Did anyone exclusively pump?

[WannabeMathematician]

I'm currently exclusively pumping. Had a traumatic birth and couldn't hold my baby for the 1st 24h and breast feeding didn't work out so now I'm pumping and giving it to DS in a bottle.

I'm going to be honest I'm finding this so hard. I'm three weeks in and I really resent the pump. I resent that it takes double the time to do anything and that my pumping gets out of sync with his feeding so I'm up every hour over night. My partner is helping but that hpens is that I don't do anything for my baby over night and that's difficult for me.

I'm already using tricks like double pumping and storing the parts in the fridge to cut down on time. I just hate it.

I guess it could be PND but the solution to that would be to medicate and that seems so dehumanising to have to take medication to not hate the pump.

I want to give up. Any advice before I do?

I did for 2 weeks before DD1 latched on. Have you tried nipple shields as they'll be similar to the bottle teat? I had a health visitor help me, I pointed my boob whilst she aimed the baby at me. It was all very undignified but worked after about a week or so!

If you do give up, don't beat yourself up. Your DS has had 3 weeks of your milk which will set him up brilliantly. You've done so well, it's so hard.

I did for 9 weeks then gave in to formula as was not producing enough milk and then continued to pump for 5 long months because I so desperately wanted to give my baby the best. Honestly if I could do it again I wouldn’t. There is a perfectly good alternative that will be such a relief. Happy mum = happy baby. The pump is hell. You are a great mum for sticking to it for three weeks! It makes everything so much more difficult. As soon as I stopped Everything became so much easier and happier. Baby slept better as was getting enough food, partner could bond with bottle feeding, not tied to a crazy pumping schedule.

I did. I rented the professional medala hospital grade pump and bought a hands free pumping bra. I hated every second. I did it for 3 months before handing over to formula. Second baby lasted 4 weeks of pumping before formula as he was an eating machine and I couldn't keep up. (Neither of mine would breast feed for various reasons)

I found the (excruciatingly named) Facebook group, something about exclusive pumping mummas. Very helpful. It's American and really common there as they have to go back to work so early. People did it for years on that group and trained their boobs into doing only two pumps a day and getting all the milk for their baby for nursery.

I wish I had looked into the freemies wireless pump that sits in your bra and you can carry on with life around the house but by the time I had heard about it I was kind of over it with number two.

As the poster above said: happy mother/happy baby. Formula is bloody fantastic!

I did, for a year because my first couldn't latch.

You are at the stage where it's really really tough. But after a couple of months I was able to get in a routine where I pumped 5x day and not in the middle of the night. That was a lot easier. I would pump as soon as I got up in the morning, mid morning, mid afternoon, early evening and right before bed. For the last few months I cut back to 3x a day.

Also I stored the pump equipment in the fridge between pumps during the day and then you can run them through the dishwasher overnight. No washing in between.

I also fed DC with the same day's milk. Just a couple of pumps behind. I found it was way too much faff freezing it and DC hated reheated frozen milk for some reason. I just put it in the fridge and fed her the milk direct from the fridge. I know some babies don't like that but DC never minded.

Ultimately you have to do what's best for you and don't feel guilty stopping if it gets too much. It can be brutal. Especially at this age, so give yourself permission to do what will make you the happiest/most relaxed mum.

Give up!

My son was in the NICU and couldn’t have breast milk due to the fat in it exacerbating his condition but I was advised to pump around the clock and freeze it to establish a supply “just in case”. It was hell. I was so relieved when a kind doctor finally gave me “permission” to stop. I was finally able to just relax and enjoy my baby. I deeply regret the amount of time I wasted chained to the pump instead of sitting at his bedside. Obviously I wish I could have given him breast milk instead of formula but he’s turned out just fine so it doesn’t matter now.

