I Worship at the Shrine of My Medela Pump in StyleI am the mother of a darling boy who surprised me by coming into my life, then surprised me by arriving 6 weeks early, and continued to surprise me by chewing my nipples off every time we tried to feed! After several bouts of thrush, latching difficulties, lactation consultants who scared the pants off me about my supply, a few good souls who helped me gain my confidence, and countless tears shed in utter frustration (not to mention pain), I became the full-time pumping goddess that I am today!I worship at the shrine of my Medela Pump in Style, knowing that every drop I express feeds this incredible little person I gave birth to. He is now 4 months old and I intend to keep pumping until at least 6 months. Here are several snippets of advice to moms who want to pump exclusively: 1. Know that you are blessed among women. The courage, stamina, and dedication it takes to exclusively pump are saint-worthy. 2. Know that every time you feel exhausted, cheated, angry, sad, frustrated, bored, or start hearing your pump talk to you in the middle of the night — you are not alone. And it is all normal. I don’t know how many times I’ve decided to “just let my milk dry up” — and just as I decide to do that, it flows into those two bottles like ambrosia… The sheer physical and emotional energy it takes to pump exclusively require a special kind of inner fortitude. I have learned a lot about my inner resources through this experience. It is not for the feint of heart. You are a warrior-woman. 3. Know that if you do indeed give up, you are NOT a failure. The fact that we even pump as long as we do is a sign of our motherlove. Whether it’s 2 weeks, 2 months, or 2 years, you are doing the best thing for your child. Banish all thoughts of failure from your head (because they will be there, trust me). 4. Know that the key to supply is three fold: a regular pumping schedule, enough rest, and plenty of nourishment. These three things, plus the belief (I guess you could call it faith) that you CAN DO THIS is all you need to keep producing milk. (Fenugreek worked for me too, but watch for gassiness and tummy upset in you and baby after prolonged use). 5. Know that part of this experience means sacrifice: of your ideas about being able to breastfeed, about your time, about your autonomy as an adult, about being the one to directly feed your baby. But you can choose to see yourself as enslaved by your pump…or liberated by the inner journey it affords you (and the incredible sense of accomplishment, against the odds, when you succeed.) And know that helping hands — from a partner, husband, grandma, friend — are welcome. Weigh the sadness of not being able to cradle you baby as he feeds against the fact that because your husband is feeding him your milk at night, you can pump MORE milk for him. 6. Know that people might ask funny questions, or judge you, or not understand why cannot answer the phone right now…or you cannot come out of the public toilet stall right now…but keep your inner compass steady. You are doing this because you believe it is the best thing for your beloved child. So frankly, screw anyone who thinks otherwise! And let them wait — no phone call of angry toilet patron should force you to put aside this vital task. It is vital to your baby…and so it is more important than anything else! 7. Know that there is a sisterhood of women who exclusively pump, and share the knowledge with others around you. We are brave, bold, bitchin’ mamas and we should sing our praises wherever we can. Strength to you as you listen to the swishing gurgles of milk splashing (or dribbling) into bottles — and as you watch your little one drink down your milk and grow round and fat and pink and gorgeous… Mama Meg the Medela Queen 42 Responses to “I Worship at the Shrine of My Medela Pump in Style” Leave a Reply |
 
 
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February 9th, 2008 at 11:00 am
What a great article! I’m also doing this, have been since my little guy was born 5 months ago. We tried breastfeeding for the first month but unfortunately it didnt work out. So nice to know I’m not the only one!
February 29th, 2008 at 2:15 am
This is an awesome article. I’ve been questioned several times by (mostly my mother!) people about why I’m not breastfeeding. I’d like to talk more about how to keep supply up… I find mine fluctuates a lot! If anyone wants to chat my email is vivster81@hotmail.com
March 10th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Thank you for the encouraging article. I’m a new mom and have been pumping for 2 months with many difficulties along the way. It’s always nice to not feel so alone!
March 12th, 2008 at 10:28 am
Thank you for this article. I NEVER thought I’d do anything but breastfeed with my baby at my actual breast. (well, until I went back to work.) I bought a pump to use at work, but after what seemed like hundreds of failed breast feeding trys, I went to pumping. My baby cried a lot in the first few days when it was time to eat and we were told she had a very weak suck. If I breastfead, I’d only have 30 minutes between feedings because of how long it took her to get enough or fall asleep at the breast. I was tired of crying and so was my baby, so I decided to try breastfeeding and pump. Now two months later, I pump seven times a day even while working, and I always have bottles of breast milk ready as she doesn’t drink quite as much as I produce. I think I was scared to not breast feed since it came so easily to my mom and sister. I felt pressured to keep trying. My sister tried helping a lot, but even she said she never had either of her children kick and scream like my baby did when we tried feeding at the breast. Now my mom and sister are proud of me for pumping so often and I am quite happy too. I’m not sure when I’ll be mentally prepared to go to formula. I guess time will tell.
March 12th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
In my experience, you will know when you are ready to quit pumping. It will just feel right to you and you will be at peace with the decision. You may never need to switch to formula as you may pump until your babe is old enough to go on to other foods and cow’s milk if you choose. Take it a day at a time and be proud of yourself for doing what you are doing right now for your baby. I think women EP for many reasons and part of the process is coming to terms with the loss of the expected breastfeeding relationship; for some, this takes longer than others. This isn’t to say that those who pump for a longer period have had a harder time coming to terms with this loss, but certainly I think many work through this loss everytime they pump.
April 13th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
I am so thankful for this funny posting! We are warrior women for continuing to pump! I have felt so much guilt and frustration at not being able to get the “quilting nipple” (your nipple gets so torn and chewed up by your baby’s biting that your nipple eventually becomes numb to the pain). After having each of my nipples torn up for sixteen days in a row, I decided to pump exclusively. It’s been past two months, and I’m still doing it. I just tried putting him to my nipple yesterday, but my son is still biting! I just hope I can get to four months with the pumping. I’ve made it this far, and I can’t believe it. It is so much work to wash bottles, pump parts, and to keep a log of feeding and pumping times. It is enough to make you go crazy. But weighing him and seeing his chubby thighs makes it almost worth all of the trouble.
April 18th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I gave birth to our 7th child in Feb. She is a “partial trisomy 18″ baby and has other neurological issues. Sadly, she cannot BF. I have been broken hearted about this, but have felt good about my decision to continue to pump for her. I have had a hard time maintaining my milk supply and keeping up with her, am currently battling nipple thrush, and often wonder if my age (43) is not a negative factor in all of this. I nursed my other 6 children for 2 years each, and desperately miss that connection with my sweet girl…it is a relief to know that there are others out there…struggling-and making it! Unfortunately I have had to supplement with formula at one or two feedings each day, but I still know I am doing all I can.
