i hate being an EBFing working mom =(

perry7285 · January 2011

don't get me wrong, i LOVE our cuddly time when i nurse. but now that i'm working, we do more pumping and bottle-feeding than actually nursing. and it SUCKS. to keep my supply up i'm constantly power-pumping, taking tons of herbs, and stressing out about not making enough milk. (i'm making enough now, but barely, and i'm a worrier.) my boobs are just getting beat up between regular BFing and all the power-pumping. 80% of the time i have shooting pains going through my breasts, and i actually have bruises where the pump breastshields touch the breast. how pathetic is that? and i've had to cut dairy and soy from my diet, which makes it stressful to find food i can eat.

don't worry, i'm not going to quit, it's worth all of this crappiness for my baby to have the best nutrition possible. but i'm sick of being stressed out and in pain. =(

okay, vent over. thanks for listening.

j11skate · January 2011

I'm sorry! It's good to get it all out and vent sometimes. I hope it gets better for you both.

ALY1981 · January 2011

This is my fear, I am so nervous about EBF and going back to work full time and pumping, worrying about if I can produce enough, etc.

Hang in there!

lnle · January 2011

ALY1981:
This is my fear, I am so nervous about EBF and going back to work full time and pumping, worrying about if I can produce enough, etc.

Hang in there!

it was definitely an adjustment when I went back to work. hang in there, and go easy on yourself. you're doing the best you can!

caityr · January 2011

Wow that is tough to be able to not have dairy or soy...I cut out dairy when dd was about 3 weeks old. Hang in there hon. I give you so much credit!

stepgirl21 · January 2011

I'm sorry. That totally sucks. You're right though, it will be worth it. You are a great mama! Hang in there.

jmkatz · January 2011

I completely understand. I just stopped pumping at work last week, though, and I am so proud of myself. You're so right - it IS hard, but knowing that I met my goal (surpassed my goal!) is so rewarding. And I love that I can still nurse my girl and have that time with her now.

desabean · January 2011

I am so glad that I EBF'd and I kept it up for 3 + months after I went back to work and I truly believe EBF'ing is soooo much easier than formula feeding-- UNTIL you go back to work and have to carry a pump, shields, have a way to clean the shields, a place to store the milk, find a way to pump 2-3 times a day for as long as you need to-- not just until someone starts knocking on your door, etc. etc. I was so ready to be done when I finally stopped.

But-- it's the best thing in the long run, hang in there!!

schoolsoutbride · January 2011

Have you tried different shields? Softer shells or a bigger size? I didn't realize how uncomfortable mine are until I got bigger ones (and I really don't have big boobs, so I was surprised they felt better.)

Pumping is hard work! I'm not looking forward to it when I go back to work.

Mouseygail · January 2011

Ditto the checking out different shields! And I completely sympathize. I think that dealing with supply issues, pumping, and bottle aversion is amazingly stressful! Huge hugs!! And anytime you need to vent, we are here!!

emmyloustu · January 2011

You are doing an amazing job! Hang in there, mama!

Have you tried soft shells?

dana316 · January 2011

(((Hugs)))

Hang in there, Mama. I can't imagine how tough that is...but you are doing a great job!!

Cassian · January 2011

Keep it up! It won't be like this forever. You are making such a good investment in your baby's future!

dusk42 · January 2011

schoolsoutbride:
Have you tried different shields? Softer shells or a bigger size? I didn't realize how uncomfortable mine are until I got bigger ones (and I really don't have big boobs, so I was surprised they felt better.)
Pumping is hard work! I'm not looking forward to it when I go back to work.

Definitely - it seems like a lot of people do better with the 27 mm shields - and I am definitely on the small side - total size is pretty irrelevant. I also got a second set of parts (one in the dishwasher and one in my bag at all times), and I just put them in a ziploc in a cooler or the fridge and only washed once a day.

ladychicago · January 2011

Oh hon....you are amazing! I have so much respect for you. What you are doing is NOT easy. Staying committed requires a ton of strength, which you have in spades. You are totally allowed bad days, just don't be too hard on yourself, ok?

Want a personalized experience?

i hate being an EBFing working mom =(

Re: i hate being an EBFing working mom =(

Choose Another Board

Search Boards