Exclusively pumping?

[ENMS]

DD2 is 4 months old and we've had BF difficulties since the beginning. We've seen countless LC's and Drs and she is a mystery to them! She Judy does not transfer milk well and my supply is always going down because she is not stimulating enough.

I an considering moving to exclusive pumping and I am looking for some BTDT. Is it logistically feasible? I have 2 other LO's to think of as well. She cannot have any formula so I am scared if something goes wrong with the pumping I will be in trouble!!

[Erin M]

Ugh, I'm sorry you're having such a rough go of it.  I didn't try pumping exclusively with any of mine, but it really seems to be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of results.  The one good friend I had who tried it, had to stop at about 6 months because her supply just gave out (not suddenly, it just kept decreasing).  I don't know how feasible it is to be able to do it and not have to supplement - but at the same time, it seems like there are people out there who do manage it for extended periods of time so I think it is possible.  Did you ever have supply issues with the others (if you did BF them, I think you did, but can't be sure).

[ENMS]

I never had supply issues with the other 2. I had to stop BF DS ta 3 months but it was not supply-related and DD was BF until 10 months old!

DD2 had a tongue and lip tie but they were clipped and we're seeing the best tongue tie specialist in our province and she thinks her tongue is fine now. Nobody understands why we are having such a hard time and this is honestly a full Time job now! But I am scared of losing my supply so thanks for sharing what happened to your friend. I just can't risk that so I guess I'll keep trying to make it work then!

[koe2moe]

Hi Elise,  I did exclusively pumping for 5.5 months before stopping.  The expressing itself worked great but i didn't enjoy the experience as it turned out that if I had to look down that posture caused a lot of back pain for me, so this is only an issue for me.  I have no experience with more than 1 kid.  I think from 4 months onwards, I was only expressing 3-4 times a day.  So it was doable.  I did try out all available sizes of the flange to get the best yield and I had an electric pump. 

Have you consulted a kinesiologist for dd2 about it?  Maybe worth a try.  Best of luck!!  x

[grace annes mommy]

I am currently exclusively pumping.  I just got a hands free bra thing and it's been life changing.  haha

I've found this site really helpful with a lot of tips about the logistics of pumping and about supply:

http://exclusivepumping.com/

[ENMS]

Koe I have not since I think we don't have any hère if I remember correctly we had looked for one together when DS was small.

But we have been seeing a posturologist who made an exercise program that I do with her at home to stimulate her reflexes and that has helped a lot. But it seems like it's never enough.

Thank you grace anne mommy for that site I will check it out

[koe2moe]

It was too far from you, right?  Fx that pumping works for you xx

[centrestage88]

I don't esclusively pump but a friend does. She swears by buying a good quality electric double pump ( she says it's worth the price). And says to drink loads of liquids. And eat oatmeal to keep supply going. It's hard work though she says as the pump is not as effective as lo, so there is a tendency for supply to go down.

[ENMS]

Thank you!