Exclusive Pumpers Check-in

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

I don't know if anyone out here in the July board is in the same boat as me, but if your EP'ing please join in!

What is your reason for EP'ing?

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

I'll go first

What is your reason for EP'ing? LO had latching issues that were causing us both to end up in tears, EP'ing has saved our sanity.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? About 2ish weeks, its getting better with time and experience.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? LO is 3 weeks today, I am pumping every 3ish hours during the day and getting between 20-25oz a day.

kater626 · July 2013

MrsWilson2013 said:
I don't know if anyone out here in the July board is in the same boat as me, but if your EP'ing please join in!

What is your reason for EP'ing?

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

I'm EPing because of latching issues. LO lost 13% of birth weight in first 3 days so they wanted to supplement with formula. I decided to just pump and bottle feed. She's regained all her weight and then some!

I've been EPing for 9 days. It's going well but I think I need larger shields for my pump. Might need to go to BRU today.

LO is 11 days old. I'm pumping every 3ish hours and getting around 4 to 5 oz per session, totaling about 40 oz a day.

It's daunting to think about being chained to the pump for so many months, but I'm thankful to have the option to feed my baby breast milk.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

kater626 said:

LO is 11 days old. I'm pumping every 3ish hours and getting around 4 to 5 oz per session, totaling about 40 oz a day.

Wow! Thats is a great amount! Are you building up a freezer stash with the extra?

kater626 · July 2013

Trying to! I go back to work Aug 19. I've started freezing about 10 oz a day since LO can't drink it all. Hope my supply stays up!

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

Just keep up with the pumping, drink plenty of water and make sure you eat enough. It sounds like you are one of the lucky ones with a great supply, I have an decent supply but would kill for 40oz a day!

I have about 100oz in my freezer right now, my goal is about 3000oz by 8 months so I can stop pumping and give LO my BM till 1 year.

lrichmond86 · July 2013

MrsWilson2013 said:
I don't know if anyone out here in the July board is in the same boat as me, but if your EP'ing please join in!

What is your reason for EP'ing?

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

We're pumping because of latch issues.

I've been pumping almost three weeks and its frustrating to say the least. I'm pumping every two hours and doing everything I'm supposed to and I still can't keep up with dd. We've had to supplement a few times, which was really disappointing for me.

I'm pumping every two hours, dd is three weeks today, and I'm expressing anywhere from 60 to 200 mL at each pump. My experience with this seems very different than what's typical. I have no consistency in regards to how much milk I'm producing, my breasts have not changed size at all, I never feel full or like I need to pump, I don't leak. I feel like I should feel something, but nothing.

peanutbutter0807 · July 2013

I pump because LO had lost 10% of her birth weight and was not staying awake to eat. Once we supplemented her, she wouldn't nurse again.

I pump every two hours during the day and every three at night. I usually get between 2.5 and 4 oz per time.

I've been able to freeze 12 oz every other day.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

lrichmond86 said:

We've had to supplement a few times, which was really disappointing for me. I'm pumping every two hours, dd is three weeks today, and I'm expressing anywhere from 60 to 200 mL at each pump. My experience with this seems very different than what's typical. I have no consistency in regards to how much milk I'm producing, my breasts have not changed size at all, I never feel full or like I need to pump, I don't leak. I feel like I should feel something, but nothing.

Just remember that any breast milk you can give is better than none, I had to supplement a little myself at first.

You might want to speak to a Dr or LC if you are concerned about your supply. Have you tried Fenugreek, Blessed Thisle or Mothers Milk Tea? Even eating oatmeal can give you a boost. I noticed my supply fluctuates quite a bit based on how much water I am drinking, calories consumed, stress and if I am getting a decent amount of sleep.

vanessapolack · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing?