I pumped for just under 7months, starting with 8 times a day which enabled me to EBF, moving down to 6 times a day for the last 4 months or so which provided about 450mls per day and I topped the rest up with formula. It was so much better when I could drop the 2 overnight pumps and get a bit more sleep; I reasoned that happy mum with some formula was better than sleep deprived grumpy mum who was EBF. I rented an Ardo Carum double hospital grade pump which worked really well for me - I got way more milk than I could from a pump you get on the high St (which I did also try). The rental cost is not too bad - about £47 per month. I used to watch a box set or something whilst pumping so in some ways it was a way of getting a bit of "me" time. It's not easy, and you can only do your best. I've stopped pumping now and whilst I feel guilty for it, it's so nice to be free from the pumping schedule as it means we can go on day trips etc (plus trying to pump and wean at the same time was just too much for me!). Only you know what's right for you - don't beat yourself up if you decide to stop. Best of luck to you xx

Thank you for all for kind words (and not judging me because breast feeding didn't work out).

I'm not going to make any decisions at 3 in the morning but you've given me a lot to think about. At the very least it's good to know it does get better.

Thank you

I absolutely hated pumping my milk, my baby was in hospital for 2 months after he was born and couldn't be held so was unable to breast feed. I would cry and feel thoroughly miserable whilst pumping milk. He was put on the hospital high fat milk to help him gain weight, I was so relieved to never have to pump again.

I'm all for breastfeeding but honestly it does sound as if you are struggling and putting yourself through too much. Kudos for pumping for this long, I couldn't do that

I had a difficult time breastfeeding my third child after sailing through with my first two. I finally gave in and switched to formula at four months and I wish I'd done it sooner.

If I were you I'd pack in the old pump routine now. It'll do you the world of good and your baby will still thrive, I promise. And your bond will be the same, I can promise you that too.

You've given him a great start, but really - it's OK to stop. Honestly, it is. As a mum who's been there, I give you 'permission' to stop

Pumping is absolutely the worst of both worlds. I did it for 6 weeks with my first DC and found it incredibly tough. Babies have an instinct to latch til about 12 weeks and you've maintained supply so if I were you I'd either get some face to face breastfeeding support to try to establish breastfeeding (and get baby checked for tongue tie) or move to formula. Both absolutely valid options, just depends what works for you. Good luck!

Yes I did 5 weeks, stopped last week. I kind of phased it out gradually which helped me feel better as there wasn't a big 'I've stopped' moment. It helped that DD started to out drink my supply so I went from 6x to 4x to 2x a day over about a week and eventually was only getting enough for one feed, then we had a particularly busy day and I allowed myself not to do it at all, then packed it all away when I felt ready to. It is really hard to make that decision which is why I chose to just take the pressure off bit by bit rather than having a set end date. I really hated it for the same reasons, I had hardly any time with my baby, I felt constrained by it and it was really stressful trying to plan the day around it. I found it weirdly addictive too..even after I'd stopped fully I did a couple of quick pumps 'just to see' if maybe I could bear it for longer. My partner had to keep reminding me how miserable it had made me and that it was ok to stop. You've done really well to keep going, it's absolute hell that I don't think anyone really understands unless they've been there.

Yes, I didn't choose it but I ended up pumping when baby had to stay in NICU. I know exactly how you feel and would regularly cry at the thought of having to pump. I was either always pumping or feeding baby or cleaning the bloody pump parts! It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but felt I had to. I would never choose to exclusively pump and having previously breastfed my other children I think this is the hardest way to feed your baby. Honestly please know that you are doing an amazing job. Right now it doesn't feel like it but you'll look back and realise just how strong and amazing you are. You've doing a brilliant job. Please don't feel guilty for wanting to stop. I regret the pressure I put myself under to do it.
It does get easier down the line and I found I got into a routine but whatever you choose to do you'll be doing the best for you and your baby.

Im doing this. Baby is 4.5 weeks and after about day 5/6 I started pumping because his latch was so painful. He has a tongue tie which was sorted but his latch is still painful and he faffs on and off constantly. This is my third and I BF my others for 9 months each so I've found it hard to accept a bit.

