Retiring the Pump

MrsJOSEnADRI

Everything had been going well with pumping up until last week.  Due to several factors (still can't pinpoint exactly what happened), my supply took a tank.  I think between trying to wean, Elise STTN, and then starting the mini-pill, it just took a nose-dive.  I was pumping enough for 1 feeding every time I pumped and then it dropped to about an ounce per pump session.  I also dealt with some clogged ducts, but I kept messaging them during each pumping session and nothing. 

It was a tough decision, but I've totally weaned her onto formula in the past couple of days. She was getting one bottle of formula a day since week 2 so she's used to it and this little girl will apparently eat whatever you give her - BM, formula, hot, cold, room temp.  She's not picky!  It felt great to see the production of BM and to see her drinking it, but I really hated that pump.  I was considering attempting to boost my supply again but I don't want to spend my last three weeks with her attached to the pump boosting the supply and then having to wean those mid-day sessions again.  I had hoped to EP for at least 3 months and barely made it to 2 =(  But, I'm okay with my decision and, at least, my family is supportive.  The only one I hope not to get any heat from is MIL because she's always talking about how she EBF'ed all of her kids for a couple of years.  However, I was FF'ed from day 1 so my mom was impressed with my initial supply.  The pumping made her anxious, though, and I think she hates that pump more than I do.  She asked me if I could sell it or get rid of it, lol.  But, I might as well keep it from the next LO.  

Elise has her 2 month appointment next week so hopefully all will continue to go as well as it has so far. 

mjz

It sounds like you made the right decision! Glad you won't have to spend the rest of your maternity leave with her attached to the pump. That sounds like it'd be the pits.

Thinking of you often and am glad everything is going well!

Albah

Hey Adri! I completely understand the feelings you have towards the darn pump! lol I am not a big fan of it either. As long as you feel comfortable with your decision that is all that matters! 2 months of BFing is awesome and little Elise will grow beautifully no matter what! 

southmiamiwifejen

I think you're making the right decision. I hated pumping too. I had to introduce formula when Emma was 5.5 months old because my supply was no longer enough to keep up with her milk intake and pumping just stressed me out too much. I had perfect conditions at work for which to pump (my own office where I could keep the door closed and didn't have to ask for breaks to do it) and even under those circumstances I just couldn't deal with it. The pressure was too much...I hated watching how slowly those bottles would fill up and seeing that I had just wasted 10 minutes of my day to get enough milk for maybe half of one feeding.

I think Elise will be very happy spending the rest of your maternity leave with you and having your undivided attention instead of having to take time out to pump. Good luck! And for what it's worth, Emma had no problems with the transition to formula. She took it the same as breastmilk and luckily we never had any issues. We used Enfamil Premium with Lipil.

MrsJOSEnADRI

Thx for the support, ladies.  i have been thoroughly enjoying these past couple of days with Elise. I've filled our days with activities that don't require me to be home by certain times to pump!