Pumpers?

Is there anyone else who pumps and bottle feeds? Logan had to stay in the hospital longer than I did, because he had jaundice.... The hospital had to bottle feed him formula, and now he wont BF. I've been pumping and bottle feeding for 3 weeks. BUT its really hard and very time consuming.... I've tried to get him to BF, but he screams his head off for over an hour and I cant do it.
I need some moral support
Anyone else in the same boat as me?

Re: Pumpers?

Don't drive yourself nuts with this, if it's too stressing for you it will be stressful for your little guy too. If there is absolutely NO WAY he'll take your breast after 3 weeks, chances are that he won't. If you can pump and feed thatis great, you'll just have to pump moreoften and longer to build up your supply. Keep in mind that formula is not bad for your baby, it has a lot of added nutrients and benefits that were not present yeaqrs back. Keep your chin up, but don't let it spoil these precious first weeks with your little boy.

Re: Pumpers?

Michele31 had to do the same thing. PM her (although, I think you will have to on LIW.)

Many hugs to you!!

Re: Pumpers?

Try not to get too upset about it. Remember he's still getting the milk which is the most important thing.

Re: Pumpers?

Ali

When I was getting ready to go back to work I introduced a bottle to my daughter so that her sitter could feed her while I was away. She preferred the bottle over breastfeeding. She weened herself from me, so for a few weeks I was pumping like crazy just to feed her, and my supply was starting to dwindle, I was pumping at work every 2 hours trying to build up my supply (I have a great pump, but when it isn't the baby sucking its just not the same). When I mentioned this to the pediatrician he told me not to drive myself crazy pumping, that the BM she did get was good enough and that formula today is very close to what BM has to offer. He told me it was my personal choice, but that it was OK to use formula.

I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get crazy over it - I did and I was an emotional wreck. Now that we are over that hump, I am much more relaxed about it and happy giving her formula.

Re: Pumpers?

my little guy was in the hospital for 72 days...so I pumped every 3 hours...and brought the frozen bottles to the hospital.
When he finally came home...he wouldn't latch on. I was told that the bottled is easier to pull from....so it made sense that he didn't want to work so hard. I continued to pump for 2 more months...but after that it I just got worn out. I wanted so much to a least go for 6 months...but I just couldn't. I would have to get up in the middle of the night to feed the baby...then pump...I only slept about and hour and 1/2 at a time...and I was back at work. I fell asleep at the wheel one morning on my way into work...I woke up just in time too...after that I decided to wean him off the breast milk and introduce formula....luckily I had a pretty large frozen supply so he did get breast milk for 6 months...but the last month was mixed with formula....I wish that I oculd have gone longer...but I just couldn't.

Message edited 5/19/2005 1:14:34 PM.

Re: Pumpers?

I pumped for 1 year so please know that it can be done! It isn't easy, but IMO it is totally worth it. An LC told me (which helped me get thru some rough days) that Molly is only this young once in her life...so this is not a life long thing. It is only a few months in her life.
Molly also refused my breast after some very bad advise from an awful ped. So I had to pump 8X per day. It is a day by day thing at first. Soon it just became part of my life. I work full-time and still pumped. It is 100% possible.
Anyway, there are some babies that will go back to the breast if you get the proper support. You need a professional lacation consultant to help you. I tried for weeks and Molly didn't get back to the breast but there are other girls I know that it worked! I saw Dawn Frank, South Shore Lacation Consultants in Babylon. She is worth every penny I paid her. I would highly rec'd that you give her a call and go see her.

BM and Formula are NOT the same thing. Formula is not bad and of course, it is fine to use it but it is not BM. Peds do not always support bfing mothers and I think that is it very sad. Rather than just throw forumla into the mix sending the mother to a LC would be more helpful IMO.

I remember crying over and over again but once I got into a pumping routine I was able to feel pride in my accomplishments and show a lot of people that it can be done. I still wish that nursing would have worked out for us but I gave her the next best thing.

Re: Pumpers?

Thank you so much for all of your advice and stories. I do feel like an emotial wreck right now because I question whether or not I am doing the right thing. I would be A LOT easier for me to just give up and feed him formula, but a large part of me wishes he would just BF.
I called a LC who gave me some advice. Logan BF last night and this morning.. however he was full of cries before and for about an hour and a half after. So I wound up giving him a bottle on top of him BF.
So we'll see what happens... I dont know if I can keep this up. Him crying gets me so upset.
Thanks again for you support!

Message edited 5/20/2005 12:05:29 PM.