I've plenty of milk so I decided to pump. I actually don't find it too bad. I do it every three hours in the day and then every three/four/five at night. I effectively feed him whilst I'm pumping. I prop his head on a cushion on my bed in between my legs and feed him to make it easier. Because of lockdown my DH is home in the day so he can help if needed.

I remember the time I would have the the others on my boob just suckling for comfort and find this quicker in a lot of ways as I do 30 mins with a double pump and get more than enough. I had a big baby (9lbs 5) but am keeping up with him. Sometimes I do give a formula but maybe once or twice a week.

I have the double Piaek pump from Amazon. I actually bought two so I gave two sets of pump parts to make it easier on washing up etc. I got some hands free bras on Amazon too which are amazing!

If I was finding it hard or too much I would quit though. It's not worth the stress. I set myself goals so 'get to a month' which is today! Next will be 6 weeks and so on. Day at a time. I think nights are hard no matter how you feed them! Good luck !

I did it for 3 months as dd was prem. it is so hard I'm not surprised you found it a struggle. The only thing I found that helped was "feeding" ds first, letting him latch on and suck for a bit before pumping meant that my milk flowed better and I was on for less time.
Honestly though, it isn't a great experience and I think nobody would blame you for giving up early. Perhaps setting an end date for pumping will help you cope better in the short term?

Get rid of the pump hon. I had same issue and pumped for 6 weeks before I gave in and switched to formula, best thing I ever did. By the time I gave up I was at breaking point and a complete mess.
You've given him all he needs from you, 3 weeks pumping only is fab work. If you're not happy with feeding the first year or so with your DC is going to be miserable. Happy mum = happy baby. You've got this and I'm sure you're doing brilliantly xx

@WannabeMathematician

Thank you for all for kind words (and not judging me because breast feeding didn't work out).

I'm not going to make any decisions at 3 in the morning but you've given me a lot to think about. At the very least it's good to know it does get better.

Thank you

No one who exclusively pumps will ever judge for not breast feeding!

Also the biggest negative voice was my own. The guilt I gave myself, the crying about the drying up. I was SO much happier once I switch to formula. I was my own worst enemy. Give yourself a break and enjoy your baby. They've had the good stuff by now anyway.

WELL DONE!

Thank you all. I decided to give up today ater talking to my mum and my GP. Both said the same thing that at this stage it's better for my baby to have formula rather than breast milk but have me relapse into my depression.

Then as an omen (which I don't normally believe in) my pump started to not akr on a charge and it's now permently plugged into the wall.

So not I have to slowly start cutting own on the number of pump I do on a day.

Thank you all again

Honestly OP I was just reading through and was going to say that the first thing I would change if I could go back was not pumping for three months.
I felt huge pressure but it was very stressful and took up valuable time I would have been better spending cuddling my dc.
Don't feel judged or insecure about your decision.

I did for 5 months. It was incredibly hard. You've done so well and nobody should judge you for stopping.

I was doing this as I have big bust, 36k, and baby couldn't latch. Was lucky to have a lot of help from hubby and midwife to move onto nipple shields and then transitioned on to breastfeeding. Baby just turned four months and Ive not needed to pump or use nipple shields for a month now.

When she wouldn't latch she got the odd bottle of formula if I was struggling to pump enough,but as soon as she took to the nipple shields it was so much easier! It took about a week of trying with the Shields to get her to latch about 80-90% of the time.

I've kept giving her a bottle every couple of days still as it's good she'll take a bottle of expressed milk or formula.

Have a think but do what is best for you, expressing is hard! I'm not sure if I'd have kept up, except she arrived during lockdown so we were pretty much stuck in the house without visitors etc.

I did it for 9 months and now I wonder why the hell I bothered! It was a lot of hassle and stress in the first few months. You've done amazingly.