New to Nursing (Exclusively Pumping)

gittybaby · December 2014

Hello all,
I'll be a first time mom in April, and also the first in my family to attempt breastfeeding, so I don't have many sources close to home that can give their advice. There are so many books online on the subject that it can be overwhelming, so I'm hoping someone here can suggest some literature that was helpful to them. I am thinking that exclusively pumping is the way to go for me, so any advice specific to that route is great. Thank you, any information is much appreciated!

mrsmopar67 · December 2014

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League & llli.org.
Kellymom.com
Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding
The Nursing Mother's Companion

jamiesc58 · December 2014

I had to EP with my daughter because she couldn't ever latch then with my son I EBF. It is way easier and so much more convenient to BF if you are able. I went back to work after 6 weeks with both and continued pumping throughout the day usually every 2 1/2-3 hours. Whatever your decision, good luck! You will figure out the routine that is best for you. :-)

Rowsdower85 · December 2014

EP is so hard. After I went back to work at 7 weeks, my daughter only stayed on the breast for a few more months before just completely giving it up, then I had to EP. It was difficult to maintain my supply. It's one thing to wake up in the middle of the night to breast feed, it's another to wake up, feed your baby, and then pump for 30-40 minutes. It's so hard to boost your supply if it drops, too. I'd have to sit with a pump attached to me for an hour or so just to stimulate production. EP is a big commitment. Don't get me wrong, it's completely worth it! But breastfeeding is so wonderful, it's an amazing experience. You still have plenty of time to research and make a decision, but I would suggest BF when baby is with you, and pumping while you're at work. Good luck with whatever you decide.

sb42715 · December 2014

I really loved Breastfeeding Made Simple and believe that it helped get BF my daughter off on the right foot (she's now 4; we breastfed smoothly for 15 months).

Having a clear sense of how to approach BF ahead of time reduced my confusion when every postpartum nurse told me something different ("Ten minutes on each side," vs. "No less than 15 minutes on each side" vs. "30 minutes on each breast alternating sides b/w feedings" and on and on). They were all well intentioned, I'm sure, but if I hadn't had my own strategy mapped out, I would have been a hot mess trying to follow that mish-mash of instructions.

If you're really concerned about planning for your return to work, it might be helpful to explore a plan in re: when to start pumping, when/how to introduce a bottle, and how to avoid "nipple confusion" with an IBCLC. Many hospitals have breastfeeding prep classes where you can discuss your unique concerns with the consultant, and depending on your coverage, some insurance plans will cover a 1:1 session with an IBCLC shortly after delivery.

With BF, there's a lot that's beyond our control (production, baby's anatomy, etc.), but having good information up front can HELP (though not guarantee) a smooth start. Good luck!

gittybaby · December 2014

My reasoning is based solely on having to go back to work full time 9 or 10 weeks after she's born. I just don't want there to be any issues going from the breast to a bottle, but if the two are easily interchangeable, I am more than willing to do that. I'm a novice going in, and a little neurotic to begin with, so I think not knowing what to expect has me on-edge.

RIngReady · December 2014

I don't love her blog but if you check out the blog 'Veronikas blushing" she talks a few times about her decision to exclusively pump and she was able to do it for a full year.

Nikkicole007 · December 2014

EPing is hard and an extra commitment, but don't let that discourage you! It's easier to try to nurse when you are with baby and pump while you are away, but it doesn't always work out so nicely. I EPed for 13 months and had enough milk stored to get us to 18 months. The biggest factor in the beginning is making sure you pump every time the baby is eating, so if your baby eats 8 times a day, you need to be pumping 8 times a day. You have to build up your supply just as you were nursing the baby. You will need a good pump, I used and Ameda and it was wonderful. You want a pump that runs well on batteries, I've pumped every where you might imagine! Google this topic and you will come across many tips and tricks that make the extra time needed more manageable. I'm expecting baby #2 and will absolutely try to nurse the old fashioned way first, but have no hesitations to pick up EPing again if needed. It was hard, but very rewarding! Best of luck!!

olivehue00 · December 2014

With my first I EP and it was horrible. I would wake up in the middle of the night not only to feed the baby but then pump. I was chained to the pump for 11 months, rushing to run errands then coming home to pump. No social life and finally I was not able to pump enough milk so I had to supplement. I will try everything in my power to BF this time so I don't have to deal with this again. I do plan to still pump while I'm at work.

a.lindsay · December 2014

I breastfed and pumped for 10 months with my daughter. Just remember use the lactation consultants at the hospital. I called them weeks later when I had some issues. The more you nurse/pump the more you will produce so be patient. I went back to work when my LO was 9 weeks I would breastfeed in the morning, as soon as I got home and multiple times in the evening before bed. I would pump at night as well as three times during the work day and anytime I felt full. We used Tommie tippee bottles and we had no problems with nipple confusion, but we waited 4-5 weeks before giving the first bottle.

