anyone EPing because they want to, not have to?

1Mrs.Jones · March 2011

I read the PPs about EPing, and it seemed like everyone EPing had reasons why they *had* to. Has anyone found it to just be easier or more enjoyable? Right now, I'm mostly BFing but pumping once or twice a day.

When I BF, it's a mess, LO has trouble latching so I have to keep breaking incorrect latches, no amount of burp cloths keep us from having to change either her onesie or my shirt afterwards because she likes to spit it, and she gets frustrated. We have to use a nipple shield, which she always bats away, and she keeps trying to get the milk on her hands and then lick it from her fingers. She also has A LOT of burping to do afterwards, it takes a long time, and she usually gets the hiccups which really frustrate her.

When I pump, it's faster (total time for pumping and feeding), LO is content, we are not a mess, I know how much she is getting, I am not frustrating her by breaking her latch, and she doesn't swallow much air so it's usually just one or two big burps and rarely hiccups.

I told my pedi how I was feeling, and she did not approve of switching to EPing just because it's easier for me. I was really taken aback and wanted to cry- I didn't question her about it like I should have because I was really looking for reassurance and I did not get it. Is the disadvantage mainly that there is more bonding during BFing than EPing? If so, I feel like LO and I bond just fine over a bottle.

Let me know if you are EPing because you want to and your pedi is okay with it!

laurenmmc · March 2011

I can relate! Right now I'm doing a combo of BF'ing, Pumping and FF'ing, in large part because Heidi spent a little bit of time in NICU and they started her on formula, and I found when I was there I can't generate enough breast milk to satiate her right now. Breast feeding is going fine for me, except it takes a LONG time, she is always hungry afterwards and I can't really keep track of how much she is getting. I feel better when I get to pump and DH takes over feeding (either pumped milk or formula.) I have yet to be able to completely satisfy her just on the breast, even though we spend an hour there. But I'm going to continue this combo for now and see how it goes...

daniellenicole26 · March 2011

My situation is almost identical to yours. LO used to take over an hour to nurse and I just wasn't that into breast feeding. We also used a shield. I now pump for the most part (I usually still breast feed once a day in case I ever want to change my mind). I just found it worked better for us, plus when I go back to work I will have to pump anyways. I caught a little flack from a peditrician (not ours, a substitute) about pumping, but that is the decision that is best for us. I can bond just as well when I feed him with a bottle and even better because neither of us is frustrated. The only negative thing I have found from my research is that it can lead to a supply problem, but I was very regular about pumping for the first six weeks and I have not noticed a decrease in supply. hth

EmandChris08 · March 2011

Your BFing experience sounds like mine! I'm using a nipple shield too, and DS always bats it away. Even with the nipple shield he doesn't always get a good latch, and it always hurts for the first minute or so that he's nursing. We both end up covered in milk afterward, and he usually falls asleep multiple times in the process, so it takes forever.

I've been pumping occasionally, too, and we usually give him one pumped bottle a day. I agree that in some ways, pumping is easier! Right now I definitely want to continue nursing, because it is so much easier at night not to have to get up and make a bottle, but I can definitely see myself pumping more and more as time goes on... especially once i go back to work.

That's crazy that your pediatrician doesn't approve of you exclusively pumping. Your baby would still be getting breast milk... what difference does it make whether it's from the breast or a bottle?

JanaVT9183 · March 2011

We're doing a combination of both. I pump in the morning and at night and get about 12 ounces each time. I nurse during the day, then we use bottles in the evening so that I can get more out of my p.m. pumping session. Overnight, sometimes I nurse, sometimes we use bottles. Luke doesn't seem to care which it is, as long as he gets something to eat. The reason I'm using a lot of pumped milk is because I'm in a class to get my provisional teaching license and have three essays due every Sunday. When I'm doing my work, it's nice for my husband to be able to make bottles and feed Luke. One of the pediatricians at my group made me feel awful about the fact that Luke has had bottles so young. It was the week after I had him, my hormones were crazy and I actually did cry. After I thought about it, I got really mad because Luke is my son, and I know what's best for him and our family. He's gaining lots of weight, sleeps really well and is a happy baby. I'm doing a good job, and screw her for making me feel like I'm not. We're not going to the doctor on days she's there anymore. Last week's appointment was with a doctor who was much better.

soontobehimes · March 2011

I am EPing because I couldn't handle not knowing how much my LO was getting. That's really the only reason. I feel much better about things when I know she ate x amount of oz. Personally, if my pedi "didn't approve" of my EPing.. I'd find a new pedi. BFing isn't for everyone. Just like EPing isn't for everying. Just like FF isn't for everyone. You're still giving your baby breast milk, just in a different way. If EPing is working for you and your family, you go girl!

seastar77 · March 2011

I really really hope to avoid EPing this time because it was a huge hassle overall, and obviously I'm sure you've heard BFing takes a lot of time and practice early on, so it could get better for you.... But that said, what matters is that a) you're providing BM for your LO and b) that mom and baby are happy and comfortable and bonding, which sounds like it's happening for you better with EPing, so I cannot understand why your pedi would give you a hard time! I'd look for a new pedi or ignore her comments; you have to do what works for you. (Though perhaps she was disapproving just because people usually don't EP for as long as BF and she is afraid you'll just end up giving up?) Good luck finding a balance that works best for you and your LO!

jessababe85 · March 2011

Sounds like your pedi has issues! Why does it matter if you pump or nurse? Your child is getting the same stuff. Our pedi and our LC told us to do whatever is best for us. Don't let them discourage you if pumping is the best thing for you!

stacylu · April 2011

I EP with my first for latch issues and am currently EP for DS because of Jaundice issues. Long term, EPing is much more work than teaching your kiddo to BF. Your reasons now are totally valid but in the next few months if you keep working with her and teaching her how to latch properly she will eventually "get it" and then it won't be so much work. You can always pump when you need to but teaching them how to BF will really benefit you long term.

Bottle feeding (either with BMilk or Formula) is supposed to lead to obesity because your baby gets pressured by you to finish the bottle versus BF where they eat until they're satisfied. That may be why your Dr didn't like it but it's also twice the work of BF along with more stuff to wash and more hassle and when you add more hassle you are less likely to stick with it for that magical first year.

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anyone EPing because they want to, not have to?

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