Still EP :) How long did you do it?

Shauna07 · February 2013

Hi Ladies,

Anyone else EP for their LO? DD is now 4 months (2 months adjusted), and I've been EPing breast milk for her since day 1 (she never had the suction/latch for BFing). My goal is 6 months and I have 2 months left -- I'm exhausted and my boobs hurt but it's worth it for her. If you ended up EP for your preemie LO, how long did you do it for? I'm just curious

chickaboo1974 · February 2013

Six months- then I also had enough frozen for another month of feedings.

alphaphi98 · February 2013

I was wondering the same thing. I EP this whole time too. DD is 5 months now (3 months adjusted). I have so much in my freezer stored up. I'm trying to do it for 6 months. It's not hard or painful for me. I'm producing so much milk! Still get engorged if I don't pump after a while. I pump 4 times a day. If I want to stop pumping, how do I it? My supply isn't decreasing. I've been sick and took cold meds and my supply never decreased.

RobinR91 · February 2013

I know I need a goal, but don't have one. I would like to say a year, but pumping every two to three hours cuts into my independence and ability to care for my kids on my own my mom or MIL has been living with us since DH went back to work in NOV. I'm curious to hear what others say. Sadly, my "stash" is about 30 oz strong, or two feedings. Lol. Six months sounds good to me!

Sept30Madison · February 2013

I've been EPing for 7.5 months.

My plan has been to pump until Julia's first birthday and then use my freezer stash for about 2 months to get her to 1 year adjusted (may need to supplement my frozen to do that -- I have a chest freezer full, but not sure how many ounces are stored in there). Not sure I'll make it pumping until her first birthday as my supply is decreasing and I'm really, really tired of pumping.

I EPed with my first daughter (full term) for 10 months because she never latched either.

Brummy14 · February 2013

I'm at 3.5 months, as well -- my goal would be to go through next flu season, so probably another year. That might be a bit ambitious....but we'll have to see how things go once I go back to work FT in May. Certainly will continue until then...the girls will be around 6.5 months at that point.

sallypilot · February 2013

I EP'd for 14 months or 12 months adjusted. I had that as a goal in the back of my mind, but only "committed" for a month at a time... I just kept thinking I can do this for one more month.... and I made it to my goal... When I was ready to stop... I would just pump enough to relieve the super full feeling and gradually I pumped less and less.

Shauna07 · February 2013

Wow, you ladies are amazing!!! Congrats to all of you! I return to work in a few weeks, so that is why I think 6 months is a good goal to have. I am pumping every 3/4 hrs and I get about 4oz each time -- I would love to have a better supply because I feel she's out eat what I am producing at some point. I do have a good freezer stash too. I just saw her Dr today (DD is now 10lbs 10oz! at 2 months adjusted age - 4 months actual). He was so nice and said what I am doing for her is wonderful and to try to keep pumping for as long as I can. With him just saying that, I'm going to keep going -- possibly after my goal -- he said any amount of breast milk helps her so much. I wouldn't mind pumping if it didn't hurt my nipples so much (I even had a LC check the flanges I am using and they are the correct size) Anyway, congrats again to all of you!

JennZK · February 2013

I am down to my last week of our supply. I stopped pumping after 3 months but he'll be 6 months old when he switches to formula. I was getting 30 oz a day and only pumping twice. It took me almost 3 weeks to stop because it was so painful and my body just kept making it.

Denesdia · February 2013

My 25 weeker got me to EP for one year, and my 35 weeker got me for 9 months. I never even planned to BF at all before my 25 weeker arrived. I can only say that you can take it one day at a time. My huge motivation was the health benefits and the unique bond I felt by producing something for my LO's despite being unable to nurse either one of them. Every drop you give, and every day you commit is a gift. Never beat yourself up on this one.

MinaE01 · February 2013

I'm sad to announce that I'm just about finished. I don't EP - DS was able to nurse. I just couldn't keep up supply wise. I made 10-12oz a day and he eats 24-28. I went back to work a few weeks ago. I hung in there for 4 months (2 mo adj.) I'm proud of myself. I wish I could've done it longer. I'm really hoping next time is different! Congrats to you for sticking it out for so long!

JustcallmeGG2 · February 2013

i am just dropping in on this board (my babies were born at 35 weeks). they are 8 months now and i am still EP-ing.

vsalt31 · February 2013

I EPed for just 2 weeks shy of Ds 's first birthday I also work FT.

Way to go mommas!!

Shauna07 · February 2013

I'd love to hit a year EPing, any tips? I see some moms only have to pump a few times a day, but I thought we had to pump every 3-4 hrs? I'd LOVE to only have to pump 2 to 4 times a day, but wouldn't my supply drop?? Any advice for a FT working mom (me) is appreciated!!

Sept30Madison · February 2013

Shauna07:
I'd love to hit a year EPing, any tips? I see some moms only have to pump a few times a day, but I thought we had to pump every 3-4 hrs? I'd LOVE to only have to pump 2 to 4 times a day, but wouldn't my supply drop?? Any advice for a FT working mom (me) is appreciated!!

Whether you can drop pumps depends on the strength of your supply. I had a really good supply, so I dropped to 6 pumps, then five, and for the last several months I've been at four pumps a day (one when I wake up, 2 during the day at work using ahands free pump, one right before bed). My supply has been decreasing with every dropped pump,but I had some to spare. Even though I haven't dropped pumps for several months,my supply in the last month has decreased (I used to have about 25-26 ounces a day, now it's more like 20-22). I have a ton of frozen milk, so I don't really intend to do anything about the decrease.

angie637 · February 2013

I EP for 1 1/2 years with my 33 weeker. Now I am EP for my 35 week old twins. I started to be able to drop sessions after my milk supply was well established. The first 56 months ish I stuck to the every 24 hours. Eventually u have a little more leeway. Just remember to drink drink drink. This definitely makes a difference for me. It isn't easy but you can do it. It just became part of my day after awhile.

mom2elijah · February 2013

Pumping takes a lot of work and dedication, I pumped for 10 months and had about another months worth of milk in the freezer. I produced so much milk though.

KatFCo · February 2013

For DD (my preemie) I only pumped for the 16 weeks she was in the hospital. I was in grad school and just couldn't justify continuing for the scant amount I got each time.

For DS I pumped for 8 months.

Good job keeping up so long!

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