May 23rd, 2008 at 6:06 am
Thank you for this awesome article!! I have a beautiful, amazing 6-week-old daughter who I exclusively pump for. We had some trouble latching and sucking even though she was full-term and hungry! After many tears and a lot of anxiety the first week of her life, over breast feeding (which I REALLY wanted to do!), I started to pump. I have a great supply so far (45 ounces a day!) … and am praying that it lasts because I want my daughter to have my milk. I sometimes feel embarrassed that this is what I have to do, and I sometimes feel like I have to explain why - but I know that I should not feel this way. AND your article has made me feel more empowered, so thank you!
May 24th, 2008 at 11:36 am
My daughter was born at 26 weeks, weighing 1 pound 6 ounces. I have been pumping for the last 2 months while she is in the nicu. I plan on returning to work shortly and am wondering if the medela pump in style was your primary pump? I’ve been renting a hospital pump but am going to purchase a pump to bring to work. I’ve only left the house to visit the hospital up until now so I haven’t needed one. Would you recomend I continue to rent a pump for home or is the medela sufficient?
May 25th, 2008 at 9:14 am
Hi Jenn,
Unfortunately, there are no absolutes when it comes to pumps. I can tell you that many, many women have had success EPing with a personal electric pump such as the Pump in Style. A hospital grade pump is always the best insurance provided that it is working well for you now, your supply is good, and you haven’t had any concerns. The fact that your daughter was a 26 weeker may make you more prone to supply issues but this isn’t necessarily the case with every mom of an extremely early preemie.
If you haven’t had any concerns with your supply and you have a very strong supply (i.e. enough to feed your daughter at her highest intake needs plus a little extra) then you may be fine with a personal pump. Pumps are different though and your body may react differently to a new pump, so I would recommend you not get rid of your rental right away but instead ease into the new pump until you are sure your supply is staying put.
Best wishes to you on your return to work and to your daughter. You are giving her a wonderful, invaluable gift!
Stephanie
June 27th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I thought I was the only one doing this! My son is, as the lactation consultant said, a “lazy sucker” and would also just scream every time I tried to breastfeed him. I cried, he cried, and finally I began to pump and bottle feed him. He stopped crying and started thriving. I still feel a sense of loss about not breastfeeding him, but I feel good that he can still have my milk. I have been EPing for almost a month, and I have wanted to give up a few times, but I know it is best for him. I have also used the pump in style and it is great! I do feel like a slave to my pump though and I wish that when we were out in public I didn’t have to worry so much about when it’s time to pump or where I can pump at. Mostly we just stay home because of this. Thanks for the encouragement!
June 27th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
Hi I have been EP for 3 months. My son was a terrible latcher, and born at 10 lbs was very hungry and hysterical at every feed. The nurses, midwives and some family members all laughed at his antics but it wasn’t very funny at 2 am! It was very important to me to BF but I had to think of my 3 yr old too. I turned to EP and now we are both happy.
My supply is all over the place. At first I got 4 oz every time but now I get 2 oz at some and 3-4 middle of the night/early morning. I have to supplement a lot lately with formula which makes me sad. I had hoped to pump for 6 months. I have been taking Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle since he was 2 weeks. He is now 3 months. I pump 7x a day. I have tried to do more but it is so hard to squeeze it in. Is that the key for keeping it up - to pump more often?
Anne
June 27th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
ps I wanted to add that I also have a Medela Pump in style that works much better than the hospital grade for me. I was told that I should switch to a hospital grade but I think that is when my supply went down as I couldn’t adjust well to the different suction/rhythm. It works for some but not for all.
Glad to hear that Ep works so well for some and I am not alone.
Anne
July 12th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Hi Anne,
If I’m reading your post correctly, you are getting varying amounts at various pumping sessions throughout the day? This is completely normal. Initially, your supply is very strong since it is controlled primarily by hormones, but after a few weeks things switch to the autocrine control which is local control or supply and demand. Your daily producion is also affected by the natural flucuation of prolactin in your system which tends to be higher in the night and early morning and lower in the late afternoon and early evening. It is very diffciult to give specific advice on supply concerns without detailed information but I can provide some basics.
Generally, the way to keep your supply up is to pumping frequently and remove as much milk as possible at each session. Milk allowed to sit in the breast will slow production and a full breast will also slow production. So again, frequent and complete milk removal is very important. Your own milk storage capacity will also impact this as women who naturally have a large storage capacity can often pump less frequently and maintain supply.
There are many other things that can affect supply and the early management of breastfeeding/lactation can also affect the long-term production.
When trying to fit in pumping sessions, remember that they don’t have to all be spaced at exactly the same interval, nor do they need to be exactly the same length. A breastfed baby certainly doesn’t do this
A very general rule is to aim for about 120 minutes/day of pumping.
I hope that answers your question.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:23 am
It’s nice to see this discussion taking place! My little girl is 3 1/2 months now, and I am EPing to keep her on breast milk. I have a Medela rental from the hospital that I tote with me everywhere I go (even camping!). I never even thought about not breastfeeding. I was breast fed, and it was just not even a question for me. Until my girl was born and wouldn’t latch on. 4 lactation consultants, countless tricks and techniques, 3 different sized nipple shields, and a whole heck of a lot of heartache and pain later, and the child was tongue tied and couldn’t latch on.
The best lactation consultant ever found it within 5 minutes of arriving at my house. We went to the ENT and had it clipped, hoping that at 3 weeks old she would now latch on. I have been pumping this entire time, bottle feeding, using techniques to try to keep her interested in breast feeding, and still…no latch.
To this day, we still work on the latch when I am home with her at night. But I have a good pumping schedule down (4 times a day) and am fortnate to produce more than enough to feed her and freeze a bit for when I start traveling for work again.
I guess I’ll pile on to the message that you can make this work. Don’t give up, don’t make formula an option. I’ve worked through thrush, blocked ducts, mastitis (oh, that hurt!) and blistered and sore nipples. But in the long run, it’s so worth it.
Thanks for reading my story, it felt good to tell it and I am even more resolved to keep it up for my girl!
May 28th, 2009 at 7:19 am
Hi I’m so glad to have found this site. I’ve been exclusively pumping for nearly 10 months now for a baby who shows no interest in solids other than for play, so I’m still pumping at night to keep making enough for him.
It’s doing my head in but it’s so good to know I’m not the only one x
June 16th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Thank you for the wonderful article and encouragement.
I have been pumping for 9 months now and plan on continuing for another 3 more. At this point I wanted to give up and even tried to wean myself but I just couldn’t. The pump is there and the milk keeps coming. My daughter is happy, growing and it makes me smile knowing that I am giving her the best start at life. Thanks to people like yourself and the support of my husband I will continue.
June 20th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Oh, I found your article at just the right time! I just had a little “Why me, it’s not fair that I have to pump every 3 hours!” fit, then decided to try and look online for a little inspiration to keep me going. Your article was exactly what I needed to keep on pumpin’. I have been exclusively pumping for 9 weeks, as my daughter was bottle fed in the NICU for several days at birth. It is everything you said it is:mind-numbing, tedious, time-consuming…and glorious, all at the same time. My beautiful daughter just turned 2 months old this week, and I couldn’t be happier that I’ve made it this far pumping milk for her. Cheers to my pumping pals everywhere!
