BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

I have been EPing for 3 months so far. I will come back and respond further when I get to work lol.

BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

From my experience and that of my friends, unless you have oversupply, it will be very difficult to EP for the long haul.

I have a friend that did EP but she was able to get 32oz a day in 4 10-minture pumping sessions. If you have that kind of supply, you'll be fine. I was SO envious of her!!

I pumped a TON and it was pure torture. Torture. My DD would go through phases of latching and not latching and during the non-latching phases I would be absolutely miserable.

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Pumping is hard work as it is but EPing is like a full time job! My DD never really latched beyond the first time in the hospital. I got her on twice since then but she hates it. And it hurt! Not that pumping doesn't hurt but her latch was the most painful feeling.

In order to be successful at EPing, you need to have a good quality pump. I'm on my 3rd lol. I got a Lansinoh Affinity Pro from my insurance but I had a horrible supply with it. I bought a used medela pump in style advanced and was starting to get a better supply and it hurt a lot less. Last month I decided to just rent a Medela Symphony (hospital grade) from BRU and it's awesome! I have a lot less pain bc it's actually pretty gentle, and I feel it's more efficient in getting the milk out. It's very pricy though - $80/month if you do monthly or $60/month if you rent for 3 months at a time.

I have low supply but it's gradually increased. I take lecithin which is found with vitamins. It helps to prevent clogs and supposedly helps the milk come out faster. I've tried fenugreek, more milk plus, lactation cookies, oatmeal made with steel cut oats, flax seed, brewers yeast and chia seeds. I eat the oatmeal almost every single day sprinkled with chia seeds. The beer that's supposed to be the best for increasing supply is oatmeal stout bc it's a dark beer made with oatmeal. I tried it but I don't like beer, especially dark beer so I can't tell you if it works. I also take a medication that's not really sold here in the US. It's called domperidone and is sold in Canada and overseas to help with gastroenterology problems but one of its side effects is that it makes you lactate and it's used by thousands of women as a supply booster. I believe that's what really has helped me the most but it's so hard to get.

It's so hard to pump as much as we should. They say you should pump 8-10x a day until 12 weeks but that's just not possible. I pump 5-7x a day and have gone from pumping about 10oz/day to almost 18oz/day! We still have to supplement during the day when DD is being watched while I'm at work but when we're home, she only has bm! We've come a long way!

It gets easier once you establish a routine. And don't wash your parts between pumps while you're home! Just put them in the fridge and they're fine! Once I learned that trick, it got a little easier. You can rinse if you want but it's not necessary. Then when you have time, wash. I do this, especially in the middle of the night.

There are some Facebook groups dedicated to EPing that helped me a lot. I've learned a lot about EPing from them. If you'd like the links, let me know.

It is very possible to EP and have enough of a supply to not only give your baby only BM but also to freeze. I see it all the time in the EP groups. Some women can pump as much in one session as I pump in a single day. I believe the key is to start pumping asap and as frequently as your baby will eat. I believe this is how I ended up with a low supply. I struggled with BFing and by the time I decided to EP, it was too late to start with a good supply.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to FM!

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

I EP for 15 months, DD never latched and after 3 weeks, I just continued pumping. DD had formula twice at the NICU but BM from pumping since then. I can't begin to tell you how much of your life revolves around the pump and pumping schedule when you EP. If DD had latched, life would have been easier. If you want to breastfeed, please see if the baby would latch and take it from there. Pumping while at work, or when you are away from the baby is a piece of cake when you have to pump like 5 to 6 times a day to feed your child, and not to mention washing and sterlizing the parts.. the time adds up.

Good luck!

Message edited 6/10/2014 10:41:31 AM.

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

I was a terrible pumper but after reading
ElizaRags35's post, maybe it was bc I had a crappy pump. I only pumped for the days that I worked but other than that, DS was attached to me all the time lol
I agree that every baby is a different human being and may not respond or react that way that you expect. I am hoping to EBF with this one like DS and get a better grade pump for the days that I am working.

Re: BF'ing vs Exclusively Pumping

Crashing...

EPing is HARD. The baby is (generally) a better milk remover than a pump, and it's hard to maintain supply. Many EPers wind up supplementing (which is fine, of course, but it can disappoint and surprise a woman that doesn't expect it). There's also finding the time and space, around the clock, to pump. In the beginning that can mean 6-8x a day. If you really want to give breastmilk, your best bet is to do it from the tap and pump while at work/out w/o the baby.

But no worries, you'll figure out what works for you. LIF mamas were a great support for me. Ask as many questions as you want!

Message edited 6/10/2014 12:42:01 PM.