Pumping, NG Tube to Nursing Well

The beginning

He had an ok latch from the beginning! I ended up with bruised nipples and had to work through that for about 2 weeks in the beginning. Once he figured it out, he has been a wonderful nurser. 

I saw the lactation consultant I saw in the hospital and have periodically gotten in contact with then again when new questions arise. 

Something to cherish

I love the bond it has provided with my son; I had a hard time bonding with him during my pregnancy. I had a miscarriage between my boys, and I kept thinking I was going to lose him too. I was very nervous throughout my pregnancy. But once I was able to spend time breastfeeding him, I was able to bond with him. 

He loves to nurse in his sleep, and he reaches for me and loves to cuddle while he nurses. 

On pumping

I have pumped a lot since he was born, it has been stressful. He aspirates into his lungs and has a difficult time keeping his weight up. When I was supplementing him through an NG tube, I was way more stressed out because of how much I had to keep up with and the volumes the dietitian wanted him to have. 

I actually rented a hospital grade pump from where I work. I currently take milk supplements and I use basil oil on my chest to help with my supply. I looked into everything to help keep my supply up. 

Pumping is hard and time consuming, it’s not fun but what you’re giving your baby is more than worth the tears and time you spend doing it.

How things have changed

At the beginning he was a good nurser now he loves it and wants to nurse all the time. It is probably the best feeling I have with him since his diagnosis and the fact the doctors are happy that I am nursing him helps a lot!

I love breastfeeding and I’m so happy that Connor and I have that, despite his medical problems. It is his comfort in all the medical problems he has had breastfeeding is his constant. 

Now that he is a little older and more distracted while he nurses, it takes a lot longer to nurse him, but mostly it’s comical, he makes me laugh.

He loves to grab his feet, and he’s funny he will stop and look at my older son and then go back to nursing! I love how much he loves his brother. 

His older brother

We were very open with Oliver before Connor was born on how he will eat. He was very curious after we brought Connor home and he watched me pump and would turn on my pump for me. He will tell everyone that his baby brother nurses and that’s how he gets milk. 

My Advice

Breastfeeding is a personal choice; it should be something you and your baby both enjoy. Everyone’s breastfeeding journey is different, try not to compare your journey to anyone else’s. It shouldn’t be stressful (there are parts that can be or days that will be hard) but overall, it should be a time you look back on and smile. 

Participate in the project

Your story may feel similar to this one or be so far from it you don’t know what to think. All I know, is that your story matters – and someone else needs to hear it. If you want to share your story, send me a message and we can discuss what that looks like.