FTM EPing...Need Help

jamieandlori

New FTM here.  My son was born April 10, so just a little over a week old.  I planned on EBF, but LO was / is a very sleepy baby and did not latch on well.  I want him to have the benefits of breast milk, so I started pumping and bottle feeding.  I have a Medela PISA, but only pump one breast at a time, because I tend to get more milk this way.  I am currently pumping approximately 8 times a day, each breast 15 minutes.  I am averaging about 1.5 - 2 ounces per pumping session.  LO is currently eating approximately 2 ounces per feeding, so it is very hard for me to keep up with him.  When I do not have enough BM for him I supplement with Enfamil Newborn formula.  Yesterday I started taking 1500 mg of Fenugreek 3 x per day.  I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong.  EPing is definitely a challenge...especially when you're not even producing enough milk to keep up with LO.  I also feel like I'm spending less quality time with LO, because of always pumping.  Any advice or tips will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!
ETA - I try and pump on a time schedule. Should I continue to do this or pump whenever LO eats?

jaxlynn

I EP'ed with my first. In the beginning you should really be pumping as often as they eat. Which is a ton, I know. But you should try to mimic their demand as much as possible.You'll be able to drop pumping sessions gradually.

I'm sure some others will have suggestions on supplements you can take to help boost supply, I'm not very current on that so don't want to advise on that point! But I definitely recommend you eat oatmeal daily. It's shown to help boost supply and is easy (and cheap!).

Also, a time saving tip in case you haven't heard it, yet: in between pumping sessions, rinse and then store your bottles and flanges in the refrigerator. Since the milk is good in the fridge for so long, storing the parts in there and just washing them once a day is a huge load off.

From a comfort standpoint, and this sometimes makes a difference in supply, too, make sure you have the correctly sized flanges. Often the ones that come with the pump are too small and could be restricting your output. I personally LOVE these: Pumpin Pals

When I EP'ed I also "lubed" my nipples with olive oil. You just need a tiny amount to make a huge difference in comfort and it's safe for the baby. The more you are able to be comfortable and relax, the better your output will be.

Good luck and congrats on your baby!

jaxlynn

I will agree that EP'ing is "darned hard work" but it is possible - I EP'ed for a year. I had to return to work after 6 weeks. My daughter was 5 weeks early and despite being to various LC's and trying very hard to "get" breastfeeding, it didn't happen. Yes, feeding at the breast is definitely more efficient use of time (it's working well this time around, hooray!), but do what you need to in your situation.  

jamieandlori

Thanks for all of the info and advice. I'm going to try and step up my pumping to include every time LO eats. I'm also going to look into a LC.

teresajean01

I also want to suggest seeing a lactation consultant and keep trying to breastfeed.  I EP but continued to try to get DD to breastfeed for 2 months before deciding to pump.  Pumping is twice the work and was definitely a last resort for me. 

Also, I originally started pumping one side at a time with my PISA, but now only pump both with a hands free bra.  It will get easier and it's so worth it to give your LO the best.

tokenhoser

Also, worry less about pumping every X hours, and just set a minimum # of times per day. So if it's every 3 hours for a couple pumps, and then every hour for some, that's okay. They don't have to be even. I wouldn't go longer than every 3 at your baby's age, and like everyone said, getting the baby to the breast would be better. La Leche League may be able to offer some (free) help as well.

SusanP77

It might be helpful to go back to doing both breasts at the same time. I EP currently and my little guy is 9 weeks old. It is difficult and you feel like you have no time to yourself, but pumping both breasts at once might help. I suggest lots of water and oatmeal (not the instant kind, quick oats or old fashioned oats) I put fruit and brown sugar in it for taste! The amount you are getting seems pretty reasonable. I get approximately 2-2.5 oz. per breast every 3-4 hours and can keep up with a 9 month old who eats approximately 25-30 oz. a day.

 It can be done, just don't stress about it. It will affect your milk supply if you stress too much! Suppliment with formula when you need to (I did it at night because my LO slept better) and you will eventually stop needing to do that.

It's your choice (my little guy was a sleepy one as well) and do what you feel is best for you and your baby! 

Ms5586

EPing is hard work, especially in the beginning, but it's not impossible at all!  I'm going 7 months strong, and have been blessed with a good supply (I LOVE my pump - Avent Duo) without any supplements, and had to buy a deep freezer for my stash.  For us, it worked out perfectly.  My son refused to latch, so I started pumping when he was 2 days old. 

Just know that it is a lot of work, but it can be done.  It sounds like you are getting a good amount for right now.  You can have some formula on hand if you think he truly isn't getting enough.  Just know that you can supplement if you need to, and he will still be getting the nutrients from BM.  And if it doesn't work for you, that's ok too.  It wouldn't make you a failure by any means. 

jamieandlori

Ms5586:

EPing is hard work, especially in the beginning, but it's not impossible at all!  I'm going 7 months strong, and have been blessed with a good supply (I LOVE my pump - Avent Duo) without any supplements, and had to buy a deep freezer for my stash.  For us, it worked out perfectly.  My son refused to latch, so I started pumping when he was 2 days old. 

Just know that it is a lot of work, but it can be done.  It sounds like you are getting a good amount for right now.  You can have some formula on hand if you think he truly isn't getting enough.  Just know that you can supplement if you need to, and he will still be getting the nutrients from BM.  And if it doesn't work for you, that's ok too.  It wouldn't make you a failure by any means. 

 Thanks, I needed that bit of encouragement.