Anyone exclusively pumping?

MonsterBean3815

DS is 8 days old and I am having a horrible time with breast feeding. My right nipple is fine and painfree but my left is extremely sore, to the point of tears throughout his feeding session. I don't want to give up on breast feeding and I know exclusively pumping is hard in its own way, but I'm seriously at the end of my rope. I dread every feeding and feel that I am not able to fully bond with my son because I just wish I didn't have to breast feed him. I know this sounds horrible and I feel so guilty about it, but I don't know what else to do. I know I can call a lactation consultant, and I plan to do that, but I don't know what to do in the meantime. I am planning to go back to work at 6 weeks, so he will need to take a bottle all day and I will need to pump, so I'm wondering if it just makes sense for me to exclusively pump starting now. I really think I would enjoy my relationship with my child more, but I also don't want to give up too soon. I'm sorry for the rambling, but I'm feeling hopeless and just looking for some insight. Thanks, ladies!

mle929

Have you thought about using a nipple shield? The LC at my daughter's pedi gave me one and I used it briefly (maybe for a week). It was a life saver b/c my nipples were cracked and bleeding. It didn't make nursing completely pain-free, but it helped and allowed my nipples to heal a bit. I went on to nurse for 17 months. https://www.diapers.com/p/medela-contact-nipple-shield-309954?site=CA&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=MED-040&utm_campaign=GooglePLA&CAWELAID=1338703107&utm_content=pla&ca_sku=MED-040&ca_gpa=pla&ca_kw={keyword}

foxrosy

Hi! I was originally a Feb mama but had my son on the fifth. I'm having similar problems because my nipples were wrecked after a tongue tie issue. I met with a LC yesterday and she said I could pump for a couple of days to allow healing and then go back to breast feeding. Well, what I've been doing is feeding on whichever nipple feels best, and then pumping after he eats. It's not pain free, but much more tolerable. Rubbing expressed breast milk and allowing to air dry also seems to work in making the pain a little more tolerable too. Don't feel bad, and don't bear yourself up. We're all trying our hardest to do what's best for our LOs! Whatever you decide will be what you can and need to do. HTH!

MonsterBean3815

mle929:

Have you thought about using a nipple shield? The LC at my daughter's pedi gave me one and I used it briefly maybe for a week. It was a life saver b/c my nipples were cracked and bleeding. It didn't make nursing completely painfree, but it helped and allowed my nipples to heal a bit. I went on to nurse for 17 months.

https://www.diapers.com/p/medelacontactnippleshield309954?site=CAutm_source=Googleutm_medium=cpc_Dutm_term=MED040utm_campaign=GooglePLACAWELAID=1338703107utm_content=placa_sku=MED040ca_gpa=placa_kw=keyword

I bought one tonight but can't seem to get it on my nipple. I'm thinking my left nipple must be too flat or something, which may be why it's hurting so much. I called the lactation center and am hoping to get a call back tomorrow. For now, I'm trying to pump a little to draw the nipple out before I try to feed DS.

MonsterBean3815

foxrosy:

Hi! I was originally a Feb mama but had my son on the fifth. I'm having similar problems because my nipples were wrecked after a tongue tie issue. I met with a LC yesterday and she said I could pump for a couple of days to allow healing and then go back to breast feeding. Well, what I've been doing is feeding on whichever nipple feels best, and then pumping after he eats. It's not pain free, but much more tolerable. Rubbing expressed breast milk and allowing to air dry also seems to work in making the pain a little more tolerable too. Don't feel bad, and don't bear yourself up. We're all trying our hardest to do what's best for our LOs! Whatever you decide will be what you can and need to do. HTH!

Thanks for this response. It makes me feel like there's hope. One question, when you feed LO from one side only, does he get enough to eat or do you have to give him a bottle as well?

mle929

MonsterBean3815:

mle929:

Have you thought about using a nipple shield? The LC at my daughter's pedi gave me one and I used it briefly maybe for a week. It was a life saver b/c my nipples were cracked and bleeding. It didn't make nursing completely painfree, but it helped and allowed my nipples to heal a bit. I went on to nurse for 17 months. https://www.diapers.com/p/medelacontactnippleshield309954?site=CAutm_source=Googleutm_medium=cpc_Dutm_term=MED040utm_campaign=GooglePLACAWELAID=1338703107utm_content=placa_sku=MED040ca_gpa=placa_kw=keyword

I bought one tonight but can't seem to get it on my nipple. I'm thinking my left nipple must be too flat or something, which may be why it's hurting so much. I called the lactation center and am hoping to get a call back tomorrow. For now, I'm trying to pump a little to draw the nipple out before I try to feed DS.

Good luck!

dancy8657

Your situation sounds EXACTLY like mine except I'm not going back to work. My son is 8 days old and was born 2 weeks early. He had the hardest time latching on after birth. And the nurses made me give him pedialyte and formula while in the hospital to make sure he was getting fluids. DS does this thing where he latches on for a few suckles then freaks out and forgets what to do. And the few times he actually nursed it was such a beautiful bonding experience. I've cried and cried and cried because he won't latch. But I'm also on the other end of the spectrum that when he does nurse, I never know if he's getting enough. I've been pumping every 3 hours since he was born. And he's been dealing with jaundice too. So I've been alternating formula and breast milk. I'm a FTM and I'm realizing how exhausting Breastfeeding/pumping is. Because there are times I could still be sleeping, but I have to get up to pump. And I feel guilty for wanting to quit because I loved the skin to skin bonding time and I know how great it is for him. I'm going to keep pumping until I just can't take it any more. I keep telling myself I get the perks of losing weight faster!

ann_jeremiah

Breastfeeding is not easy... I think it took us about a month to get the hang of it with DS1, which involved nursing then pumping and attempting to get him to eat what I had just pumped... It was a lot of stress...

emriley84

I could have wrote your post after I had my first. I was sore, cracked, bleeding, and at my wits end. DS would nurse for hours and still act starving, even though I had a good supply. He was attached to me allll the time. I saw LCs, I went to BF support groups. I decided to EP after about 2 weeks. I couldn't take it anymore.