June 23rd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Thank you for the inspiration! I’m using my Pump-n-Style for the third baby since I bought it. I love it and wouldn’t change a thing. I do have one question–I pump more milk out of my left breast than my right breast (about twice as much)….how can I increase the amount of milk I pump from my right breast? Right now my 3 month old daughter is drinking more than I am pumping, so my overstock supply in the freezer will be gone soon!
I really don’t want to supplement her with formula, but if my milk supply doesn’t increase, I won’t have a choice.
Thanks so much!
June 24th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Hello Cinda,
Thanks for your comment and question. It is important to know that after 3-4 weeks, lactation is driven primarily by supply and demand. Supply is also controlled locally, meaning each breast produces milk independent of the other. It is quite normal for one breast to produce more than the other, although twice as much is a big difference. Did you have plugged ducts or some other problem in the one side which lead to such a decrease?
Increasing supply usually comes down to pumping more frequently and ensuring you are pumping for a long enough time each session. An empty breast produces milk at a faster rate than a full breast, so keeping your breasts emptied frequently is absolutely necessary to increase supply. If you want to increase supply, add in more pumping sessions and ensure you are pumping approximately 120 min./day. You also need to ensure your pump is functioning properly. It’s never a bad idea to clean it thoroughly (including the face plate) and change the white membranes on the flange kits.
If you simply want to increase production on one side, increase the length of time you are pumping that side. However, you mention that you are not currently producing enough for your baby’s needs, so increasing production on both sides is likely a good idea.
In addition to the ideas above, you may consider using a herbal supplement such as fenugreek or blessed thistle to help increase supply. They are best used in combination with an increased pumping schedule. Look at http://www.kellymom.com for information on these galactogogues.
Best wishes,
Stephanie
June 24th, 2009 at 7:02 pm
I’m so glad to have found this website. I am having an issue with producing too MUCH milk, and need to decrease my supply. My son is almost 8 months old (I have been EP since he was born), and he is now eating solids 3 times a day, so I don’t need to pump as much milk as I used to. I used to pump every 4 hours, but have tried to cut back to every 6 hours, however when I do, I get plugged ducts and become very sore, so then I pump more to unplug the duct and relieve the pain, so it’s just a cycle that I can’t seem to turn around.
Any suggestions on how I can DECREASE my milk supply, without suffering from plugged ducts and super-sore breasts?
Thanks!
June 25th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Yours is a problem that many EPing moms wish they had, but I know that doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Having too much milk and being unable to reduce your supply easily can be a very frustrating problem.
Ultimately, supply is managed through the process of supply and demand. But when you run into difficulty lowering supply and are dealing with recurrent blocked ducts, you may need to change your strategy a little bit. A empty breast produces milk faster than a full breast. When a breast is full, the protein FIL (feedback inhibitor of lactation) is present in higher concentration and signals production to slow. As well, as the breast fills, the walls of the aveoli stretch and do not allow prolactin to enter. These two things combine to slow production. The other aspect that is important to understand in your case is that your body will usually continue to produce as much milk as is being removed. The other factor that comes into play is storage capacity. Some women are “blessed” with a large storage capacity which is great in that they can often pump less often but maintain supply, however, it also often makes it more challenging to reduce their supply and wean.
Your general strategy of extending the time between sessions is good, but you may need to go slower and take a two pronged approached. I would suggest you start simply by reducing the length of time you are pumping each session. So if for example you are pumping 20 minutes per session, drop that to 18 minutes. Always be aware of any areas that seem hard or sore and work at them as you pump using lots of massage and compresesions. You may also want to start using warm compresses prior to pumping to help remove milk and avoid blockages. Go slowly. When you find that you can easily manage with the 18 minutes/session, you can drop another minute or two.
The other part of the strategy is to lengthen the time between sessions, but I would suggest you not necessarily schedule the time. Rather than going from every 4 hours to every 6, judge the time on how your body is reacting. Push the limit a little and pump only when you are feeling full, but not painfully full. Perhaps at first it might only be a half hour off your current schedule and perhaps it might only be 2 of your pumping sessions that you are able to extend. Again, go slowly.
I would start with the first strategy on its own for a while. See how your body responds and then begin the second strategy. It is always a good idea to be pumping more than your baby needs just to ensure you have some cushion in case of unforeseen events and to ensure that you don’t drop your supply too low to the point where it starts to decline gradually since you are not pumping very frequently. As with any attempts to increase or decrease your supply, keep records of your output so you can see any trends that are happening.
Another thing to consider since you have a problem with recurrent blocked ducts is the use of lecithin. It is unclear why lecithin can help. Some suggest that it may reduce the stickiness of the fat. Anecdotally it seems to work for many moms with this problem and there are not any contraindications to taking it. See the following link for more information and dosage information: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/lecithin.html
Hope that answers your question
Best wishes,
Stephanie
June 25th, 2009 at 5:48 pm
Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your helpful and detailed response to my question of reducing my milk supply. I greatly appreciate the information!
One question: You had given an example of, instead of pumping for 20 mins, try 18 mins., etc. I don’t necessarily pump so-many-minutes per session, but I go by amount of milk. What I mean is, each time I pump (currently every 6 hours, but used to be every 4 hrs.), I pump 6 ounces from each breast, for a total of 12 oz at each session. So, do you think that I should not pump as much, and maybe drop it down to 4 oz from each breast? I have plenty in storage, so that is not a concern.
Also, my right breast produces much more than my left breast. So often, my breasts look lopsided. When I pump, the container on the right is filled to the top long before the left side. I could probably get 12 ounces from the right breast alone. What causes one breast to produce so much more than the other? I am hoping that once my milk has dried up, that my breasts are equal in size…because right now, when they are full, my right breast is so much larger than the left. It looks funny.
Anyway, thanks again for your great response, I am going to try your suggestions, and also pick up some lecithin.
Take care
June 26th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Hi Allison,
You are most welcome for the information
Yes, if you do not go by time, you should reduce the volume you are pumping. But, I wouldn’t drop by 2 oz increments. That is a lot of reduction in a very short time. Given that you are prone to blocked ducts, you need to be even more cautious than most women. I would start by reducing no more than 1/2 an ounce and maintain that level for at least 2-3 days and if you are comfortable with that, drop another 1/2 an ounce. It will take a bit of time to drop your supply, but better than suffering plugged ducts and risking mastitis.
It is very common for one breast to produce more than the other. Milk production is localized, so a number of factors can boost/drop supply in only one side- differences in anatomy, previous breast trauma, blocked ducts or mastistis, tendancy to nurse or pump more on one side… Also, storage capacity can very well be larger in one breast than the other, and that might be what you are experiencing. With the volumes you are producing on so few pumping sessions, I would think that you likely have a very large storage capacity, which is great for building a strong supply when EPing, but not so great- as you are discovering- when you want to slow production or wean.
