Exclusively pumping?

Linzers86

After almost 3 weeks of horrific pain and struggling to get a good latch, I have made the decision to primarily (and maybe exclusively) pump for my baby. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'm not too worried about my supply, I get between 3 and 4 ounces every 2 1/2 hours with both breasts combined, and my baby is only eating about 2.5 ounces per feeding… Just wondering if it's feasible to keep this up. I wanted to nurse so badly but it's making me crazy, depressed, and it's not fair to The rest of my family for me to be crying all day long.

taykerslake

There's an awesome conversation going on specifically called pumping exclusively if you use the search feature or just look a couple topics down. Good luck.

lwentland

I exclusively pumped for my first baby for about 7 months. I had a breast reduction and it effected my supply. He got about 50% bm 50% formula. I'm doing the same with this LO. I'd be thrilled to get 3-4 oz per pump. It will be a lot of work. I pump 7-8 times a day, every 3 hours for 20 min. Nighttime is a bummer. What are your concerns?

Ceridwen77

taykerslake said:

There's an awesome conversation going on specifically called pumping exclusively if you use the search feature or just look a couple topics down. Good luck.

But that thread is about pumping exclusively, while this one is about exclusively pumping.

Linzers86

Well, I guess it's just hard not to feel like I'm "giving up" on EBF...think I could ever get him back to the Brewer in the future if we can get these latch issues worked out?

ColoradoHiker

I'm exclusively pumping, my DS is 2w old. I think I have a pretty big supply, about 4-5oz per side, every three hours, pumping for ten to fifteen min. It's a little more if I run closer to 4hrs. But, I have always only pumped. I think you can increase your supply, it's just that your body has already adjusted for what your baby needs.

I love pumping bc it has given the opportunity for DH to help feed DS, and preserve my sanity. It's just as good as breastfeeding, and (I don't have experience with this, as I'm a FTM) I don't see why you can't go back to ebf if the latch issues are worked out.

volimte11

I pump exclusively for the same reason. My lo just won't latch and o get about 4 oz per breast per pump. I've been doing it for 4.5 weeks and while it's extra work it's doable and don't feel bad about it at all. I pump whenever lo eats during the day and every 5 hours during the night so I can also rest some