Exclusively Pumping :: Lessons Learned
After exclusively pumping for 9 months, I was READY to stop. It was never the plan to exclusively pump with my third baby. I was able to primarily breastfeed with no problem with my other two children without very many issues. To say this was a humbling experience is an understatement! My littlest one had jaundice when she was first born and a side effect of this is trouble latching due to how sleepy they are. At 3 AM on day 5 of her life, we had to use our stash of formula. I was completely defeated after fighting to feed her for hours. This was the start of my exclusive pumping journey. It was hard for me to fathom the logistics of exclusive pumping until it became a reality for my situation.
The next thing I knew, I was TikToking the “pitcher method” and had a freezer stash of milk.
Exclusively pumping was such a mixed bag. I was grateful for someone else to be able to help feed the baby instead of always being the one. I was able to sleep significantly more by timing pump sessions and alternating with my husband for sleep rotations. We fell into a rhythm that worked for our new family of 5. It was also really sad to not have that quality time nursing my baby (especially the caboose of the family.) I tried multiple times to get her to latch, but it was not in the cards. As mothers, we give every drop of us during the postpartum period. I had no clue how much work it would entail to exclusively pump, especially after having the lived experience of a breastfeeding mom.
Below are my lessons learned:
Combo feeding: Introducing formula at the beginning took the pressure off to keep up my milk supply at all times. There were stressful times throughout my exclusive pumping journey. Letting it be ok to supplement formula was crucial for stamina to pump for 9 months!
Exclusively pumping did help me to share the mental load with my partner. My husband took on the mental load of pumping by cleaning the pump parts and saving the milk in the freezer. This was a HUGE help. I could not have pumped for so long without his support.
Be gentle with yourself. Exclusively pumping is double the work to feed your baby. Extra tired from the day? Totally fair and valid. Let it be ok to feel whatever comes up for you during this time. It’s a lot.
There were some bright spots too! Pumping gave me designated time to check in with myself and what I needed. During that time, I would meditate, read, or handle my to-do list. We hold so much stress in our bodies. Sometimes I would be completely overstimulated and not even realize it until I had a moment to breathe during my pump session. I will try to take that intentionality into my daily routine now that I am completely done pumping.
Fed is always best. Try not to feel pressured to feed your baby in a way that is no longer serving your mental health or helping you to be the best mom you can be. Listen to your gut on what method of feeding your baby is the right one for your family. The best mom is a healthy and happy mom!
Check out my blog post on tips and tricks for pumping as a working mom.
