Why I Chose to Exclusively Pump

I spoke briefly on my Facebook Page about my experience exclusively pumping and how happy I was I chose to do it. I decide pretty early on in my pregnancy I wanted to exclusively pump and it was one of like 2 things that went right from my birth plan lol. In later posts I will talk about what did and didn't work for me but today, I just want to share a little bit of my experience EP'ing and why I chose to do it.

Now, while it was a significant commitment, it was also extremely rewarding. In summary I pumped for 6 months (from April to October) and was able to stockpile a significant amount of milk. It's currently January, 3 months after I stopped pumping, and I believe we're on track to make it to Jackson's first birthday with our storage! Below is a video of my stockpile from October (the quality sucks sorry).

While I recognize that a lactation consultant may disagree with some of these, here are some things that worked for me that I believe led to some pumping success. Side note: I don't know if I'm right or wrong but I believe one of the biggest mistakes we can make as moms is taking someone else's experiences, suggestions and stories as gold. Do what you feel in your heart is right for you and your baby. There is no woman or man who knows you or your child like you. Follow your intuition.

Okay, back to pumping lol. I began pumping in the hospital the day my son was born. Once we were moved to the smaller room and after Jackson latched on, I requested a breast pump be brought to the room as soon as someone could bring it. I started pumping every 3 to 4 hours for about 10/15 minutes at a time and continued my entire stay at the hospital. I got absolutely nothing the first few times i pumped except for a foggy valve lol. But by Saturday morning (my son was born Friday at 2am) I was getting about an ounce of colostrum from each side. By the time I left the hospital it increased a bit and I took home about 8 ounces in a small bag with an ice pack. Below is a picture of when I first noticed some colostrum lol. Also pictured is the hospital pump they brought for me to use while I was there (I don't remember the brand but it served its purpose until I got home to my Madela.

I also fed him from the breast regularly until the day I left the hospital; by that time I was able to bottle feed him what I was pumping. I stopped feeding from the breast completely within a week of his birth. I didn't like it at all. It hurt and my goal was for him to have my milk, I believed we would still create a bond and we did. The second time around I may try harder to breastfeed too but for Jackson this worked just fine! I caught a lot of slack for not breastfeeding but I did what worked for me and my child. Lot's of pumping haters say you won't get as much milk with the pump as you do with your child but I didn't find that to be true. When my milk came in I was pumping about 8 ounces each side on average (sometimes more sometimes less). At my best I was getting 20-25 ounces a session (typically during my 3/4am sessions).

When my plan neared October and it was time to stop the decision was not easy. I had became emotionally attached to feeling needed and increasing my stockpile. It was ridiculous and my friends were starting to give me the side eye lol. But I had done my job and I wanted my freedom back. In my opinion pumping is more difficult than breastfeeding. If your out and about its likely a lot easier to feed your child directly than to bust out your electronic or handheld pump lol. But you live and you learn! Overall, I'm appreciative for the ability to feed and nourish my son, however it were to happen!