Anyone here who planned to EP from the start?

[tkford216]

I lurk here on occasion because I'm planning to EP and I'd like to pose a question. I'm only 22 weeks and change, so I have a long ways to go yet, but I'm curious how this all works when you EP from the start. Did anyone else immediately start with EPing? How does that work after delivery while you're still in the hospital? Does the first feeding have to be formula? Any advice?

TIA!

[abbalish]

I EPed from the start though I didn't plan it that way. We had some latching issues and I was working with the LC but she had me start pumping in the hospital to build supply. I used the hospital's pump, then continued with my PISA at home. She did get formula for much of the first week since she couldn't/wouldn't latch and it was several days before my pumping actually yielded anything.

[ruemorgan]

The first feeding does not have to be formula. I have not EPed from the very beginning but a friend of mine gave birth a few weeks ago at 32 weeks and was able to pump right after giving birth and supply her baby with enough colostrum and then milk. Its definitely possible! I would bring up some of these questions when you go for the hospital tour to see what options they have available.

[robotsvswrestlers]

I thought about EPing, then decided to try breastfeeding, then started EPing after only 1 day. Breastfeeding just wasn't for me.

I started pumping at the very beginning due to latching issues. You can start pumping as soon as you want after delivery. I think most hospitals have a hospital grade pump in your room (mine did). They also gave me a set of pump parts while I was there, a small bottle of dish soap, and a small container to wash everything in.

The first couple of days all I got was colostrum. We would collect it in little syringes then feed it to her. Babies don't need much to eat the first few days, so the colostrum is enough. However you can supplement with small amounts of formula if you need to.

Personally I found EPing a lot less stressful and easier for me than breastfeeding. I liked having a schedule so I knew when to pump, then feeding the baby as needed. Plus, I could let other people feed her and give myself a break.

Don't skip any pumps for the first few weeks. Those are the hardest, but once you get going you get used to it. Freeze as much as you can so you can build up a good stash. At 6 months post partum, I'm down to 3 pumps a day and using a bag of frozen every other day or so. I kind of want to stop, but I'm not ready to throw the towel in yet.

The biggest thing is do whatever works best for you and your baby. Whatever you choose will be the right choice!!!

Oh yeah, if you do choose to EP, rent a hospital have pump! They are awesome and work great.

[lierza]

I plan to EP from the start too, but I don't know much about it yet.

[lilylove31]

I recommend the book "Exclusively Pumping Breast Milk" by Stephanie Casemore. It has a lot of good information in it and gave me the motivation and knowledge to make EPing work for me. If I would not have read this book in the beginning when I did I probably would have thrown in the towel and quit by now. Also after following the advice given in the book I was able to get my supply up to 40oz per day, plenty to feed my baby and the freezer.

[tkford216]

lilylove31 Thanks! I'll have to check it out.