eping? how do you find the time?

brienne00 · May 2011

I'm trying to EP for DD but just can't seem to keep up with her. part of the problem is she is such a gut! lol! the other is that I can usually only find about 3 times a day to pump, and that is with my mom here helping. (mom is leaving tomorrow and I will be on my own) If I were BFing I could just whip it out and feed her, but finding the time when she doesn't need my attention to pump is so hard. How do you ladies find the time to pump for LO and get enough to keep up with their feedings. I'm starting to supplement more with formula and wish it were the other way around. help! TIA for any advice you ladies may have!

GreenFlamingo7 · May 2011

I just sucked it up for the first three weeks- and pumped about 6 times a day. After that, I didn't have any help at home- and could only pump 4-5 times a day, I made sure to completely empty my breast at each session- which meant pumping for 20-25 minutes. I would feed LO at the same time. We would sit on the sofa, I would lay LO beside me, and I used a hands free pumping bra. I had to suppliment, but only around 2 oz a day.

At 6 weeks, I was only pumping 3-4 times a day. I decided that my supply might drop, but it was the best I could do living by myself (husband working in another state), working 40 hours a week myself, taking care of our house and 3 pets. Pumping sessions would be in the morning, early afternoon, and before I went to bed- each session was for 30 minutes to completely empty my breast and pump for a few minutes afterwards to signal to my body it needed to produce more.

Now at 3 months, I pump 2-3 times a day...really only twice a day. I produce about 8-9oz each session. Each session is 35 minutes. I'm actually pumping now, feeding LO next to me, and typing this. Crazy huh? I do have to suppliment, but he's still getting half his intake from BM and I am only pumping for a total of an hour each day. I can handle that.

Use hand expression and massage...I pretty much squeeze my breasts. Don't bruise them though!! Keep pumping beyond the last drops to keep your body producing more.

GreenFlamingo7 · May 2011

I want to add that what worked for me may not work for you- LCs recommend pumping way more often than I did. I did what I could, and knew that I was taking a big risk with my supply by not pumping as frequently.

coey03 · May 2011

I always sat LO right in front of me while I pumped (right up to 11 months). Early on I rocked him in the stroller or pushed him in the swing. We sang, read books, and played games while I pumped. I also often fed him while pumping. Sometimes I had to get creative. He really enjoys being tickled by my toes

GL! It really does get much easier as LO gets older and your milk becomes established, allowing you to stretch the time between pumping more.

GreenFlamingo7 · May 2011

Can I completely dominate this post? I thought of something else.

I set up one side of the sofa/coffee table as my area to pump. I kept my pump set up and plugged in, my pumping bra right there, bottles of water and some snacks. I also kept burp cloths, a baby rattle, and a pacifier in a small basket. I wanted everything within reach, so that I wouldn't have to disconnect to go grab something for baby. When it was time to feed him I would give him about an oz of the bottle, then get myself set up with the pump, and then resume feeding him. Burping with a pump hooked up is challenge. I often had to burp him on my lap instead of over the shoulder.

cindydee · May 2011

i pump with Adden in front of me. I usually pump around 10 mins a session for 6-7 sessions throughout the day. I tried bf the first couple days but it didn't work out for us. pumping is a lot easier for us because i pump for 10 mins vs bfing for 30 mins..i guess it depends on you and the time it takes to bf vs eping

starkbaby22 · May 2011

At her age...I'd still have her on the breast to be establishing your supply! I didn't EP, but I did pump 3 or 4 times/day, and it is hard to find time, but give yourself a few weeks to get a little tiny stash going in the fridge/freezer, so that you can use those for feedings and save what you pump! GL hun, it's totally worth it, so stick with it!

photomagnate81 · May 2011

Yes it is very hard when you are alone. First of all I don't know what pump you are using but if they make a hands free bra that is super helpful. You can't really hold LO but you can sit by them and rub on them. Of course you need to make use of the time when LO is sleeping to pump....may mean less sleep for mommy. My LO is 5 weeks and it has gotten a bit easier. Also I produce more milk now and so it doesn't take quite as long to pump each time.

brienne00 · May 2011

thanks for the tips. it currently takes me about 30 min to fully pump. i have a pisa. i do try to pump when she is sleeping but she has started this cat-napping thing. I would love to just bf but she won't have anything to do with my boob, we tried everything and i felt like a complete failure, even the LC was stumped... either way i'm glad she is getting some breast milk, i just wish it were more.

GenaBoBenaWife · May 2011

I pump 7-9 times a day, 20-30 min a session. I try to keep everything near where I'm set-up on the couch (a bottle in case LO is hungry, pacifier, burp cloth, book) & keep LO in the boppy next to me while I pump w/a hands-free bra.

JDoe11111 · May 2011

To establish your supply you really need to be pumping every 3 hours or you'll never keep up. Once you get established you can cut back, but if you never get on a schedule you'll be fighting an uphill battle.

Get a hands free bra and keep your LO close, you can at least feed a bottle or pop a paci back in while pumping then, restart a swing, etc. In a pinch you can hold them in sort of a side saddle way or on your lap. Eventually LO will start to be able to exist without constant entertainment.

I tried to feed my LO her bottle when I was pumping, she'd often put herself to sleep that way and I could finish and put the milk away. Now at 4 months I'm down to pumping 4X a day, have always had excellent supply, and never had to supplement. I think sticking to the schedule at the beginning and getting my supply established (and a huge freezer stash going) really helped.

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