Anyone else strictly pumping and bottle feeding?

Re: Anyone else strictly pumping and bottle feeding?

• jessika17 member

  July 2015

  I have always pumped and bottle feed my 3 kids and planned to do the same with this one.

  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• qtjo5 member

  July 2015

  I wondered about this because I would like to follow this method.

  Report0 Reply
• AziaNick member

  July 2015

  I did both at first. In order to help with her latch, sucking and swallowing. The first week and a half we did Breastfeeding and feeding tube, the ending of the second week we did breastfeeding, bottle feeding and feeding tube. And now that it is the third week I have been just pumping and bottle feeding her and they are also Doing the feeding tube. Personally, I think that as long as your baby gets the colostrum and also Breast milk, it doesn't matter how they get it haha but she has problems with the latching, sucking and swallowing so that is why I also did breastfeeding to help her learn a little better and get the practice. And it's nice to learn both, then you have different options

  Report0 Reply
• TaraLinnet member

  July 2015

  I've been doing the same! My daughter has been in the NICU for 10 days and because of blood sugar issues, not gaining enough weight, etc, the Drs and nurses have had to supplement! Breast feeding has been extremely hard and took an emotional toll during her stay, so I just have been pumping and putting it in her bottle and letting her eat the formula as well or mixing together as the Drs showed me! It's worked out quite well & my stress level with the occasional moments of tears and frustration are gone! She comes home today and I feel that I will just continue to bottle feed because we it's been working out so well!!!

  Report0 Reply
• babydoll1008 member

  July 2015

  I am exclusively breast pumping for my baby when he comes.  I saw a blog on how someone did it and fell in love with the idea.  

  Report1 Reply
• Poppy1099 member

  July 2015

  This is what I want to do too! Does anyone know how you go about that at the hospital? I just really would prefer to pump exclusively--I could bring my own I guess.

  Report1 Reply
• shannonota member

  July 2015

  My hospital had a pump I used because little guy wasn't latching and fed him that with a syringe instead of a bottle.

  Report2 Reply
• megmansell member

  July 2015

  I would be afraid of supply levels tapering off over time!

  Report0 Reply
• babydoll1008 member

  July 2015

  https://happyhomefairy.com/2013/06/07/extreme-pumping-tips-and-tricks/
  
  @megmansell, here is the link for how to exclusively pump without it ruining your supply I love this blog post!

  Report1 Reply
• mirrenrue member

  July 2015

  @babydoll1008 I pinned that blog too!! I am also going to EP. Well at hospital breast but once I get home I'm going to pump away. I'm a stay at home, so I really hope all goes well for me!

  Report1 Reply
• Poppy1099 member

  July 2015

  @babydoll1008 can you post that on FB too for me?

  Report1 Reply
• babydoll1008 member

  July 2015

  Yes ma'am

  Report1 Reply
• Mjstine member

  July 2015

  This was my plan all along and I'm so glad to see others are doing it too. I know breastfeeding is completely natural but I have a total mental block with it. It creeps me out to think of it being done to me. I am fully willing to accept that with hormones my mind may change when it is my baby actually feeding. But it just seems to sexual (aside from the nurishment part) and it creeps me out!
  
  So I had planned to breastfeed in hospital and until my milk supply came in well, to allow baby to get all the colostum and what not. Then I plan to pump and bottle feed. I still would like to avoid formula, but this way my husband can get some bonding feeding time in too.

  Report2 Reply
• bfstacy member

  July 2015

  Did this with my first and it is possible and worked great for us!
  It's all about supply and demand so pump often and if you feel you need to up your supply continue to let the pump go even after you've stopped producing milk in each setting.
  
  Other helpful hints: lots of water! Oatmeal, flaxseed, Brewers yeast. (I made lactation cookies with these ingredients and they're delicious.
  
  I pumped like a cow! Had a huge freezer stash and ended up being able to stop pumping at 7mo, got DS past a year on breast milk, plus donated----it is possible, don't let the many negative comments get you down (I didn't have any support except hubby).
  
  You got this!!

  

  Report1 Reply
• leelee1112 member

  July 2015

  This is exactly what I want to do too!! But the nurses at the hospital are trying to force me into breastfeeding. They're like boob bullies. At least baby is getting breastmilk.

  Report2 Reply
• babydoll1008 member

  July 2015

  @leelee1112, right?  I would tell them to mind their own business.  Some people find it easier to just breast pump so nurses need to back off and respect that.

  Report0 Reply
• LECDale member

  July 2015 edited July 2015

  I'm a STM. First, do what works best for you and baby! Dont let anyone boss you around, it's your body and your baby! I was pumping a lot for months 2-4 because I went back to work WAY too soon. I think the first few months are crazy and a little difficult. I think the hardest part about pumping so much is keeping your supply up, and what it does to you mentally, after a while you start to feel like a cow. Also, it's difficult when going out in public, bringing all of your stuff with you and making sure it gets cleaned after you use it. Personally after month 3 I found it much quicker and easier to breast feed.
  
  I think there are a few things to consider before committing to only pumping. Have time to do it, it's very time consuming, and hard to hold both the baby and have the pump attached. Make sure you love your pump and it's fitted correctly. Breast feeding does allow you to have more time with your baby. However, splitting the night feedings will be nice.
  
  Just a few thoughts. Good luck with everything mamas!

  Report0 Reply
• klirwin82 member

  July 2015

  I'm about to do this. Baby is 4 days old and seems to latch, will suck a few times then go to sleep. Then he wakes up screeching and inconsolable, I'm trying to get him to latch but he's crying too hard and he finally stops when we give up and give him a bottle. We had problems with low blood sugar and I'm freaking out, I feel like at least the pumping will let him get breast milk in the meantime and hopefully we figure it out soon. I'm stressed and constantly in tears over this.

  Report0 Reply
• ToAoShesha member

  July 2015

  I just wanted to give you a high five!  EPing is hard work!  It takes dedication and time... good for you!
  

  

  Report1 Reply
• alanna7777 member

  July 2015

  I exclusively pumped with my first for 8 months and supplemented as needed. Lots of work cleaning bottles and hard when your LO gets mobile. Being honest here, not discouraging. I also got mastitis a month in and it cut my supply in half for quite awhile. Be careful of clogs as they can turn into mastitis! Heat helped with getting my milk going before pumping. I also agree about the oatmeal and Gatorade! I am hoping this little guy latches as I will have to pump when I go back to work but don't want to spend my time after work pumping and not with my boys. Breastmilk is awesome-my first son is healthy and I do think it contributed! Good luck ladies!

  

  Report0 Reply