Going back to work earlier than expected.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

Been pumping for about 3 weeks. Exhausted, just hoping I can keep up my supply with starting work

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

Baby girl is just about three weeks old. I am pumping every two hours both night and day. I am now getting 4oz per breast so total of 8oz/240ml

With my son I was able to pump for 3 months and have it last for 6 months. My goal is to make it pumping for 6 months and hopefully have a year supply

pgermain11 · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing? Well this is a new venture for us. I was getting mangled bc the frenulum clipping didn't work out for us. It wasn't clipped far enough and I was about to give up. Then I went to see a lactation consultant and after a lot of tears we discussed exclusively pumping, so here I am. How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? I just started last night and it seems to be going well. I don't really like the idea of being chained to this thing for such a long time, but any breast milk is better than none so I'll deal with it.How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? LO is 1 week old today. I'm pumping every 3 hours and I'm getting 2.5oz. She drinks between 1.5-2.0 oz so it's working out for now. Guess we will see how it continues.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

Well its good to know there are a few of us. I plan on doing a check in every wed. for us, one more question I forgot to include:

What kind of pump are you using? How do you like it?

I am using the Ameda Purely Yours and I am pleased with it thus far.

shani0112 · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing?
Latch issues and DS wasn't nursing effectively. He would fall asleep after 5 minutes and wasn't emptying my breasts. He didn't lose a lot of birth weight but we struggled to get him back to it.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?
Consistently for a week. Off and on for a week before that.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?
Jackson is 4 weeks tomorrow. Where the fluck is time going?!?
Pumping every 3 hours during the day 4 hours at night. I'm getting 3-4oz. at each pump. Wish I could get more bc he eats every drop and we have to supplement a couple times a day with an ounce or so. I'm doing fenugreek, blessed thistle, the tea, lactation cookies, eating oatmeal, and drinking tons of water. I was pumping every 2 hours but it did not make any difference at all and I have power pumped a few nights. This ish is frustrating. But I know even if LO gets half bm and half formula it's better than no bm.

sdtchica13 · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing? I have absolutely no desire to breastfeed, don't want to deal with latch issues, weaning to a bottle when I got back to work in 14 weeks, etc.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? I have been pumping since day 1 this time (July 11th), and it's going great. I am used to EPing since I had to for my DD since she was too premature to even attempt non tube feeding for the first 6 weeks of her life, so I knew what to expect this time around. My only issue is majorly cracked nips, which are taking forever to heal, but I think part of the issue is that I need smaller flanges for my pump, so I ordered them and am waiting for them to arrive.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? Gavin is 14 days old, and I pump six times a day (8, 11, 2, 5, 8 and 11). I am getting on average 40oz a day; 10-14oz on my 8AM pump and then roughly 5-7 ounces per pump for the other 5 pumps per day. I am a one woman dairy, and currently have nearly 200oz frozen since Gav is only eating 2-2.5oz per feeding and only eating 7 times a day.

What kind of pump are you using? How do you like it? I am using my Medela PISA from last time around, and also have a brand new Ameda Purely Yours that insurance covered this time, which I have yet to test out. If it works well, I will leave one pump at the office and one at home once I go back to work.

kater626 · July 2013

I'm using the Medela pump in style advanced double electric. It's been decent. Looking into different sized breast shields though because I feel like they are cutting my boob in half. Any advice out there? Anyone had to buy different size parts for their pump?

sdtchica13 · July 2013

kater626 said:

I'm using the Medela pump in style advanced double electric. It's been decent. Looking into different sized breast shields though because I feel like they are cutting my boob in half. Any advice out there? Anyone had to buy different size parts for their pump?

(Raises hand) I just ordered smaller flanges on Amazon for my Medela. You can order larger and smaller ones on there. If the flanges are sucking in more than just your nipple (i.e your aureole as well) you may need smaller ones.

https://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/right-size-of-breastshield.html

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

I just ordered Pumpin' Pals today, my nipples have been hurting and they have a really good money back guarantee, so I figured I would give those a shot first.

lilygrace · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing?

My daughter has a crazy strong latch, and I have super sensitive nipples. They'd cracked, bled, and I already developed mastitis before she was 2 weeks old. I wanted to bf, but I have serious ptsd about putting her razor blade mouth to my nipples again. I didn't even want to hold her for a while, which is terribly sad

Pumping and bottle feeding has really helped me bond with her.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

We started last Saturday. I have to supplement with formula (ever since I started fighting mastitis my supply dropped), which I didn't want to do, but food is food at this point. Pumping has allowed her to have breast milk every 2 out of 3 bottles.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

Astrid is 2 weeks old. I pump 4-5 times a day, and almost always get 4 oz on one side and 1-1.5 oz on the side with mastitis. So, 20-25 oz a day? I want to build my supply and build up a freezer stash, but I can't seem to get more. I'm not really taking care of myself right now (I'm drinking a LOT of water, but usually only eat twice a day. Taking care of a fussy baby and trying to cook meals has been impossible).

pgermain11 · July 2013

sdtchica13 said:

kater626 said:

I'm using the Medela pump in style advanced double electric. It's been decent. Looking into different sized breast shields though because I feel like they are cutting my boob in half. Any advice out there? Anyone had to buy different size parts for their pump?

