A Different Kind of Story

This is my third baby; all of my sons have had breastmilk but out journey looks a bit different than others. I have exclusively pumped for my boys.

Benefits to pumping

As usual, I tried to get him to latch in the hospital, but he wasn't doing as well as I was hoping, so I started pumping to make sure he could get what he needed. Surprisingly, though, it didn't hurt when he did latch like it had with the first two.

There are several reasons pumping works for us. First, he wasn't latching well, and I wanted to make sure he was getting what he needed. That's the most important thing.

Second, it allows my husband to help with feedings, too, which is nice for all of us.

Third, I wanted to build up a supply in the freezer for times I'm gone. With my business, I'm sometimes gone overnight and can't bring Cade with me, so having frozen milk and a bottle option really helps.

Goals

Honestly, I tried not to have any specific goals other than making sure this baby boy had the food he needed. I wanted to try to feed exclusively breastmilk for at least the first 6 months, but pumping can be so difficult sometimes and I struggle with hydration, juggling 3 kids, a business...and just plain laziness.

Routine

I can’t say I have much of a routine, to be honest. I struggle to hydrate and pump like I need to. I should be pumping every 2-3 hours, but sometimes I end up going as long as 8 hours, partly because I get so wrapped up in the rest of everything that I have going on. I'm still keeping up with him most days, but I'm trying to do better.

Support

My husband takes the middle of the night feeding most of the time, usually while I pump to have enough for the next one.

My sons both want to help feed him, too, especially the older one. Jace just turned 4, so it doesn't always go wonderfully, but better than when Braden tries (he's only barely 3).

Either way, having the ability to have someone else feed him is very helpful. Braden is often distracted, but Jace will run to get the bottle when Jace cries. He's even started opening the bottles and trying to pour milk into it (which scares the crap out of me that he's going to spill it).

We all get to spend a bit of that quality time with him, I get a little extra sleep at night, and it really helps when I'm working and not able to be home for 4-10 hours or more.

Struggles

Hydrating is by far my biggest struggle. Though that would be any method, and laziness/remembering to pump. I'm really bad at pumping when I need to and it's only worse when I know I already have the next feeding pumped (in my mind I don't "need" to pump right away).

Pumping advice

- Find a flange size that fits your nipples. They come with a "standard" 24mm, but they also make 21mm and 27mm.

-  Lanolin is a must, even if I don't use it as often as I should.

- Adjust the pumping pressure to suit you and what's comfortable for you.

- I might not practice what I preach, but pump often and keep pumping a little longer even after you've stopped getting milk. Sometimes I hit a second letdown and get an extra couple of ounces.

- Hydrate! Not exclusive to pumping, but very important.

Everyday advice

Do what's best for you and your situation and don't let anyone tell you what you "should" be doing. If your baby is getting fed, getting the nutrients they need, that's all that matters. And be flexible and forgiving to yourself. Plans change, some days are easier than others, and things don't always go the way we imagine them going. It's all good momma, just keep going!

Participate in the project

I love to tell all kinds of milky stories. If you have a story that you want to tell, traditional or not, reach out to chat. We can see if we are a good fit for each other and get you some gorgeous photos of you with your baby.