Genereally, you will go back to a similar size that you were pre-pregnancy. Shape is a different thing
But that often happens regardless of lactation and more simply due to the breast changes in pregnancy. Just another one of those things to remind us of motherhood!!
Best wishes,
Stephanie
July 17th, 2009 at 11:36 am
So glad I found this website. I appreciated this article and comments. I am EPing for my 3rd child (4 months old), just as I have for my first 2 children. I tried for 8 weeks to nurse my first born, and made several lactation consultants really earn their paychecks! Finally, with much guilt, I threw in the towel. We stopped renting a breast pump and bought my Medela. I didn’t try to nurse near as long with my next two kids — two weeks of unbearable pain each. I figured that my system of pumping worked for 8 months, so might as well go with it. Now, after finding this website, I realize that I am not alone! Just in time, too. Pumping for a 4 month old with a 3 year old and 5 year old at home is no easy task! At least once a week, I tell myself that I need to quit soon for my own sanity. But I find my self back at the pump 4 times a day, with my 2 older kids often telling me to go “pump it up”! Hey… I’ll take encouragement wherever I can get it.
Question for Stephanie: How quickly are vitamins / nutrients depleted from expressed milk? I’ve read online about losing valuable nutrients in breastmilk if it sits in the fridge for a day or two. Is that true?
July 20th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Hi Kristina,
Thank you for your comments and question. You are right that certain components of breast milk do start to degrade upon expression and with storage. The rate at which this happens depends on what components you look at. I have added a few links below that you might find interesting, and if you have some time to spend on the internet you will be able to pull up a lot of research papers on breast milk storage. Much of the research done is specifically focused on either breast milk storage as it applies to milk banks or premature babies so it is not always completely relevant to the general public.
The first link is interesting in that it talks about how bacterial count in expressed breast milk actually decreases as it sits. This is due the the antibacterial properties of breast milk. However, while these properties decrease bacterial counts in milk kept at room temperature or in a fridge, the antibacterial properties are reduced when the milk is frozen.
http://www.jpgmonline.com/article.asp?issn=0022-3859;year=1991;volume=37;issue=1;spage=14;epage=6;aulast=Deodhar
These next two links discuss antioxidants in stored milk and the fact that antioxidant levels decrease when milk is stored- both frozen and refrigerated. Freezing decreasing antioxidants more than refrigeration and the longer milk is refrigerated, the lower the antioxidant levels.
http://www.cababstractsplus.org/abstracts/Abstract.aspx?AcNo=20073139441
http://fn.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/abstract/89/6/F518
I think what is important to realize when discussing the effects of storage on expressed milk is that, in most cases, expressed milk- regardless of how it is stored- is still preferable to formula. The last link above mentions that both frozen and refrigerated milk had higher antioxidant levels than the formula that was tested in the research. Direct breastfeeding is always preferable to feeding expressed milk if we are discussing the quality of the milk being fed to a baby. However, when direct breastfeeding isn’t possible, expressed milk is still superior to formula. The best way to feed is to feed freshly expressed milk as often as possible, store it for as short a period as possible, and ensure that you are using a storage method that protects frozen milk as much as possible.
Hope that helps.
Take care,
Stephanie
August 16th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Thank you so much for this website. It’s so nice to find a resource that actually SUPPORTS EP rather than tells you you are doomed to failure if you do it. Every other breastfeeding resource I’ve found online basically says that EPing is impossible. I have a five-week-old baby girl who is doing great with EP but I am still very sad that BFing hasn’t worked out for us. She is either lazy/falling asleep at the breast or totally furious that I’m even attempting to feed her this way, and such attempts to get her to latch on (with a nipple shield) leave both of us frustrated. This evening I found myself looking for some support as my teacher husband goes back to school tomorrow and the long nights of feeding and pumping are looking overwhelming to me. My husband keeps telling me that “we can do this” but I’m having a hard time believing it as he’s not the one who’s got the pump strapped to him for hours a day. It’s nice to find women who are making it work. Thanks.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:43 pm
I read your comment on the quality of expressed milk vs. feeding directly from the breast. Is it true that the quality of expressed breast milk is diminished vs. directly from the breast? What if the milk that is expressed is fed to the infant right away or that same day? Sometimes I pump and then feed him immediately. Is this still lower quality than breastfeeding directly? I feel bad now that I know that he is not getting the best I have to offer.
September 11th, 2009 at 9:26 am
Hi Chaunta,
First off, don’t feel bad for doing what you believe is best for your baby. It is often hard to locate accurate information and to wade through the volumes of contradictory advice we are given and read as new moms. You are to be commended for providing breast milk to your little one!
It is true that direct breastfeeding is the best method of feeding an infant. The reasons for this are many and varied. Milk does start to degrade after it is expressed. One reason for this is that the components of the milk are doing what they are suppose to be doing: lipase for example begins breaking down the milk and basically digesting it. This helps a baby with digestion, but can also can issues when milk is expressed and stored. And since there are many components to breast milk that are considered “living” it is reasonable to assume that these components will eventually degrade. There has been research done that deals with the destruction of various components in milk. There should be some of these links posted around this site. However, after having said all this, expressed milk, regardless of how long it has been stored (within reasonable limits) is still preferable to any artificial baby milk- formula.
Breastfeeding does confer a number of other benefits that feeding expressed breast milk will not pass on. For example, eye sight and hand-eye coordination are improved during the breastfeeding activity, and there is research that suggests a baby’s saliva does travel up the mothere’s milk ducts and a mother’s body will respond by making antibodies for any viruses found in the baby’s saliva and then these antibodies will be passed back to the baby through the milk. I think it is safe to say that many of the wonders of breast milk have yet to be understood.
You are correct in assuming that milk that is freshly expressed is the best. I would encourage you to feed as much freshly pumped milk as possible. If your supply is good, and given that expressed milk can sit at room temperature safely for a number of hours, feeding mostly fresh milk is easy and provides the most benefit possible. The longer the milk is stored, the more it may degrade. It is for this reason that milk that is to be frozen should be frozen as soon as possible and not left in a fridge for a few days. Same idea as freezing fruits or vegetables as soon as possbile after they are picked. It is important to note that freezing milk also destroys certain components in breast milk such as leukocytes, so using milk as soon after it is expressed is again the best practice if this is practical.
Again, do not feel bad for providing something of such great value to your baby! For most women that I communicate with, if it wasn’t for the option of exclusively pumping they would be feeding formula and, as I mentioned above, all expressed breast milk is far superior to formula.
Best wishes,
Stephanie
September 14th, 2009 at 1:21 am
I love reading all of these experiences! All of you are so inspiring, thank you!