(Raises hand) I just ordered smaller flanges on Amazon for my Medela. You can order larger and smaller ones on there. If the flanges are sucking in more than just your nipple (i.e your aureole as well) you may need smaller ones.

https://www.medela.com/IW/en/breastfeeding/good-to-know/right-size-of-breastshield.html

I'm using the same and just ordered smaller ones too! I like it so far. Seems to be working efficiently. I tried to get the Ameda Purely Yours but it was out of stock everywhere and I needed one ASAP.

rooter84 · July 2013

I'm curious, how long do you ladies pump for each time?
My milk had yet to come in. Gavin is only 2 days old but lost a chunck of weight and also won't latch anymore. I've been pumping every 2-3 hours (like I would be breast feeding) for 15-20 min at a time. Is that about normal? Hoping my milk comes in tomorrow/today.

kater626 · July 2013

rooter84 said:
I'm curious, how long do you ladies pump for each time?
My milk had yet to come in. Gavin is only 2 days old but lost a chunck of weight and also won't latch anymore. I've been pumping every 2-3 hours (like I would be breast feeding) for 15-20 min at a time. Is that about normal? Hoping my milk comes in tomorrow/today.

I've been doing 10-20 minutes depending on how full I feel. I usually pump until nothing is coming out and then go an extra minute or so just to be sure.

nicant11 · July 2013

MrsWilson2013 said:
I don't know if anyone out here in the July board is in the same boat as me, but if your EP'ing please join in!

What is your reason for EP'ing?

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

I am pumping bc my daughter was in the nicu for a week bc of sugar levels so she had to have formula right away in addition to what I could pump. Which was drops basically. And she was a big girl at almost 9 lbs and she just wanted to eat. So anyway she was not interested by the time we got the chance to try her on the breast. She does not want to work for it. She is 3 weeks old now. And I'll be going back to work in three weeks so I figured pumping was my savior now. I'm not going to keep pushing the breast feeding with her when she is clearly not interested. I'm pretty lucky pumping has been pretty easy. I pump usually every 4-5 hrs and about 8-10 ozs each time. I have quite a bit in the freezer all ready.

I have a question for you in the same boat, do you pump throughout the night??

Clyde013 · July 2013

I've been pumping for about 2 weeks now and I don't have nearly as much as some of the ladies here. I pump every 3 hours for 15 or more mins and I have at most 1 ounce total. In the morning I can sometimes get 2 ounces total. I started taking fenugreek today to increase my supply. Hope it works! We have had to supplement with formula since LO eats 2 to 4 ounces during each feeding.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

lilygrace said:

What is your reason for EP'ing?
My daughter has a crazy strong latch, and I have super sensitive nipples. They'd cracked, bled, and I already developed mastitis before she was 2 weeks old. I wanted to bf, but I have serious ptsd about putting her razor blade mouth to my nipples again. I didn't even want to hold her for a while, which is terribly sad Pumping and bottle feeding has really helped me bond with her.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?
We started last Saturday. I have to supplement with formula (ever since I started fighting mastitis my supply dropped), which I didn't want to do, but food is food at this point. Pumping has allowed her to have breast milk every 2 out of 3 bottles.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?
Astrid is 2 weeks old. I pump 4-5 times a day, and almost always get 4 oz on one side and 1-1.5 oz on the side with mastitis. So, 20-25 oz a day? I want to build my supply and build up a freezer stash, but I can't seem to get more. I'm not really taking care of myself right now (I'm drinking a LOT of water, but usually only eat twice a day. Taking care of a fussy baby and trying to cook meals has been impossible).

With your LO only being 2 weeks old you should be pumping more than 4-5 times a day to establish a good supply.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

nicant11 said:

I have a question for you in the same boat, do you pump throughout the night??

