Need help with procrastination...and one question about daycare

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

LO will be 5 weeks on Thursday. I need to start pumping for a few reasons - to get him used to a bottle because he'll be going into daycare at 12 weeks; to be able to leave him with my husband/his grandma for longer periods of time; and most pressingly, to be able to have a bottle available on Friday when we leave for a short little weekend vacation away for our anniversary. It's only a two hour drive, but I'd like to have a bottle available in case there's no convenient place to stop and feed.

However, I am *dreading* starting to pump. I've only done it twice before, and it was in the middle of my early breastfeeding woes, when I had super irritated, cracked, bleeding and sore nipples. I don't know if my pump is all that good - it's what I got from the insurance company. I did see on the website for the pump that it won an award from Family Choice magazine for 2014, and all the other online reviews from moms who use it on the regular were good. I just remember finding it really hard to get my nipple positioned correctly and it seemed to take forever for the milk to start flowing. BUT this was also before the 3 week mark when my lactation consultant said my milk supply would really be established. I know it will be better now, but I can't seem to just sit down and do it. I have the storage bags, I have the pump all set up, and logically I know it will take 1/2 an hour of my time. Please help me with some words of encouragement or tough love!!!

Also, I am making myself sad every time I think that because he's 5 weeks on Thursday, that means my maternity leave is almost half over *cries* If you're putting your LO into daycare at 12 weeks or sooner, please chime in if you've gotten to a place where you're mentally ok with it! He's going to an excellent center that we can afford, and I LOOOOVE my job - I just am having a hard time imagining being away from him all day, only getting a few hours in the morning and evening!

Eena1242 · September 2014

I made my H read this, and he thought I wrote it because we are in the exact same boat (except the weekend away part). I hope you get some good answers, because I am dreading the pump too for all the same reasons. Oh and happy anniversary!

MC03 · September 2014

Just get started. It's true that it gets easier the more you do it. You will become more comfortable with your pump and learn how to position your nipples. I hate doing it too, just because it's so much easier to breastfed but I'm trying to build a stash for going back to work. I started doing it every day after her first morning feed just for ten minutes and it's part of my routine now. And since I'm doing it every day 10 minutes is plenty. I get about 3-4 ounces.

Also I am going back to work at 14 weeks and I also am dreading it. But I have promised myself to just enjoy the time and not think about it until my last week off. I went back at the same time when I had DD1 and the transition was a lot easier than I had feared. I was surprised at how we fell into a routine that worked for us and it made me really treasure and appreciate the moments we had together. Also being back at work made my realize how much I loved my job and missed the adult company. You will be fine.

Vieve831 · September 2014

I'm procrastinating starting pumping and this is my second LO! I pumped at work for a year with my first lol. It really isn't bad though and you will enjoy some of the freedom it brings you. A hands free bra makes a big difference.

I will also be going back to work at 12 weeks. It will be hard but it's great that you love your job because you will enjoy returning as sad as you'll be. It's very mixed feelings.

cachoque · September 2014

My 6wo LO also goes to daycare at 12 weeks when I I go back to the job (that I also love) so I totally feel you! :-( Maybe try just one breast per session at first until you get better at it? It can be quite difficult trying to hook up 2 boobs at the same time and might compound any troubles you're having. Definitely get a hands free bra. I made myself one out of an old sports bra (just cut nipple slits) - works like a charm!

With daycare in mind, I am creating a stash of frozen bags in 2 or 3 oz increments - which should be about right for a feeding. Check your daycare guidelines to see what they allow your LO to bring in. This might affect how you choose to store them (increments & such). I hate dealing with the plastic bags while I pump so I pump into a bottle container first and then pour out the increments I need into the bags afterward. Depending on your supply, you might pump 5 oz and then turn that into a 2oz bag & a 3oz bag.

Good luck!

Allison7 · September 2014

I also recommend the hands free bra! I tried it once without it and it was a total pain, but when you can use your hands and double pump at the same time it isn't so bad.

As for the daycare thing, I totally hear you. My mom is watching her two days a week, but I will have to find another option for the other two days I work. I love my job and want to go back, but I don't want to take C to daycare. I also don't want to leave her in the care of strangers. And it doesn't help that my mom keeps pushing that I become a SAHM. Her guilt trip makes me think she really doesn't want to care for C two days a week...she would prefer to hand out with me and C two days a week. And it makes me feel bad that I don't want to give up my job. She makes it sound like I want to be away from C all day.

marathonmommy82 · September 2014

The hands free pumping bra have is simple wishes. It's awesome.

Also I'm a terrible mother but I'm looking forward to going back to work. It helps create structure and routine, which we don't have right now (too early, LO is 6 weeks) but I miss. Plus I LOVE our daycare lady. DS has been with her for almost 4 years.

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

Eena1242 said:

I made my H read this, and he thought I wrote it because we are in the exact same boat (except the weekend away part). I hope you get some good answers, because I am dreading the pump too for all the same reasons. Oh and happy anniversary!