I would like some pumping advice if possible. I am currently successfully nursing (not pumping) my 5 month old. My dear sister is going to be adopting a newborn next month and I have offered to try to pump as much milk as I can for her new little one while still nursing mine. We both the new baby to get the wonderful benefits of breast milk, but realize that she will probably have to be supplemented with formula.
Though I have the best of intentions, I am so unfamiliar with pumping and worry about making enough for my own baby. I tried pumping yesterday, but when my baby wanted to nurse, she was so upset that she wasn’t getting as much as she is used to. She screamed in frustration and I ended up giving her the milk I had just pumped! I don’t really know how to do this, or if I even can at all! I had SO much milk the first couple of months (when I originally offered to pump for an adopted baby) but now it has balanced out and I don’t know if I will be able to get back there.
Any advice or encouragement would be gratefully accepted!
Thank you,
Anna
September 14th, 2009 at 3:51 am
Hi Stephanie,
I am SO happy to have discovered your website today! After having difficulties breastfeeding and desperately struggling for a month I decided to express my milk and bottle feed. Having never heard of anyone doing this before it’s great to know now that I’m not alone and feel encouraged to hear that it is a viable way of feeding my daughter.
Many thanks for your advice and making this seem possible! I was so so sad at the thought of having to resort to formula in order to feed my little girl, save my sanity and bond with her the way I imagined. Now I’ve found a good balance and this website has given me the confidence to continue,
Thanks again!!!
September 14th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Hi Anna,
Thank you for your comments and question. What a wonderful sister and aunt you are! A very selfless thing to offer.
First off, with regards to your question, you need to realize that the let-down response is largely a conditioned response and it may take time for your body to respond to a breast pump. Second, you are absolutely correct that at 5 months post-partum your body had found a nice equilibrium that meets the needs of your baby. In order to produce enough to feed a second baby- or a portion of that baby’s needs- you will need to signal to your body that more milk production is needed.
You do not mention what kind of pump you are using. Generally, you want to use the best pump you can afford, although many do find a hand pump is quite effective and since you are not pumping exclusively, this may meet your needs. It will likely be best for you to pump after your daughter has nursed. At five months of age, she is likely on a fairly consistent nursing schedule and pumping after she nurses will allow you some time between nursing sessions. You will likely want to be pumping for about 15 minutes or so each session- but this also depends on the type of pump you are using.
You will not be removing much milk at first, but be persistent. What you need to do is tell your body that more milk production is needed. Production is largely supply and demand, so if you start demanding more, your body will follow. Some things to keep in mind though are that frequent milk removal is important to maintaining and increasing supply. Milk stasis slows production, so if you know that your daughter will not be nursing for a few hours, you may want to add a pumping session during that time. Likewise, if she is sleeping several hours through the night, adding a pumping session will help to increase supply. You may want to read through an article I recently wrote and posted call “Critical Factors in Milk Production”. The formatting is a little wonky still, but the content is good .
You may also consider using some herbal galactogogues such as fenurgreek or blessed thistle which may help to increase your milk supply along with pumping.
I hope that helps you get started. Don’t hesitate to email me directly if you have further questions.
Best wishes,
Stephanie
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
Thank GOD I found this site:) I luckily know two people who EP’d their babies, but neither of them lasted very long and were fine with supplementing. I REALLY want to it to 6 months minimum b/c of many issues with my LO. My baby is now 7 weeks old, and while breastfeeding was never “easy” it was going generally well until about 4 days ago. He had an occasional bottle starting after he was 4 weeks old and had no problem going btwn breast and bottle. I should also mention he has a cow’s milk protien sensitivity, and severe reflux. SO I have had a hard time figuring out if his fussiness at feeding time is due to the reflux or milk supply, etc. I initially was producing WAY more milk than he needed, and was having to pump after breastfeeding to relieve engorgement, I even got mastitis, etc. Then after about 3 weeks, I seemed to be on a production roller coster, going back and forth between overproduction with VERY forceful letdown (which made him fuss) and what I thought was under supply (now I’m not sure?) b/c he seemed so fussy and hungry after feeding. I’m sure you all understand the frustration!!! BUT, despite these issues, overall he was feeding frequently, growing, and I thought that with time it would get better. Well, this past weekend, he really turned up the fussing and is now latching on for a few minutes (like 3-5) and sucking etc, then pulling off, arching and screaming and kicking. He seemed so so miserable!! I was sure after a few days that we would be able to solve the issue, but he just fussed more and more, and was crying all day/night. Finally, after feeling so much “mom guilt” for not being able to satisfy my sweet baby, I pumped and gave him a bottle. He looked at me as to say..”Ahh!! finally mom you got it!!”. He immediately stopped fussing and slept great. Then next day I continued to try to BF him with the same results, SCREAMING, kicking, arching, fussing, spitting, etc. All the things he did with his reflux. He would refuse to nurse, so I would BF, then bottle feed, then pump to empty my breast. I got so frustrated with him and we were both so miserable during these feedings, that I decided to try EP’ing. He is now taking the bottles with ease, no crying, arching, fussing. No screaming. We are enjoying feeding again. It’s almost bliss…except for the pumping! I had purchased the Lansinoh Double Electric Pump before delivery thinking I only needed the occasional pumping, (it’s supposed to be the same as the Ameda Purely yours, or so I was told). But, now since I’m EP’ing I want to make sure I have the best pump to maintain my supply. I’ve been pumping and feeding for only 2 days, and continue to try and get him to latch on a few times per day b/c I would ideally like to BF him if we can do it happily. Until then, or if that never happens, I want to make sure I have a quality pump. I’m concerned that my supply is already diminishing. When BF’ing him I would be painfully engorged about every 3 hours, and I haven’t felt that since I starting EP’ing. I also used to leak at the first sound of a baby or water running (? not sure what that was about?)and now I’m only leaking in the early morning. I used to pump 4 oz per boob now I’m happy to get 5-7 oz total. I’ve been pumping 7x per day for at least 20min each time, and started taking fennugreek about 2 days ago. Gosh, I have SO many questions:
-Will I always have to get up in the middle of the night to pump? Or will I be able to sleep throught the night when he starts to?
-Should I purchase a different pump? Do you think the Medela Pump in style is a higher grade pump than the Lansinoh/(Ameda) Purely yours for Ep’ng?
-I used to be very aware of my letdowns, feeling the pins and needles/razor blades feelings for a few seconds as it started, but now I’m only feeling one or maybe two per session. Could this be b/c of the stress? is there anything I can do?
-My nipples are starting to get sore from all the pumping. I have large breasts (breast implants to small D cup, plus milk supply, now I’m about an E) but relatively small nipples. Could the soreness be due to the pump itself? I try to use the least amt of suction that produces a let-down. I didn’t really have sore nipples when my son was able to BF exclusively.
-I’ve been trying to drink lots of water to help boost/maintain my supply, but I read last night online (can’t remember where that drinking too much water can actually hinder your supply? is there any truth to that?
