Suggestions for moving from EBF to EP?

[sassypantzz]

I've officially given up directly breast feeding but I would like to keep pumping especially through cold and flu season for 1-2 bottles a day. I basically have no stash. I think like 6 oz. any suggestions? I ultimately don't want to be tied to a pump all day and night. Is it ok to want the best of both worlds?

[ruemorgan]

I see you posted a few days ago, did already start pumping? If so, how is it going for you?

[sassypantzz]

I did and it's going great. We have hit the perfect happy balance of nursing and formula and pumping. I feel good about it and it has made me less resentful. I couldn't be happier with the change. Thanks for asking!

[4paws]

sassypantzz, I'm in your shoes and would love to know how you did it!

[sassypantzz]

Dec 12, 2015 15:28:24 GMT -5 4paws said:

sassypantzz, I'm in your shoes and would love to know how you did it!

Do you have a stash or are you willing to offer formula?

[4paws]

sassypantzz, I haven't done anything just yet. BF is not working for us and I am currently feeding 15 on each side plus giving 50 ml of expressed milk (because he is not transferring milk). It's just too much and my boobs can't take it anymore and it is affecting our ability to bond.

He's 2 weeks old. I'll like keep BF until I can get set up to EP. 

So, no stash just yet but I'm able to keep up without offering formula and just started to pump a bit more to get ahead.

id love your advice!

[sassypantzz]

4paws I'm the not expert but I'm happy to tell you what I would do.

Try and pump more often (or as often as possible because I know how hard it is to find time for it) until you have enough for just one feeding. When you do, feed your DS that bottle (or maybe have someone else do it if it's the first bottle) and you pump while the baby is eating or immediately after. What you just pumped at that point will be his next feeding. Keep that up until you are comfortable and then you can start building a stash.

The only thing thing I did differently is I offered formula in order to start my pumping. Now we are maybe 70/30 breastmilk to formula. It just gives me more freedom and make it so much more manageable around here

[4paws]

Thanks , I think I have enough for 2-3 feeding a, but by no means a stash. I'll get started on it and hope the guilt goes away. It will be so nice to have a few hours between feelings. Thanks!