@Eena1242 oh that's too funny! Thanks for the anniversary wishes. I hope these answers are helping you too

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

Pink021 said:

Pumping can be hard at first, but once you get used to it, it is much easier. Once you've done it a couple of times, you know how to position the shields and it just becomes more time consuming than anything. So the best thing to do is jump in and get started

@Pink021 thank you for the encouragement!!

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

MC03 said:

Just get started. It's true that it gets easier the more you do it. You will become more comfortable with your pump and learn how to position your nipples. I hate doing it too, just because it's so much easier to breastfed but I'm trying to build a stash for going back to work. I started doing it every day after her first morning feed just for ten minutes and it's part of my routine now. And since I'm doing it every day 10 minutes is plenty. I get about 3-4 ounces. Also I am going back to work at 14 weeks and I also am dreading it. But I have promised myself to just enjoy the time and not think about it until my last week off. I went back at the same time when I had DD1 and the transition was a lot easier than I had feared. I was surprised at how we fell into a routine that worked for us and it made me really treasure and appreciate the moments we had together. Also being back at work made my realize how much I loved my job and missed the adult company. You will be fine.

@MC03 - I really appreciate this advice, thanks

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

sillermoon said:

Make sure your flanges are the right size! Your nipples should not be rubbing up against the sides too much. I have short fat nipples and I needed essentially "extra large" flanges (mine are 30mm). It can also be a problem if the flange is too big. It might be a little uncomfortable but it shouldn't hurt to pump. Even when my nipples were torn up and cracked/bleeding from my LO's terrible latch the pump was a relief compared to him actually latching on.

Also get yourself a hands-free pumping bra. Either order one or make one out of an old bra. It changed my pumping life completely. Even though I still have to sit and pump now I can drink water or read on my tablet or change the damn tv channel.

I was pumping to stimulate supply so I don't have any advice about stocking up or going back to work.

@sillermoon thanks, I never even thought of flange size! I am looking into the hands free pumping bra recommended below although I'm still not 100% sure how it will work. I love the idea of being able to get other stuff done while pumping!

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

theteno said:

If I could find time to pump more often I would! It doesnt hurt me like it does when LO latches on, but its hard to find time bc he isnt a good sleeper and it takes 20 min to do each time. Ill second what a pp said about the flanges being the appropriate size. You want your nipple to go into the nipple part of the flange but not rub on the sides of that part. As for returning to work I know that is really hard for everyone, but once you are back in the groove you may like it! A lot of people have a hard time staying home.

@theteno thanks!

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

Vieve831 said:

I'm procrastinating starting pumping and this is my second LO! I pumped at work for a year with my first lol. It really isn't bad though and you will enjoy some of the freedom it brings you. A hands free bra makes a big difference. I will also be going back to work at 12 weeks. It will be hard but it's great that you love your job because you will enjoy returning as sad as you'll be. It's very mixed feelings.

@Vieve831 - TOTAL mixed feelings. I'm actually taking him into the office today so my coworkers can meet him. I heard they have a whiteboard up with a countdown til I return which is cute

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

cachoque said:

My 6wo LO also goes to daycare at 12 weeks when I I go back to the job (that I also love) so I totally feel you! :-( Maybe try just one breast per session at first until you get better at it? It can be quite difficult trying to hook up 2 boobs at the same time and might compound any troubles you're having. Definitely get a hands free bra. I made myself one out of an old sports bra (just cut nipple slits) - works like a charm! With daycare in mind, I am creating a stash of frozen bags in 2 or 3 oz increments - which should be about right for a feeding. Check your daycare guidelines to see what they allow your LO to bring in. This might affect how you choose to store them (increments & such). I hate dealing with the plastic bags while I pump so I pump into a bottle container first and then pour out the increments I need into the bags afterward. Depending on your supply, you might pump 5 oz and then turn that into a 2oz bag & a 3oz bag. Good luck!

@cachoque - thank you so much for this, and I LOVE your newborn pics!

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

Allison7 said:

I also recommend the hands free bra! I tried it once without it and it was a total pain, but when you can use your hands and double pump at the same time it isn't so bad.
As for the daycare thing, I totally hear you. My mom is watching her two days a week, but I will have to find another option for the other two days I work. I love my job and want to go back, but I don't want to take C to daycare. I also don't want to leave her in the care of strangers. And it doesn't help that my mom keeps pushing that I become a SAHM. Her guilt trip makes me think she really doesn't want to care for C two days a week...she would prefer to hand out with me and C two days a week. And it makes me feel bad that I don't want to give up my job. She makes it sound like I want to be away from C all day.

@Allison7 - thanks and I hope your daycare situation gets worked out!!

FrodaBaggins · September 2014

marathonmommy82 said:

The hands free pumping bra have is simple wishes. It's awesome. Also I'm a terrible mother but I'm looking forward to going back to work. It helps create structure and routine, which we don't have right now (too early, LO is 6 weeks) but I miss. Plus I LOVE our daycare lady. DS has been with her for almost 4 years.

@marathonmommy82 in my opinion that does NOT make you a terrible mother

Thanks for the rec on the pumping bra, I'm looking at ordering it right now!

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