Whew! That’s quite a load, but I’d really appreciate any help you can give me! I’m calling a LC in my area today to try and work more on BF’ing. I feel like since we were able to do it exclusively for the first 6 weeks, that surely we can figure this out. But every day since last Saturday, he does nothing but SCREAM every time I try to BF him for more than 5 min, on either side. I’ve had to suplement him with a BM bottle every time anyway. I’m so frustrated and nervous! I never expected this, and with his reflux and food issues it’s more important than anything to me that he gets my BM. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. My husband is being supportive, but I still really get the feeling he doesn’t understand. And every time I’m pumping, he stares at the bottles and says, there’s nothing coming out, what’s wrong, why isn’t anything coming out? ARGH!!! I want him to hook it up to his nipples and see how much fun it is;)
THANKS! I feel better just venting a little!
October 4th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Hi Allison,
While you may be experiencing a drop in supply, know that some of what you are experiencing is normal for this time. Around 4 weeks or so post-partum it is normal for your supply to start to regulate and your breasts often feel as though they have “deflated” overnight. Let-down is largely a conditioned response and it may take time for your body to start responding to the pump as it does for your baby. Increasing your pumping schedule is the right thing to do and it will take a few days to see any results from this increased schedule.
-Will I always have to get up in the middle of the night to pump? Or will I be able to sleep throught the night when he starts to?
You will not always need to get up in the night however if you have supply concerns or are trying to build supply, it is best to pump in the night. Depending on your child’s age when he starts sleeping through the night, you may be able to start extending your time as well. However, it is never a good idea to go much beyond 6 hours in between sessions unless you are okay with the prospects of losing some supply. Also, if you have had difficulties with plugged ducts or mastitis you need to be cautious about how quickly you drop the night session.
-Should I purchase a different pump? Do you think the Medela Pump in style is a higher grade pump than the Lansinoh/(Ameda) Purely yours for Ep’ng?
The Lansinoh pump is the same as the Ameda Purely Yours. The Purely Yours is a very good personal pump and has many features that I really like. As with the Pump in Style, it is a personal pump and not intended for the extreme needs of a woman who is exclusively pumping. Having said that, many women have had good success EPing with both the Purely Yours and the Pump in Style. As long as the pump is working efficiently, I would not worry about getting a Medela. If you want to upgrade, a change to a hospital grade pump such as the Ameda Elite or the Medela Symphony would be your options.
-I used to be very aware of my letdowns, feeling the pins and needles/razor blades feelings for a few seconds as it started, but now I’m only feeling one or maybe two per session. Could this be b/c of the stress? is there anything I can do?
As long as you are still experiencing let-downs the fact that you no longer feel them isn’t a concern. This is actually quite normal. Some women never “feel” a let-downs, some always do, and some, like you, find the sensation changes over time.
-My nipples are starting to get sore from all the pumping. I have large breasts (breast implants to small D cup, plus milk supply, now I’m about an E) but relatively small nipples. Could the soreness be due to the pump itself? I try to use the least amt of suction that produces a let-down. I didn’t really have sore nipples when my son was able to BF exclusively.
The soreness could be a result of the pump. It is good that you are using the lowest suction that works for you. Use some type of lubricant- lanolin or olive oil are both good choices. Many women find they need a different size of flanges- larger or smaller. There is an article on the website that discusses flange sizes.
-I’ve been trying to drink lots of water to help boost/maintain my supply, but I read last night online (can’t remember where that drinking too much water can actually hinder your supply? is there any truth to that?
Yes, extreme volumes of water can negatively impact milk supply. Generally, you need to drink to thirst. You don’t need to drink excesses amounts of water. Eat well and drink enough water.
Whew! That’s quite a load, but I’d really appreciate any help you can give me! I’m calling a LC in my area today to try and work more on BF’ing. I feel like since we were able to do it exclusively for the first 6 weeks, that surely we can figure this out. But every day since last Saturday, he does nothing but SCREAM every time I try to BF him for more than 5 min, on either side. I’ve had to suplement him with a BM bottle every time anyway. I’m so frustrated and nervous! I never expected this, and with his reflux and food issues it’s more important than anything to me that he gets my BM. I’m willing to do whatever it takes. My husband is being supportive, but I still really get the feeling he doesn’t understand. And every time I’m pumping, he stares at the bottles and says, there’s nothing coming out, what’s wrong, why isn’t anything coming out? ARGH!!! I want him to hook it up to his nipples and see how much fun it is;)
I hope you find success with the lactation consultant. My son has extreme reflux that went undiagnosed for 5 months. Once he started on medication he was a completely different baby, but unfortunately it was too late to restore a breastfeeding relationship. Hang in there! You are definitely not alone. And you are an amazing mother doing what you feel is best for your babe. Don’t give up on breastfeeding just yet- keep demanding answers and help!
THANKS! I feel better just venting a little!
Your welcome. Venting is a wonderful thing, isn’t it
Best wishes,
Stephanie
October 10th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Hi Stephanie
Thank you so much for this website…I have educated myself so much and have been extremely encouraged. I plan on passing this website onto my girlfriends for the great content. I have been reading how many moms are pumping between 4-8 oz (and much more in some cases) and I am EP’ing only 2-4 oz, pumping every 3-4 hours during the day, and about 5-6 during the wee hours of night to early morning. I am already taking More Milk Plus, eating oatmeal, and drinking lots of water to attempt a boost in supply but my best is 4 oz in one pump (2 per breast). My baby girl is almost 5 weeks and she did not have much motivation for latching on, then she went into NICU with Jaundice so on day 3 I started pumping to take her BM. She got used to bottle feeding and would not stop crying and screaming when we tried BF again so I stayed EP. My concern is that in one day I average 16-18oz EP BM and she eats about 3oz every 3 hours…I am not able to keep up with her. As a matter of fact, I spent 24hrs giving her formula while I tried to stock up on BM so we did not have to supplement again. My poor baby had such a rough period and she cried and screamed out in such agony…her poor tummy; my husband and I cried with her. We are so concerned about this and never want to give her formula again. Please tell me what can I do. My other concern is that WIC lent me the Ameda Elite and our financial situation has improved so I may not be able to use it much longer as we may not qualify for WIC benefits any longer. I planned on purchasing the Purely Yours; since my supply is not the best will it drop from changing to a personal pump from hospital grade pump? If so I may rent one. Here is my other question…I read that rest is important for milk production but how can one rest when encouraged to pump every 3 hours for pumping? Between bottle preperation/feeding/burping/comforting and pumping it leaves about 1-1 1/2 hour of rest…how are moms getting adequate rest as encouraged for good milk production? Finally, my last question, I have white color (looks like growth) on both of my nipples…it is a little painful-is this thrush? What can I do to get rid of it…does it contaminate my babies milk supply?
Thanks for your help!
Jessica.
