is. I have consulted at length with a lactation consultant. The LC felt like milk was transferring well to baby. Due to the severity of the damage to my nipples, she advised me to EP for a few days to let them heal, then slowly reintroduce with the shield. But ever since I did that, I feel like my breasts are still engorged when she is finished. And probably the hardest part is that LO has never voluntarily come off the breast. I always have to cut her off at an hour because I can't take it anymore. And then she doesn't seem satisfied and is starving within an hour.

How many times a day are you pumping?
8

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately?
Just trying to schedule it if I ever leave the house. Also feeling guilty about liking EPing better than breastfeeding most of the time.

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful?
Not washing the parts every time and sticking them in the fridge was a huge help. Plus the flanges feel better on sore nips when they're cold.
Also, at the end of each day, I just remind myself that I've been able to go this many days with only giving baby breastmilk, which was my ultimate goal, even though it hasn't happened the way I thought it would.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn?
Pumpkin everything!

conradraging

whitney4126 said:

How old is LO?
13 days

How long have you been EPing and how is it going?

I have done it for most of 8 days, but have attempted the breast here and there. Pumping isn't that difficult, but I'm still struggling with breastfeeding not going like I had hoped it would. I have been shocked by all the emotions it has brought up.

Baby was born with a pretty moderate tongue tie. She was completely unable to latch onto my nipple, so I immediately had to use a shield and pump. She had the procedure done where they snipped it before we left the hospital. She was immediately able to latch to my nipple and I was so happy. She nursed constantly all that weekend. But apparently latch wasn't good about 25% of the time, and a lot of damage was done to my nipples. In addition, the roof of LOs mouth is slightly misshaped because in utero she was constantly digging the tip of her tongue into one spot due to the tongue tie. This forces my nipple into a grove which causes damage no matter how good the latch is. I have consulted at length with a lactation consultant. The LC felt like milk was transferring well to baby. Due to the severity of the damage to my nipples, she advised me to EP for a few days to let them heal, then slowly reintroduce with the shield. But ever since I did that, I feel like my breasts are still engorged when she is finished. And probably the hardest part is that LO has never voluntarily come off the breast. I always have to cut her off at an hour because I can't take it anymore. And then she doesn't seem satisfied and is starving within an hour.

How many times a day are you pumping?
8

What struggles/concerns are you having with EPing lately?
Just trying to schedule it if I ever leave the house. Also feeling guilty about liking EPing better than breastfeeding most of the time.

What is the tip/trick/piece of advice you are currently finding most helpful?
Not washing the parts every time and sticking them in the fridge was a huge help. Plus the flanges feel better on sore nips when they're cold.
Also, at the end of each day, I just remind myself that I've been able to go this many days with only giving baby breastmilk, which was my ultimate goal, even though it hasn't happened the way I thought it would.

GTKY: What is your favorite thing about Autumn?

Pumpkin everything!


For leaving the house, I usually just pump before I go, regardless of how long it's been since the last pump, then I pump when I get back. It's not the most consistent, but then I don't feel like I'm missing pumps.

And don't feel guilty! Lord knows I did, and sometimes still do, but then I just remember I'm still giving her breastmilk, just with a different delivery. And she's gaining better this way.

JustCricket

cpj7 said:

JustCricket said:

fuck it. I fail at bfing. She's latching fine ish... but ahe just took 2 oz from the bottle after 40min on the boob. my boobs hurt from not being emptied... and idk if I can take this stress of not knowing if she's eating enough

I could've written this. I've had to supplement today too.
Edit: sp

i feel like crap. she screamed for hours last night sat on the boob for ages and did what I thought was eating. apparently not. I guess I'll put her on the boob from time to time... but seriously I think I like the routine I had with pumping.... I actually got sleep... and she got food and could GROW!!! I'll have to have a chat with the LC today. she was a different baby as soon as she ate from the bottle. Happy, calm, and content. I'm thinking I like that "happy baby is a happy mom advice"

JustCricket

@conradraging‌ I like that tip with the pump then go out and thrn pump when you're back... ive used something similar to get a good stretch of sleep during thr day when h can feed her.. then I sleep for 4hours

JustCricket

Monicavickery said:

@JustCricket My LO was doing the same kind of thing early on. He'd fall asleep immediately at the boob, and if I tried to keep putting him on he just screamed bloody murder till he got a bottle. It was a hard adjustment for me emotionally to switch to EPing, but it has worked out so much better for our family. Like Conrad said, I have to remind myself that he's still getting breastmilk & I'm doing the very best that I can for him, even if he's not EBF in the traditional sense. It sounds like you're trying your hardest to do what's best for your baby, and that's the most important part at this point. Even on off days, you're still a great mother!

it was like magic when I got her to eat the bottle. I also felt like crap realizing that she was crying not just because of the gas, but because she was hungry

poptart109

I also pump prior to going out and pumping when I return. If I know I'm going to be out a while I'll bring my manual one with me. This has worked well for me too. I knew from the beginning I was going to EP but like others said, also felt guilty about not having her EBF and it was mostly due to friends/family pressure but at least she's still getting the breast milk and DH is able to help.

slowmo

Maybe checking in a bit prematurely. Our feeding routine is in flux. Baby has never latched well, and was underweight and dehydrated at first pedi appt. I felt so horrible. Dr told us start supplementing with formula, and he really took to the bottle. Of course now it's harder than ever to get him to latch. Saw an LC yesterday. He would latch, but wasn't sucking effectively. She told me to start pumping 8x/day to boost my supply and obvi get him some breast milk. So right now our routine is attempt BF, supplement, then pump. It's so exhausting. I would totally be on board with EP, but my supply is crap. My milk never really came in (I'm 10 days post C/S), so the most I'm getting per pump is 1.5 oz (and often much less). Anyway, I appreciate all the advice I've read here!

epaprn

I have a question - all I've been reading is saying to pump until the milk stops flowing and to even pump 3-5 minutes longer to stimulate production. I don't ever stop flowing - not that I actually 'flow', but I get constant dripping. The LC says to do 15-20 min maximum, but I've read to continue up to 30-45 min as long as the milk is flowing. What do you do?

JustCricket

okay I had a nice chat with the LC. She doesn't want me stressing. lol (nor do I) so I'm just going to do one or two feeding sessions on the boob a day (in the morning when baby is less fussy). I will continue to pump as scheduled. lol I'm 10000% okay with pumping for the rest of her breastmilk eating career. I just need to heed my own advice. Never quit on a bad day. 

@epapm are you massaging your breast? I find this helps the milk come out faster (and more of it) and that may help you get all of your milk out. Although I do know that many women just take longer to empty, and you just may be one of them. If you're happy with your supply I wouldn't stress the time pumping. Also I've read that often it is more important how often you're emptying the breast vs how long you're hooked up to the pump.

epaprn

Yes - I'm massaging. The LC told me also no longer than 20 min...just wondering what others are doing. How about nipple soreness? They aren't sore or cracked, just overused. Any remedy for that? Olive oil on the flanges maybe?

JustCricket

epaprn said:

Yes - I'm massaging. The LC told me also no longer than 20 min...just wondering what others are doing. How about nipple soreness? They aren't sore or cracked, just overused. Any remedy for that? Olive oil on the flanges maybe?

I used to do 20-25min now I just do 20min. The 25min or more sessions were when I hadn't pumped in a while and felt I needed to pump longer to empty. I use lanolin (lansinoh brand) but I hear olive oil and or coconut oil are great alternatives. Definitely make sure those nips are oiled up for pumping.