He would fall asleep or scream for hours on end, and go hours without making a bowel movement.
Finally, my fiance suggested that I pump.
He wasnt drinking as much as my pump was taking.
So, the pump became my best friend.
I give a shot to see to it my baby is content and then pump right after.
I had no idea exclusive pumping even existed I thought I was a unicorn.
I did keep an open mind, and in the hospital I attempted breastfeeding.
It wasn’t as uncomfortable as I expected, but it certainly was as challenging.
But to me it wasn’t worth the time or frustration, so I stuck with my original plan.
I am so happy with my decision.
To me, its just part of taking care of my newborn.
I also love knowing exactly how much my daughter is consuming.
Because of these reasons and more, I cannot fathom why exclusive pumping comes across as unconventional.
Before even giving birth, whenever I mentioned my decision to exclusively pump, it was met with surprise.
If breastfeeding doesnt work out, its okay!
I was so excited that I even told the lactation consultant, ‘Were good!
Shes doing great!’
In my mind, if milk and colostrum were coming out, she was doing it right.
Things changed the second day we were home from the hospital when my milk officially ‘came in.’
I was terrified of the next feeding because it hurt so bad.
I remember crying to my husband, ‘I cant do this!
I dont want to do this!
Im scared of her, Im actually scared to feed my baby!
This isnt what people say its like!’
That night, my EP journey began.
I began pumping every time my baby fed, which was about every two or three hours.
After two weeks, though, pumping was getting easier as I started to build my breast milk stash.
So I promised myself and my baby as long as Im producing, Im pumping.
Now, months later, Im still exclusive pumping.
For me, the most challenging part is cleaning all of the pump parts.
On top of everything else, constantly washing endless parts is exhausting.
And while EPing can be difficult, I would encourage new moms trying it to stay patient.
This is how my breastfeeding journey was meant to go."
My first, like many babies, had troublelatching.
I immediately pumped to relieve the pressure, and offered a bottle to my newborn.
For the next seven months, I pumped breast milk for my daughter and supplemented with formula.
Three years later, when I found out I was pregnant again, I went in with a plan.
I told my doctor, nurses and the lactation consultant that I was going to exclusively pump.
Being better equipped, I was able to pump breast milk for 14 months.
When our third child was born, my exclusive pumping journey continued.
Our youngest is 1 and has been the most excited about food of my three.
If youre having trouble producing, watch videos of your baby.
The cooing and crying help your body respond.
I take great pride in sharing my story with friends and family as they become first-time parents.
For me, exclusive pumping is the absolute best of both worlds!
When I tried breastfeeding my now-2-month-old daughter, my flow was too fast and made nursing messy and difficult.
I just couldnt take it and my baby wasnt enjoying it.
Thats when we transitioned to exclusive pumping.
While pumping can be time-intensive, I attempt to knock out a pumping session while my daughter is sleeping.
When I need to pump on the go, mypumping braandportable breast pumphave been lifesavers.
Not to mention, my husband loves that he gets to participate in feeding our daughter.
Thats why I want other moms to know that bottle-feeding breast milk is an option.
Your baby will be healthy and strong no matter what route you choose."
Shortly after, I discovered that my original plan wasnt going, well, according to plan.
I felt so defeated.
It got to a point where I dreaded nursing.
But I was able to get myself in a position to pump.
And pumped (eight times a day, to be exact).
My milk came in and he was getting everything he needed.
My baby was full and satisfied and happy.
After I fully recovered physically, I continued to venture to breastfeed.
I now pump six times a day, usually at the same times each day.
For me, the amount of support or information given to new moms about pumping is severely lacking.
I had no ideawhat pump to get through insuranceor that exclusively pumping was even a thing.
I had no idea how long I was supposed to pump or what configs to use.
I was simply told to nurse, nurse and nurse some more.
My son is exclusively breastfed in a way that works for us both.
Ive happily never looked back."
She got so used to the bottle that first week, and never eased into nursing.
A typical day for me includes five or six pumping sessions.
Not to mention, EPing feels like twice the work, and it takes a lot of dedication.
You dont fall into the ‘breastfeeding’ or ‘formula-feeding’ category, but rather both.
Its so important for more people to normalize EPing as the third option for feeding your baby."