I only pump once in the middle of the night around 3-4 am and then between 8am till 11pm I pump 5-7 times (anywhere from 2-4 hours apart as long as I pump at least 5 times)

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

rooter84 said:

I'm curious, how long do you ladies pump for each time? My milk had yet to come in. Gavin is only 2 days old but lost a chunck of weight and also won't latch anymore. I've been pumping every 2-3 hours (like I would be breast feeding) for 15-20 min at a time. Is that about normal? Hoping my milk comes in tomorrow/today.

2-3 hours is perfect! Its hard to do, but keep up the good work. I myself pump every 2-4 hours (I try and shoot for 2-3, but sometimes it doesn't happen for 4) and usually pump for around 20 minutes, always make sure to pump 1-2 minutes after you stop flowing because it will 1. Signal your body to produce more milk and 2. Help prevent clogged ducts.

nicant11 · July 2013

sdtchica13 said:
What is your reason for EP'ing? I have absolutely no desire to breastfeed, don't want to deal with latch issues, weaning to a bottle when I got back to work in 14 weeks, etc.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? I have been pumping since day 1 this time (July 11th), and it's going great. I am used to EPing since I had to for my DD since she was too premature to even attempt non tube feeding for the first 6 weeks of her life, so I knew what to expect this time around. My only issue is majorly cracked nips, which are taking forever to heal, but I think part of the issue is that I need smaller flanges for my pump, so I ordered them and am waiting for them to arrive.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? Gavin is 14 days old, and I pump six times a day (8, 11, 2, 5, 8 and 11). I am getting on average 40oz a day; 10-14oz on my 8AM pump and then roughly 5-7 ounces per pump for the other 5 pumps per day. I am a one woman dairy, and currently have nearly 200oz frozen since Gav is only eating 2-2.5oz per feeding and only eating 7 times a day.

What kind of pump are you using? How do you like it? I am using my Medela PISA from last time around, and also have a brand new Ameda Purely Yours that insurance covered this time, which I have yet to test out. If it works well, I will leave one pump at

the office and one at home once I go back to work.

So you don't pump at night at all???

SASSY1JA · July 2013

MrsWilson2013 said:
I don't know if anyone out here in the July board is in the same boat as me, but if your EP'ing please join in!

What is your reason for EP'ing?

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you?

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting?

I'm so glad to see I'm not the only one with latch problems. LO went down a pound at our first appt.

Today is day 4.

Was pumping every 3 hours, today started doing every 2 as my left breast all of a sudden has had a couple of sessions with nothing. I'm getting around 1 oz or so each session.

Laura723 · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing? LO wont latch. Mouth is too small.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? Been at it 6 weeks. Its Hard always being tied to the pump. Sick and tired of pumping every 3 Hours.

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? LO is 6 weeks today. Pumping every 3 hours. Getting 1 to 3 ounces each time so need to still supplement with formula. So jealous of you ladies getting good amounts!! My supply just won't increase even with supplements. So frustrating!!!

Jenniferinspain · July 2013

lizabethann06 said:
Thank you for posting this! I was wondering if there were many others EPing out there as well.

My little one is 2 weeks. She hasn't been able to latch and we have worked with a lactation consultant every single day since she was born. Breaks my heart. I nursed my son for 13 months and loved it. It has been really emotional for me. Because she was losing so much weight, we started feeding her pumped milk in bottles and here we are.

I started pumping when my milk came in on day 3 and she still wasn't latching. At that point she had lost weight and we knew we were going to have to do something different. She's gained all her weight back plus some which is good.

So far it's been overwhelming. I'm having trouble keeping my 3 year old occupied while pumping- I let him watch a show on tv or have special iPad time but I hate shoving him in front of electronics. I'm also struggling with feeling chained to the pump and I'm just overall sad that nursing didn't work out.

Brynne is 2 weeks. I'm pumping every 3 hours during the day and whenever she wakes to eat at night which is about every 3 hours. I get anywhere from 4 to 9 oz when pumping. I'm trying to freeze as much as I can.

Glad to find a support group! This is so important to me, that she gets breastmilk for as long as I can do this, but haven't gotten a lot of support from family and friends. Most people keep telling me this won't be sustainable for long.