October 11th, 2009 at 8:06 am
Hi Jessica,
You are right that your supply is a little one the low side. I am correct in thinking you have always been pumping on a 3-4 hour schedule? I would strongly encourage you to increase the number of sessions you are pumping per day. At your stage, I would like to see about 8 sessions/day or every 2 hours through the day with at least one session at night between 1 and 5 a.m.. At this point, your prolactins levels have returned to fairly low levels, so it will require a little more effort to increase supply, but it’s by no means impossible. Also, be sure you are pumping for sufficient lengths of time. 15-20 minutes/sessions pumping 8 times a day would be a good target.
I understand your dislike of formula, however, please remember that formula is a life-saving measure and when medically necessary, there is no reason you should feel bad using it. You are dedicated to provide breast milk for your daughter and are working hard towards that; be proud of what you are accomplishing and keep focused on what you can do.
The Ameda Elite is a great pump. (This is the pump I used while EPing.) The Purely Yours, also made by Ameda, is also a good pump. It is not though a pump that is intended to be used as frequently as required for EPing. No personal pump is. Yet, many have been very successful using the Purely Yours and the Pump in Style. You may consider renting an Elite if you can afford to at least until you have worked to increase your supply- if you feel that pump is working effectively for you- but I think with an increased pumping schedule, you should see increases if using the Purely Yours as well. So really, the choice is yours. Hospital grade pumps are intended for the rigors of frequent use, so for this reason they tend to be more reliable and consistent. If the pump you are currently using is effective for you, you always run a risk of affecting supply if you change pumps. Remember that the let-down response is largely a conditioned response, so if a new pump has a different suction pattern or feel, you *may* not find it as effective in milk removal.
Ah, rest… No one that is EPing is getting any rest in the early days! Yes, you will read that rest is important, but it is more important with regards to your general well being not so much milk supply. There is obviously a connection though. If you are exhausted, you are not as likely to continue with a rigorous pumping schedule and may hit a wall and not be able to continue. I think the key is to rest when you can, do not over extend yourself with other commitments, accept help when you are offered it, and try to keep everything in perspective.
As to the white colour on your nipples. It may be thrush, but it’s impossible for me to say one way or the other. With yeast, it is important to realize that we all have yeast in our bodies. It is the overgrowth of yeast that is the concern. Yeast usually causes redness in the nipples/areolas. The areola area may look shiny. There is often deep duct pain in between pumping/nursing sessions. The pain during pumping/nursing is often described as shards of glass being ground in to the nipple. Baby may or not show symptoms of yeast in their mouth or diaper area. Here is a link to Dr. Newman’s site with info on treating yeast: http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida-Protocol.asp
I would encourage you to see a lactation consultant or your doctor to determine if what you are describing is yeast before trying to diagnose and treat it yourself. There may be other causes of chafing and soreness. Consider how you are using the pump in terms of suction levels and also whether you are using any type of lubricant when pumping. This can help greatly with soreness if the cause is the pump itself.
Hope this helps!
Best wishes,
Stephanie
January 1st, 2010 at 3:47 pm
When I read this story and the snippets of advice, I immediatlely started crying- someone else understands. My husband tries to be supportive, but he’s limited in his compassion, mainly because he’s a MAN.
I have been expressly pumping since my son was one week old. I too had dreamed of the loving time my son and I would share together during breastfeeding sessions. Things didn’t quite work out that way.
I am 35 years old and a 2 year breast cancer survivor. The breast that had cancer has never, and I’m told will never produce milk. My remaining functioning breast has never produced very much milk. Unlike what all the doctors and LC’s say, supply in my case has never increased to meet the demand. In the beginning, I tried to exclusively breastfeed from my healthy breast. My son would latch on, but would soon run out of supply. He would continue sucking for 45minutes to an hour before becoming exhausted and finally giving up. Then he would cry and eventually fall into a fitful sleep. By day 5 he had lost too much weight and was becoming increasingly jaundiced, so the doctors finally conceded to what I had feared all along- that I wasn’t producing enough milk. I begain to breastfeed, supplement with formula, and then pump. I literally spent the next two weeks either breastfeeding, bottle feeding or pumping. I would sleep in 30 minute snatches in between feedings. My nipple became so sore, cracked and bleeding from the constant use, that I would fight back tears everytime he latched on or I hooked up to the pump (this seemed like 25 hours a day!!). I finally gave up breastfeeding and went to exclusively pumping because I could more accurately determine how much nutrition my son was receiving.
I have now been pumping on the healthy breast for 8 weeks and have seen minimal increase in breastmilk production. During each pumping session I pump less than half of what my baby needs in each feeding session. I use a hospital grade Medela pump. I have been on More Milk Plus, Fenugreek, Goat’s Rue and most recently a 10 day prescription of Reglan. I pump every 3 hours ( at least) for about 20-30 minutes each session, taking care to pump 5 minutes past when milk stops coming out, except at night, where I stretch to 4 hours. I am for sure exceding the 120 minute mark every day. However, I only manage 2-3 ozs per pumping. I am very frustrated!!!!!! And sore ALL THE TIME!!!!!! Lanisoh salve only gets you so far
Can you think of anything else that could help increase the production of breastmilk on the healthy breast?
Also, at 7-8 weeks, my baby started making up his own feeding scedule, eating at random times and random amounts. I attriubuted this to a little growth spurt. I’m trying to get him back to some semblance of a schedule, but I don’t know if he should be eating every 2.5-3 hours like breasfeed babies, or every 3-4 hours like bottle/formula fed babies. He gets half and half through a bottle at every feeding. What do you think?
Thank you for your help and inspiration from this website.
Lisa
January 2nd, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Dear Mama Meg,
Thank you so much for putting up this article. My husband and I laughed as we read the part about the pump “talking to you late at night” as we’ve heard our newly purchased Medela Pump-in-Style Advanced breastpump say many a strange thing to us at 3AM! After several attempts to get my second son to latch on for more than 15 seconds and stop the screaming sessions, I decided that EPing is definitely for me. My supply dwindled pretty quickly with my first son but he was breastfed for the first three months of his life and is a beautiful, lively, super smart almost 4 year old now. I was determined with my second son to EBF, but it’s just not in the cards for us.
Your article has helped me feel like I’m not a failure for not being able to breastfeed my new son. My main worry was that my supply would dwindle down to nothing again, but I think I’ve got a much better handle on it this time. I miss the feeling of him suckling but know that he’s getting more nutrition from my EPing than from 10 seconds of sucking and then 10 minutes of frustration following that.
Best wishes to all EPing moms out there. I’m a working mom and am the queen of telling those to want my attention while I have to pump to please wait as my son requires my milk for his survival. They get it loud & clear there after.
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for taking the time to leave your comment on the website. You are truly an inspiration in your courage and determination! Your story is very moving and I appreciate you sharing it.
There are a number of questions you have asked throughout your email and I will try to answer each one separately.
You ask if there is anything else that may help your supply. There are a few things I can suggest. First, I would suggest you switch to pumping more frequently for shorter lengths. For example pump every 2-2.5 hours for about 15 minutes/session. This should add a couple sessions to your day. Frequency is key. So more sessions will help to increase supply. Try to pump at least once during the night. Do not go any longer than 6 hours between sessions.