Rowsdower85 · December 2014

olivehue00 said:
With my first I EP and it was horrible. I would wake up in the middle of the night not only to feed the baby but then pump. I was chained to the pump for 11 months, rushing to run errands then coming home to pump. No social life and finally I was not able to pump enough milk so I had to supplement. I will try everything in my power to BF this time so I don't have to deal with this again. I do plan to still pump while I'm at work.

I want to give you a high five. My experience was very similar once my daughter stopped going to the breast. My life revolved around the pump. There are some women lucky enough to not have supply issues, I was not one of them either. It was difficult, so I totally feel you on the struggle. A lot of people tend to disregard or minimize your efforts when you mention pumping. I'm really impressed when I hear women talk about their EP successes and struggles. I hope you have an easier time with this one!

islandmom79 · December 2014

If you are willing to try breastfeeding first, I recommend it. I had alot of trouble breastfeeding in the first few weeks and decided to switch to EPing. I did not realize the commitment involved. It basically makes feeding take twice as long because you have to feed the baby and pump each sitting. That being said, I will do it again if I have trouble breastfeeding but this time I am going to put more effort into breastfeeding and use all available resources. In the end, you have to decide what is best for you,but the more research you do beforehand, the better off you will be. Good luck either way!

JaneShops · December 2014

Great question @gittybaby‌ and really appreciating all the honest replies. Really helping me out, being a FTM myself, & debating on how long I can BF

gittybaby · December 2014

Thank you everyone, it really makes all the difference to be able to talk to women who have already "been there, done that". I have my books on order, and have also seen some great tips on the BF board. Jumping in with both feet (or should I say boobs?!)!

ChanStew · December 2014

Thanks for all the book suggestions ladies! Boss lady gave me a gift card to Barnes and Noble for Christmas, and now I know what to get!

Rowsdower85 · December 2014

@frownyface‌ Wow, you're a trooper!! The mom guilt is such a struggle. I'm definitely going to go easier on myself this time too! I only imagine it being harder having another little one to take care of while the new baby feeds!

AmCheri · December 2014

I exclusively pumped from 2-13 months. It's a serious commitment and, frankly, it was exhausting. But I did it, and I'm extremely proud of that. My advice is to get a hospital-grade pump, buy as many sets of parts as you'll need for each pump of the day and get yourself a hands-free pumping bra. Best of luck to you, whatever road you take!

AmCheri · December 2014

@frownyface‌, I think you are fabulous! I had my own problems which prevented us from being able to nurse past 2 months. My pump was my best friend. With baby 2 on the way, I'm planning a more relaxed approach also. Not sure how exclusive pumping would work for our family this time. It was a challenge for me, and hard on my DH too. Plus, I think of the time I'll miss not only with the new baby but with our toddler daughter, and I just don't think it's doable his time. Hugs to you for being a rockstar last time!

AmCheri · December 2014

Can I add that I find it super irritating when women say how "rare" supply issues are? I know a Lot of women who struggled with supply, despite all best efforts. Sometimes, things don't work our as you might have hoped. It's ok. You regroup and move onward.

astrat017 · December 2014

I BF for a month and my little one wasn't getting enough to eat so I started EP'ing to get him enough to eat. I did that for another month and I agree with it being a lot to deal with. There were times where I had to wake up in the middle of the night to pump even when baby was still asleep which is awful. I just couldn't keep up so it was likely a supply thing. I pushed myself to the edge where the suction caused a lot of nipple irritation and bleeding so my Dr told me to stop and we went to formula. My biggest issue was the guilt I put on myself I think that I would be a bad mother of I switched to formula so my attitude going into baby number 2 is try to BF pressure free and if it works great, if not formula will keep him happy healthy and fed too.

CivilMommy · December 2014

Breastfeeding Made Simple and the Kellymom site.

I had to EP for #1 b/c of her bad milk transfer abilities. I EP'd until 14m. She never had formula. It was HARD work.

I nursed at home and pumped at work for #2. We went 13m.

It was easier to have a baby on breast than to EP.

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New to Nursing (Exclusively Pumping)

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DD 7/2010, DS 3/2012, #3 due 4/24/2015

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