Those who are exclusively pumping.

I've been exclusively pumping with occasional breast feeding since about 2 weeks and she's 11 weeks now. I've been pumping because she got used to the bottle when she had to be hospitalized after her NICU discharge and prefers it over the hard work of nursing at the breast. It was hard to accept that I wasn't feeding at the breast but I have to remember my journey isn't perfect but I'm still feeding my baby breast milk which is my main goal. I'm in a good routine now and it's not difficult, I even pump and clean my pump while out and about. It also helps that my husband will clean my pump whenever I ask.

If you have any questions about exclusive pumping you can message me anytime

Thank you @Kelli, my worry is that it would take so much time out of the day as you’re essentially doing everything twice and need to be on a schedule (I’m not good with schedules generally 🤣) but it’s a good point, with hands free pumps now I guess it’s more just extra sterilising etc

Wearable pumps will make a world of a difference! You can pump while feeding baby

I started with breastfeeding from the jump and my little one destroyed my nipples so I was pumping for a while and feeding. That went on for about 7 weeks just because I thought it was easier. I would latch her once in morning once at night though to keep her latching on. One day we got home from being out to lunch and she was furious and mad and needed milk asap so I didn’t want to juggle getting a bottle ready. So I started breastfeeding her 90% and it made me wonder why I even bothered pumping to feed 😅 i did have to be on a schedule which was a pain and be ready for hanger spells and sometimes she would eat more or less than what I had. I do however still pump after she goes to sleep before I go to bed and middle of the night and in the morning because I give her a bottle dream feed and one in late afternoon when I find my boobs not filling her enough and just want a boob break. Plus to have some for my partner if I ever want some time away. I didn’t hate pumping though.

Thank you, does sound like it might be better to persevere 🥺, I just want to feel better and I don’t want to formula feed

Definitely feel better first! I started back up after I healed because the thought of her mouth on me for several weeks made me cringe 😂. I got mastitis also while exclusively pumping and haven’t had a problem since breastfeeding. But no shame in either. Exclusively pumping moms are awesome too. Especially with washing every gosh darn part on planet earth 😅 you got this!

I had to EP for a couple of weeks due to nipple trauma when my LO was 8 weeks old and I found it so stressful pumping on demand as I’m not an oversupplier, I have ‘just enough’ and would always be worrying if I didn’t have enough pumped for her, especially during growth spurts. I also found it really time consuming with washing the pump and bottles all the time. Hats off to all mamas who EP because I couldn’t do it long term for sure 👏🏼 I hope you feel better soon x

I remember how hard it was in the early days ! I feel you mama. I’m breastfeeding exclusively (bubs will not take a bottle) so this post is not directed at me but I just wanted to say after bottle feeding my first, I love not having to worry about the sterilisation and cleaning bottles. So much easy to whip a boob however I’m now at 12 weeks postpartum and you’re still in the trenches. I also suffered with fevers in the early days but no signs of mastitis. It was extremely painful letdown and hormone related for me. I persevered and man it was hard but here we are. Up to you to decide how you want to proceed and whatever is best for your family but allow yourself to recover first. I suppose to ensure you don’t lose your supply, you would need to continue pumping though ! I found Australian Breastfeeding Association helpline so helpful in the early days! All the best to you mama.

I’ve been exclusively pumping for almost 7 months now, my daughter never latched from birth (missed tongue tie) She got used to a bottle then when her tongue tie was cut at 3 weeks she still wouldn’t latch and would get really stressed if I tried, I feel like I am in some sort of routine now my supply has settled down, I pump 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and before bed) It does help that my partner has been able to help with feeds and if I know I’m going to be out in the day I’ll take the pump with me and a cool bag with ice packs to put any pumped milk into I still sometimes wish I was EBF but am glad I’ve managed to do this long with pumping and my little girl is growing well xx

Thank you all it’s really helpful

I've exclusively pumped for nearly a year. You do feel more in control of feeds because you know what they're having. It is hard work, I'm not going to lie. But if you get a wearable and have multipil cups. It means yours not forever cleaning just the one cup. I'm now planning to go to 2 years, so despite its extra work I feel it's worth it

I have been pumping since day 2, he is now 14 weeks with breastfeeding once or twice a day (he was unwell at birth and needed to monitor how much he was getting then struggled switching back from bottle) exclusive pumping is exhausting as baby has started sleeping longer stretches at night however I still need to wake to pump. There have been times where I worried I wouldn’t make enough milk for him and even bought formula at one point just in case. However it is so rewarding knowing you have managed to still give your baby only breast milk and it is lovely to be able to allow others to feed him. I still breastfeed at least once a day to allow our bodies to sync and bond etc but I wish I could mainly breastfeed and maybe pump one bottle a day rather than the other way around. On days we are out it’s very tricky to pump on the go as well as care for him. Please feel free to contact me with any questions xx