Secondly, if you are in pain it is likely that you are not having efficient let-downs. You need to try and solve the nipple trauma. If you have had cracked and bleeding nipples, it is possible that you may have an infection set in. Dr. Jack Newman’s All Purpose Nipple Ointment is highly regarded and may help. Here’s a link: http://www.drjacknewman.com/help/Candida-Protocol.asp . Yeast is another possibility. The previous link will give you information about that as well. You do not mention what type of pump you are using. This may or may not be playing a part in the soreness. The size of flanges is another thing to consider. You may want to read the post on the website about flange sizes: http://www.exclusivelypumping.com/2009/04/29/correctly-fitting-breast-shields/#more-35 .
Milk removal is crucial to maintain or increase milk supply. Use warm compresses prior to pumping and use lots of massage and breast compressions during pumping. Try to relax and not bottle watch. Find something to do- a ritual- so that when you begin pumping it becomes automatic and not a stressful thing. If you find that you are not getting more than one let-down during a session, try pumping until the flow slows or stops after the first let-down and then taking a break for 10 minutes or so and then pumping again for another 10 minutes or until flow stops.
You may want to try olive oil instead of lansinoh, especially if there is a possibility of yeast infection.
The herbal galactogogues and reglan should help. Oatmeal is another thing that has anecdotally been reported to boost lactation- cookies or hot morning cereal, makes no difference and certainly can’t hurt.
With regards to your son’s feeding schedule, I wouldn’t worry about it too much. I think it is best to let them dictate when they want fed. They know far better than we do what they require and there are definite benefits to allowing baby’s to determine their hunger needs instead of imposing it upon them. Breastfeeding is the biologically normal method of feeding, so I believe it should be what we try to follow as closely as possible even when we are unable to breastfeed. Nature had reasons for keeping feeding frequent; who are we to argue
Have you consulted with a lactation consultant (IBCLC)? This is exactly the type of thing they should be able to help with. I would be happy to try and connect you with one if you would like.
I hope this hit on all your questions. You are doing a wonderful job! Hang in there. Don’t hesitate to contact me again if I can be of help or if I haven’t fully answered your questions.
Best wishes,
Stephanie
March 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
I too have found that EP was something I had to do. I had problems with latching because he would SCREAM at the sight of my breast and in the end my nipples looked like someone took a cheese grater to them. This ended up with me in the hospital with a NASTY case of Mastitis and a staph infection. I have never cried so much in my life as I did in those 2 days away from my son. It was then that I went to EP. He had to have food some how and no way was it going to be formula. I just don’t like the stuff. The hospital I was at was the same one I delivered at and the doctor I saw was one from my ob office. They were VERY pro breastfeeding so they brought a pump(didn’t end up needing since I used my own), bottles to store the milk in, and a portable fridge to keep it fresh in until my husband could take it home.
I have been thinking about going back to nursing though. I feel like I haven’t been the kind of mother to my son as I wanted to be. It has only been 5 days since he has nursed so I might give it a go. It scares me to think of what might happen though. Considering what has happened before. I have seen many consultants and he always does great when we are there but we are back to square one when we get home. I know it’s me since it’s my job to get it done right but I just can’t seem to do my job. It’s so frustrating to try and try and to get no where. He’s a month old yesterday. I figured nursing would take time to learn but not be as horrible as it is.
My husband is all for EP. So much so that he is against me trying to nurse again. I was a mess during those 3.5 weeks. So much so that I didn’t really want to be around my own son. Every time he wanted to eat I would cry because I knew the pain was coming. I’m going to give it another go and hit up a few places for meetings and see how it works out. I know that in the months to come him nursing will be faster than EP. Keep your fingers crossed for me. I hope I am strong enough to do this.
March 26th, 2010 at 10:36 am
This article made me tear up as I needed the bolstered “pep talk” with my pumping/nursing issues. I am an EPer most of the time. I can only nurse every other day or I’m in pain due to vasospasms of the nipple. I’ve been pumping milk into bottles since my baby was 6 wks old and I could no longer handle the pain. She’s now nearly five months. I endure a plugged duct in one breast or the other at least every other day. And they don’t go away for usualy two or three days. My best bet is to have the baby nurse for her one session to help get it out. Lately it’s not working and I have her nurse a little at each feeding during the “stronger suck” portion of the feed and just deal with the pain in hopes to get rid of the clog. (Yes, I’m luckly she still latches!)So the problem is that I have a huge decrease in supply on the right breast. I get two ounces to the six to eight on the left breast when pumping. Yes, my boobs are lopsided and becoming harder to hide. There’s about 10 or more little “sprays” of milk during let down on my left, but only one or two on the right side. Could I have something blocked at the surface on the right nipple? (Like scar tissue from her tearing me up in those first six weeks?) I tried only nursing her on the right, only pumping on the right, pumping longer on the right, but nothing seems to increase the spray. I do not plan to stop due to funny looking boobs, but I’d like to get more milk in the right. My baby eats a lot, and if there’s a bad clog on my good breast, the milk supply is significantly decreased and I have to pull out the frozen stores. (Consequently, with my first child, with whom I had no problems, it was my right breast that had a lot more milk production than the left. Left dried up first around 9 mos.) Please tell me what to do to bring back milk in the right. I haven’t tried any herbal supplements, but I’m afraid they will increase the milk in the good breast too and therefor cause more clogs. And thanks again for calling me a warrior woman!
April 13th, 2010 at 8:36 am
Hi Sara,
The article is great, isn’t it! I can’t take the credit for it though. It was written by another amazing woman.
Hard to know exactly why the supply on the one side is so much lower. Anatomy is always different and it is possible that you only have a few ducts on that side so when you get a plugged duct, it affects it much more than it would for someone with numerous ducts. I think it is important to say that it is definitely possible to produce enough milk from just one breast. It is also completely normal for one breast to produce less than the other. Could you have scar tissue that is interfering? Perhaps, but I would think you would have needed to have significant trauma for that to be the case.
If you are getting repeated plugged ducts, you may consider taking lecithin. It is anecdotally reported to reduce the number of plugged ducts by making the fat in the milk less sticky. Here’s a link that will provide more info: http://www.kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/lecithin.html Another thing you can try is apple cider vinegar. If you google cider vinegar and blocked/plugged ducts you will find a few links.
Key is to try and avoid/prevent the blockages. Definitely use warm compresses prior to pumping and lots of massage and compressions while pumping. You will also want to consider whether your pump is having something to do with the reoccurring blocked ducts. If a pump is not working effectively, blockages are one sure sign. Not always the case, but does warrant investigation. You do not mention what type of pump you are using nor your normal pumping schedule. Those two things will play a big factor in your situation. Blocked ducts are normally caused due to infrequent or incomplete milk removal.
Hope that helps.
Best wishes,
Stephanie