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| source: Lansinoh.com |
There doesn't seem to be too much talk out there about moms who exclusively pump. You will see many articles about breastfeeding or formula feeding, but not many go in depth about pumping to feed your baby. I have decided to exclusively pump for Meeghan.. I did nurse while in the hospital, and for a few days at home, but I switched to pumping. Here is where I tell my dirty little secret. I hate breastfeeding. I can't give you a great explanation on why I hate it, but I do. I have inverted nipples which makes it more difficult, and I don't know if that is the reason. Pumping is a pain since I am tied to the pump for 20 minutes every 3 hours, but it is cheaper than buying formula. I am not against formula since that is what I used to feed Hannah for most of her infancy. I wanted to keep pumping for Hannah, but a weekend road trip killed the desire to continue when it felt like too much trying to pump in the car. This time around my goal is to make it to 6 months. I have made it almost 7 weeks, and I am pretty proud of myself. I have a few hundred ounces in the freezer which I am really proud of. I just wish there was a bit more support for pumping. Maybe I am not looking in the right places. I was shocked when doctors didn't try to stop me from pumping and switch back to breastfeeding. When I was pumping with Hannah, the nurses at the WIC office made me feel like pumping was horrible and I should stop. I understand that pumping isn't as efficient as nursing, and Meeghan isn't getting the bonding like if she were nursing, but she is still getting breast milk and isn't that what is best for her. I will admit that when I drag myself out of bed at 3am to pump, it does seem easier to just nurse or formula feed since Meeghan is sleeping from about 11pm until 5am. That could be 6 whole hours of sleep! Or when we went to the San Antonio zoo this weekend, I had to go back to the car to pump while the husband and Hannah enjoyed the zoo. It has been hard. I down so much oatmeal I feel like a horse. I pump as often as she eats to maintain my supply. I feel like I am tied to the pump some days, and can't get out of the house. I do, however, tell myself that it is worth it.
My piece of advice to anyone who pumps, if you want some freedom while pumping get a hands free pumping bra. I love mine! It is not comfortable wear all day (at least for me), but it isn't too hard to change bras when it is time to pump. I love that I can still use the computer, eat, or even play with Hannah while pumping. This is the one I use Simple Wishes Hands Free Pumping Bra:
| source: diapers.com |
I totally commend you for pumping!!! I am kind of a breastfeeding snob but now that I am back at work, I pump as well. Breast milk is what is best for the wee ones, and it is hard to keep it up. There are plenty of days that I am exhausted and think oh I should just go out and buy some formula. And then I remember, it's just for a year and my baby is so healthy! I think that there is not enough support for pushing breast milk in general, whether it be through breast or bottle. I just happened to find you through a post of a post but plan on following you! Good luck and keep it up! It gets easier and you will be able to cut out a couple of pump sessions the older your baby gets too. And P.S. Breast milk is FREE!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! The middle of the night pumpings are the hardest, and that is when I want to quit. I keep going though. I am trying to make it month by month. I know as she grows I can spread out the sessions, but some days it seems so far away. :)
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