I successfully pumped for a 10 months, but had enough until my son was over 1, donated milk to a bank for premature babies. It worked for us. I plan on BFing this time, but if it doesn't work out I know pumping is an option.

MrsWindyCity

If your nipple is inverted or flat, try breast shells (not a shield) before feeding. I have flat nipples, and they help to draw out the nipple. I would do what pp suggested and nurse on the side that feels okay and pump on the one that doesn't, until you are able to meet with an LC. I have CRAZY admiration for EPers, but pumping kind of sucks, so my thought is, if you can do more nursing/less pumping, that's the way to go if you are able to. Good luck! It's SO hard in the beginning!

cottingham3

First, congrats on LO! I used to be a March Mommy until my DS decided to come at 26 weeks back in December. I have been lurking back here since late Feb so I could see everyone's birth announcments. Because he is still in the NICU, I am EPing.

My DD was not a good latcher and I pumped a lot for her and only made it about three months. I personally regret not trying harder to find a solution to our issues than going to the pump. Then DS1 was an awesome nurser so there was no need to pump until I retured to work. This time I had no choice.

I want to encourge you that despite difficult days you can overcome BFing difficulties and reach your goals. I hope you get in with the LC and continue to use their services. They will help you use the shiled and pump most efficiently. Please dont give up EBF on a bad day. Between hormones, fatigue, and the pain with the problem you are having you make give up and regret your decision later.

At the same time, EPing can be done long term. I promise it can be as difficult if not more than ebfing. For one, it is a machine. You are tied to it and have to teach your body to respond to it. This has been difficult for me and I have had to be dedicated to the cause of providing BM for my son long term. At 10.5 weeks I still pump every three and set alarms to wake at night. My long term goal is to put him to breast. I dont think this will happen until aftet he comes home so I am not sure how in the world I will schedule pumping and caring for him both...that would be an additional challange.

I have found LOTS of encouragment and support on the BFing board. There are lots of EPers who have made it to a year and they helped me in my difficult days.

My opinion is if I had LO home I would do whatever it takes to ebf and not have to be tied to the machine. Part of that is beacuse I have missed him so much for 10 weeks... so your pain and difficulties may warrent a different path for you and LO. There is NO shame in whatever you decided. A happy baby and momma and the most important things!

Good luck an I hope you have an solution soon!

rm2013

Cottingham3, it's good to hear from you! Hope you get to bring your LO home soon!

OP I don't have any advice but wish you the best of luck!

breezelikewind

The first few weeks are so hard. I used the lanolin ointment practically hourly, but if you can make it through the first month, it's the most rewarding and wonderful bonding experience. I totally respect every person's decisions to BF, pump, or FF, but I assure you that BFing becomes so easy and pain free after a few weeks.

DawnLilly

I'm lurking sorry. My best friend is due this month. I EP starting in the hospital until 6 months. There was no clinical reason just a personal choice. I'm very very happy with it. I liked that DH and grandma's were able to bond over feedings. You can still do skin to skin. I also liked that I always knew how much he was getting. If you have any questions I'd be happy to share my suggestions and experiences.

jahjbmr

I exclusively pump for my daughter. She is 9 days old. She has trouble latching. She actually originally latches well but quickly slides to the end of my nipple. She is also very impatient. It took 1015 minutes to calm her down enough to eat before each feeding.

I started just pumping. I will still try Breastfeeding at times. Now that she is becoming more alert maybe it will go better.

It works very well for us. I can pump a lot though so have some in the freezer already so it is worth it to me.

She is much happier which makes me a happy mama. My husband can also feed her too which is soo Nice.

huntlavender

I had same issue with first - I tried a nipple shield and it did not work well - however, what I didn't do was get a good lactation consultant - if u don't have one then go and get one right away - and if the one u have is not giving u the answers then find a new one! I did end up pumping exclusively on the first because I never got a LC and my nipples never did completely heal - they were always sensitive. I had to supplement with formula because I could never get enough milk. I pumped for 6 weeks  

good luck - I'm hoping this time around I can get it right 

MonsterBean3815

Thank you all for your responses!  It really has made me not feel so isolated.  I have an appointment with an LC tomorrow, and they recommended I breast feed from the right and pump the left until they can see me.

 One question...  If you do EP, how do you warm up your bottles if you're out?  I'm guessing just running the bottle under hot water, but just curious. 

jahjbmr

I just run in under hot water when I'm
At home and out. I find it easier to warm in a bag than a bottle too

DawnLilly

Until DS was 3 months old I pumped every 23 hours. So warming wasn't really necessary. This was our schedule at 4 weeks. 5 am wake up feed DS the bottle that was out, after I fed him I put him in the swing and pumped. I left that bottle out because two hours later he'd feed again. After he'd feed I'd pump. Feeding right before helped my milk drop. I'd then leave that bottle out and repeat all day and night.

At 8 weeks he started sleeping 6 hours at night so that first bottle in the morning I'd warm in water. I continued to get up through the night even after he started STTN. I never let the span in the day get more than 3 hours to maintain supply but at night I'd only get up once to maintain sanity lol.