Going from EBF to EP

Lhand11

How do I make this transition so we don't miss feedings? How much does LO eat from a bottle?

I resent feeding DS. He pulls out of a good latch. It still hurts like hell. I don't feel this magical connection. I am exhausted.  

EveryNameIWantIsTaken

I'd start off offering him 2 oz a feeding.  When he finishes that each time, add another half ounce and so on.  Pump every single time he eats until he's around 6 weeks to establish good supply.  Still feed on demand.  That's what I did and I only have to pump 6-7 times a day and I have about 4 oz I can freeze each day too.

ashleylach

Honestly you're only a week out and it's going to still hurt but it will get better!  I would give your boobs a break and pump a few sessions to replace your LO's feeding, but I wouldn't give up on breastfeeding. 

I breastfeed completely until I went back to work and I only pump 4x while I'm gone and I hate it.  I always find excuses to not get myself up from my desk and actually go and pump. I would say that around 3 weeks so 10 days more for you and breastfeeding wasn't uncomfortable anymore.  Like you, I had no idea breastfeeding was going to hurt so much in the beginning, but the LC told me it does because your nipples need to stretch out and get used to it.  They don't magically do that beforehand.  Good luck!!

Ardmhs83

Your LO is only a week old...this is normal.  He is still learning and so are you.  If you are having problems you need to see a LC or call a lady from the LLL to help you.  They saved me....several times.  Breastfeeding can be really hard at first, but with time it is sooooo easy and you will begin to feel that "magical connection." 

IMO, you need to give it more time b/c nursing is a heck of a lot easier than pumping!!!  Trust me...I pumped 3x a day when I went back to work and I HATED it!  When you nurse there is no cleaning, no heating, no nothing.  Just pop them on, they eat and then your done.  Like I said before, give it more time...sometimes it takes a couple months for your LO and you to finally "get it."  Call someone for help...that is what they are there for. 

 Good luck!   

mundayem

I understand your desire to quit and if you really hate it you have to do what's best. But do call an LC first and try to get some advice. All of a sudden at 4 weeks like magic my nipples stopped hurting. Try to stick it out, it's worth it. 

janinekrause

I am the other side..Sorry ladies. I exclusively breastfeed my first and NEVER enjoyed it, never found a connection, never found it easy. I did it for 9 weeks then quit.

BUT with this one I exclusively pumped and it was WAY harder. Just all you do is pump, clean stuff, and feed.

So that being said, if I wanted to do breast milk, I would have BF this one. It was just circumstance with her in NICU.

I would pump and BF and give it another week of trying. If you still hate it, don't feel guilty pumping or doing formula. The idea here is to also enjoy your baby and not be bitter.

Lhand11

Thanks for all the advice. I think I am just going to try both pumping and bfing right now. I do see how EPing can be worse and more stressful. DH is very adamant that we don't switch to formula which makes me feel trapped. I am going to do the best I can with the mantra that it will get better! It is just so hard right now. Being a FTM is scary stuff...