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April 2014 Moms
Exclusively pumping Big Thread
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Exclusively pumping Big Thread
@JessieAlbin way to be a champ and pull through. Just remember, any amount of breast milk you're able to give your baby is better than nothing l. Three days is better than no days! So you're a success no matter what. I will keep my FX for you though. Do you supplement with formula? I had to do that for the smaller twin for a couple days when he was born.
@KatieGummow yeah, our pediatrician and LC have had us on similac for supplementation since his first appointment last Tuesday cause he lost too much weight from birth. After a good weight check the next day they had us reduce the formula amount but he lost again (no wonder, poor kid was getting nothing at the breast) so we went back up, finally got our pump on Friday, and decided it was better for all parties to forgo the boob and bottle feed everything I could squeeze out so we would know how much he's getting. That and I just couldn't take a frustrated baby screaming with my nip in his mouth anymore.
So jealous of those of you without supply issues.
BFP#2 7/28/13 EDD 4/9/14 Birthday : 4/10/14 Adalyn Nanette
@snmetz7 I am sorry, xoxo
@eme520 I'm with you with the envy of breastfeeding moms. Motherhood and parenting are hard. I wish the books would have prepared me for this.
BFP#2 7/28/13 EDD 4/9/14 Birthday : 4/10/14 Adalyn Nanette
I guess I look at EPing this way: not only does LO get all the benefits of breast milk, but I get to share the bonding with DH. The way our baby looks at him while Dave is feeding him a bottle totally reinforces that for me. At the end of the day, even though your nipple isn't in his mouth, you are feeding him liquid gold and he is associating you and DH with meeting his needs. Don't trivialize the value of that! EPing isn't a "second best" option--it's hard work, and all of you ladies deserve recognition for it.
BFP#2 7/28/13 EDD 4/9/14 Birthday : 4/10/14 Adalyn Nanette
@Jessieann1020 I like your thinking! It makes total sense to me!
When I mixed the formula bottle I made the mistake of smelling it. It had this awful metallic sort of smell unlike my typical sweet smelling BM. That what set off the guilt. LO didn't seem to care one bit, she scarfed down almost the entire bottle no problem. I just know that my days at work can be so hectic that I sometimes barely get to eat lunch, so the likelyhood of carving out time to pump is slim to none. It's sad and I know legally they have to accommodate but I don't want to draw unnecessary negative vibes from management as we are currently in what the CEO calls a "fiscal crisis". (Aka- I don't want to get laid off)
@megla, I am now at 3 hour intervals and hopefully in another month I can move to 4, but it is totally exhausting and I can appreciate your frustration!
@Lindsay808 I am doing small goals. Ultimately I would love to do a year and a half but for now I have hit my one month goal, now it is 3 months, then 6...
@spalumb9 that's a really great idea, half bm and half formula!
@nursewinnie don't feel guilty! Formula is still good for the baby, you are a rock star!
For the duct it is heat, massage, and more frequent pumping, right??
I plan on EPing for six months or until my milk dries up. I'm kind of taking a "whatever is meant to be will be" approach to EPing (much like I did for BFing). So far, I'm producing enough for his daily needs plus a 4oz bag each day for the freezer stash. But if it starts being too difficult or stressful for either of us, I won't hesitate to move to formula.
@KatieGummow thanks! My plan is actually similar. I'm going every 3 hours as well and hope to move to 4 hours soon. I think that will make a difference.
My ultimate goal is a year. I know they say to set small goals, but I feel guilty thinking of anything shorter than a year. Mom guilt sucks! I have no issues with formula and I don't understand the guilt. It's really crazy!
I'm going to continue pumping during the night until Jack starts sleeping longer stretches. I usually pump at night based on his schedule. He's only 3 weeks old, but hopefully we can get some 4-5 hour stretches soon!