Going from BF to EP - please help

may2010wedding

To make a long story short DD is teething and using me as a teether and has now refused to BF. So bottles it is. I am just wondering for those who went from BF to EP did you see a drop in your supply to start out with? I have not had a drastic drop but enough. I know the pump does not work as well as she does at emptying the breast but I feel so lost. I was not ready to stop so I am just trying to adjust the best I can. I am trying not to stress as I know that affect my supply as well. I am still hoping to make it to a year with BM. Any advice or words of encouragement would be great.

ksulli

I would say don't give up yet, if you don't want to, which is how your post reads to me. Have you tried massaging the breast before putting LO to it? When they're teething it helps if the milk is just ready to flow because the sucking can hurt their gums. Also rubbing her gums with some pressure first will help relieve the pain before putting her on to nurse. That said, if you want to pump, go for it- I respond pretty well to the pump, but if you don't, I've heard it helps to keep pumping for a min or two after the milk stops flowing (this signals your body that you need more milk). Also, maybe put in an extra pump overnight if you are coming up short. Good luck either way!

saraboston

How you pump can make a big difference in your output. Personally, LO has never been able to empty me as well as I can get from the pump.

https://newborns.stanford.edu/Breastfeeding/MaxProduction.html

maddiemoon43

This is an amazing resource for all things EPing.

https://forums.ivillage.com/t5/Roll-Calls-Introductions/Updated-Beginner-s-Guide-looking-for-input-and-any-additions/m-p/116687945/message-uid/116687945#U116687945

larrysdarling

What have you tried to do to stop the biting? 

My daughter started biting at 6 months but I was able to stop her and continuing bf'ing.  What worked for me was 1. anticipating when she would bite- she did it when she was pretty much finished nursing and 2. ending the nursing session when she did bite. I would pop her off and say "No, no biting mommy".

My pumping supply took a nose dive around 8 months. I was just pumping at work - I sent my last bit of my stash into dc yesterday, packed up the pump, and she gets formula at dc.

I'd hate to see that happen to you if you want to still continue nursing.

Good luck.