Post by lindseyp2012 on Jan 9, 2016 20:08:31 GMT -5
I've been an occasional lurker here because I plan on EP when I give birth in February. Every medical professional I start to talk to about EP is quite discouraging of the idea. They all say it's too much work. Then they start talking about the benefits of breast milk. They all seem to think the only two options are breast feed or formula feed. They all act as though if I don't breast feed I am by default formula feeding. Bottle feeding breast milk seems like it is not even an option to these people. The lady giving the tour of my maternity ward explicitly said DO NOT bring your pump to the hospital. I'm worried I'm going to get bullied into breast feeding.
I am adamant about my baby getting breast milk, but the act of breast feeding REALLY freaks me out and my husband really wants to be involved in feedings. Any advice on how to stick with my EP plan despite major discouragement?
Post by sassypantzz on Jan 11, 2016 0:57:17 GMT -5
I'm sorry people have made you feel that way. I love pumping. It gave me so much more freedom. Technically it really is an extra step but to me it comes with far more positives. (Ex DH feeding and getting to take a break).
I too lurk here because I plan to EP from the start when I give birth, and just want to say good luck. I have the same fear, but I plan to just be very adamant from the moment I step foot in the hospital. I actually have it written very large on my birth plan that I am EPing and to NOT ask me to try latching first. Hopefully they'll be okay with it all.
tkford216, lindseyp2012, I dont visit this board much but I'm chiming in. I've been EPing for 6 months now. Technically EPing IS hard work, and the first few weeks are rough just getting set up and used to everything and learning the tricks of the trade. But in my opinion, it's SOOO worth it!! breastfeeding wasnt for me, but I had an oversupply so I had to pump. It was amazing to be able to have my husband help me with night feedings - it saved my sanity and helped him bond so much with our daughter (an opportunity dads dont often get if the mother is breastfeeding around the clock). I felt such a weight lifted off me when I stopped feeding from the breast and starting pumping.
I've learned a TON in these 6 months so if you'd like more advice/tips, PM me!! Im always willing to share how the benefits outweigh the challenges with exclusive pumping.
Secondly, my guess is that they told you not to bring your own pump so that you can use the hospital grade one when you are there. My experience is a little different because my daughter is in the NICU but they brought the pump over to my recovery room almost immediately and had me start pumping. I had already planned on being an EPer from the get go but I tried breastfeeding the first few times and it was a better experience than I would have guessed. That being said, I plan to continue to EP because watching my husband get to be involved in feedings is worth it to me, and it's less stressful for me to know exactly how much she is getting at each feed. I know they say babies self regulate but I like feeling in control with it, especially with something so important.
I'm sorry you are going through this. I've been EPing for my 11 month old since she was 1 week old.
It is hard work but it is achievable.
My pedi gives me a bit of side eye, but always supports me and says how good it is that my LO is getting breastmilk. I always figured that it doesn't matter how she gets it, just that she does.
You shouldn't feel bad for how you choose to feed your child. Use the pump at the hospital and be firm in what you want.
Post by evenkeeled on Feb 16, 2016 11:08:23 GMT -5
While I am not EP it is almost there. We had latch issues from the beginning and while I have tried to get her to feed more on the breast it usually results in meltdowns due to my letdown. Right now the boob is more as a pacifier and likes it to fall asleep so after pumping. Not what I have had planned but happy to still be giving her breastmilk.
The nurses for me were great and while I didn't bring my pump, they got me one of their Medela to start getting my milk in. I would say make sure you have a hospital grade one, I have the Spectra 2 and I love it.
I would bring your pump if you want it and ignore anyone telling you otherwise.
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