XP Transitioning from EPing to BFing/Today is my due date!

jesbeth

Today is DD's due date and I made a promise to both of us that I would get her BFing before we're out of isolation in two weeks.

Has anyone here made the leap from EPing to BFing? I really need some tips on the best way to do this. 

DD does not seem to have nipple confusion, I put her on my breast at different stages for practice and she does just fine, great latch, strong suck, and I can hear her gulping. Our only problem is the obvious one - the bottle is faster so she gets tuckered out.

We would have done this sooner, but my pump started to burn out without my noticing (it was borrowed and getting old) and my milk supply plummeted. I have since rented a Medela Symphony and am "back in business".

The only information I could find was to take a "nursing vacation" where I take DD to bed for 2 - 3 days and do nothing but feed her (breast only) whenever she wants even if it's constant, rest, eat and track her diapers. This would set my supply based on her needs. I would assume I may want to pump at least 1 - 2 times a day based on seeing other moms say not to drop pumping altogether? I'd still like to give her the occasional bottle in the future.

ETA: DD has had no problems with weight gain or reflux. 

I can't believe DD is already 5 1/2 weeks old!

tiannalee

jesbeth:

The only information I could find was to take a "nursing vacation" where I take DD to bed for 2 - 3 days and do nothing but feed her (breast only) whenever she wants even if it's constant, rest, eat and track her diapers. This would set my supply based on her needs. I would assume I may want to pump at least 1 - 2 times a day based on seeing other moms say not to drop pumping altogether? I'd still like to give her the occasional bottle in the future.

 

I think this sounds like a good idea.  I went from EP'ing to EB'ing (while still pumping a few times for a freezer stash).  Surprisingly, DS took right to the breast with very little complaint.  I think there were a few times in which he was getting impatient and cried but I think his hunger ruled out so he calmed down and continued feeding.  You may have some crying sessions to deal with but she may surprise you..Good luck!

jesbeth

tiannalee:

jesbeth:

The only information I could find was to take a "nursing vacation" where I take DD to bed for 2 - 3 days and do nothing but feed her (breast only) whenever she wants even if it's constant, rest, eat and track her diapers. This would set my supply based on her needs. I would assume I may want to pump at least 1 - 2 times a day based on seeing other moms say not to drop pumping altogether? I'd still like to give her the occasional bottle in the future.

 

I think this sounds like a good idea.  I went from EP'ing to EB'ing (while still pumping a few times for a freezer stash).  Surprisingly, DS took right to the breast with very little complaint.  I think there were a few times in which he was getting impatient and cried but I think his hunger ruled out so he calmed down and continued feeding.  You may have some crying sessions to deal with but she may surprise you..Good luck!

 

Thank you! I think I just need to make the leap wholeheartedly and not slowly transition.

jesbeth

softskate31:

I EP'd for #1, and from 5 days to 8 weeks we worked to get back on breast. We werent successful b/c of her poor milk transfer abilities and her chomping...we tried the cold turkey method which just resulted in a hungry baby and nipple damage, but our situation was different. Then we tried a gradual approach with nipple shield and with some pumped milk supplements, but in the end it just didnt work for us so I stayed EP. I think in your situation, going cold turkey would be best for transitioning...assuming LO is getting milk (watch diaper output). I would also pump 1x a day after a morning feed to have a little stash. I am able to BF #2...i think maybe a prior post made it sound like i went from EP to BF with the same baby...but it is 2 different little mouths. Good luck! Whatever method you feed by, you are doing a great job providing BM. I hope you can get back on breast...less bottles to clean and more time with baby!

 

It did, but thank you for the advice and encouragement anyway! If it doesn't work out for us, I may come to you for support and advice on continuing to EP if that's OK?