Keep up the good work for as long as you can but do what is best for all of your family. You know you can always find support here!

Jenniferinspain · July 2013

I am not EP but close. Baby girl isn't the best nurser and in the beginning had jaundice and wasn't getting enough food so I started pumping and giving bottles. She also might have a short frenulum. I have been slacking on the overnight pumping but you ladies reminded me how important it is, so thanks and keep up the good work

gutsymama · July 2013

I'm a little late to the party, but I'd love to join in with this if you keep it going occasionally! Thanks for starting this!

What is your reason for EP'ing? DS is still getting essentially 100% of his nutrition via IV, but we're hoping he can begin to eat more normally after his third surgery, so I'm keeping the supply going for now.

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? 9w1d. Not that I'm counting or anything.... I have a great supply, which is almost cruel, actually, because I'm making so much milk and DS can't take any of it yet, and probably won't until he's about 4 months old. If it turns out he's never going to be able to take the breast, though, I should be able to quit pumping pretty early and have enough to last a long time. It still hurts to pump, but it's not nearly as bad as it was when I was using too-small shields; I'm up to the XXLs now, and I think I have pretty normal-sized nips - they just puff up like marshmallows in the microwave when I hook up to the pump! :-/

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? DS was 2 months old this past Tuesday. I try to pump every 3 hours during the day and once overnight, although I've slept through a couple times. I'm getting anywhere from 4-7oz each time, usually around 5-6, and have had up to 11 in the first pump after a long stretch at night. Our small deep freeze is literally full of just milk, and we're going to have to buy a second, larger freezer because I'm filling up the freezers at the NICU too quickly too!

kadymax · July 2013

What is your reason for EP'ing? My son is having a hard time with latching and he just fussy and won't feed!

How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? About 2 weeks now, and it's terrible, I only get about an ounce per session and its emotional draining me to know I'm not producing enough!! I'm on fenugreek but it doesn't seem to be having an effect

How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? 6 weeks old, 2-3 hours, about an ounce per session

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

kadymax said:

What is your reason for EP'ing? My son is having a hard time with latching and he just fussy and won't feed! How long have you been at it and how is it going for you? About 2 weeks now, and it's terrible, I only get about an ounce per session and its emotional draining me to know I'm not producing enough!! I'm on fenugreek but it doesn't seem to be having an effect How old is LO, how often are you pumping & how much are you getting? 6 weeks old, 2-3 hours, about an ounce per session

Unfortunately it doesn't work for everyone, have you tried other things? Oatmeal, blessed thistle or mothers milk tea? Do you massage/compress your breasts during pumping? How long are you pumping each time? You might want to speak to your Dr about prescription medication if none of the more natural remedies are working for you. Even an ounce of breastmilk is better than none, keep your chin up.

kadymax · July 2013

Yeah I massage everytime and will only get a couple extra drops, I'm going to call my doctor in the morning and see what she says!! I will in the meantime try oatmeal

I pump until there is nothing left coming out and then still a few minutes after that!

I will try and keep my chin up, thanks for the help

Tammyhull82 · July 2013

we are pumping cause of latch issues and it was stressing the baby and i both out.

LO is 2 weeks old and i am pumping every 3-4 hours and getting about 6oz total each time.

its going well. i feel like im a slave to the pump somedays but it works best for both of us.

MrsWilson2013 · July 2013

LadyBlue07 said:

E is a week old today. I started pumping on Friday to add in extra syringe feedings while she was under the bili lights, and starting Saturday she refused to nurse. She latches on, sucks a few times, and then gets upset and pulls away.
Pumping was going fine until Monday when the pediatrician tripled what he wanted us to feed her every three hours to 60cc. I'm only able to pump about 45. It is also so tiring to pump at night, but I'm pumping at least every three hours around the clock.
I'm using a medela symphony pump that we are renting. It is the same as the one I used in the hospital.

My LO did the EXACT same thing, like she was too impatient for the let down. Pumping is hard work but it is saving my sanity more than continuing the battle of breastfeeding. Even if you have to supplement with some formula while your supply builds up your LO is still getting some BM. You are doing great! At 1 week i was pumping 14 ounces, now at 4 weeks i am up to around 25! So just hang in there and pump often and a few minutes past when the milk stops flowing.

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