My breastfeeding journey has not been easy. My baby latched just fine in the hospital but absolutely refused to latch once my milk came in at home.  I felt like I was fighting just to get her to eat because she would just fuss every time I tried to put it in her mouth… every time. I didn’t think that I needed a breast pump because I wasn’t going back to work or anything, but luckily the lactation consultant at the hospital sent me home with a hand pump. So finally, I pumped some into a bottle and gave it to her. To my surprise, she latched right on to the nipple of the bottle.  I was relieved but I have never been so jealous of an inanimate object in my life.

My mom had been in town staying with us at the time and told me to find a really good electric breast pump and she would get it for me. I had heard raving reviews about the Spectra S1, so I ordered it on Amazon Prime with one-day shipping. While I waited, I would pump 2 oz at a time with the hand pump to give to my baby. Once I got my Spectra S1, I hooked it up and pumped about 16 oz in 15 minutes. I had about 5 different bottles at the time. I would fill all of those, and then freeze whatever was left.

In my mind, I had decided that I would just pump and feed her with a bottle. It was just easier than getting her all worked up trying to get her to latch. In a way, I was ashamed of that decision. I felt like my body wasn’t doing what it was made to do and that I was just giving up. I didn’t know that there were tons of moms in the same place as I was. Moms who wanted to give their baby breast milk, but were having issues. Finally, after tons of time searching Google, I discovered that Exclusively Pumping (EP) actually is a third option for feeding a baby. Not only that, there is a lot of support offered through blogs, YouTube, and groups on Facebook.

Exclusively Pumping is Not For the Faint of Heart

While Exclusively Pumping is a viable option for feeding your baby, it is not an easy one. It is a lot easier to whip out a boob than to find time to pump, fill bottles, wash bottles, and feed every 3-4 hours. I find it very hard to tend to my baby when I am pumping, especially if I am not wearing a hands-free pumping bra. However, pumping can be very rewarding if you are committed to giving your baby breast milk instead of formula.

For me, Exclusively Pumping saved my breastfeeding journey. One day we were out longer than we had planned. I did not bring enough bottles with us. Out of desperation, I tried to get her to latch. I was amazed that she actually did latch without any issues. I kept trying on and off after that. Eventually, she got the hang of latching. Now she even prefers the breast.  I would never have gotten to that point if I hadn’t continued to pump. If you are having issues with breastfeeding, Exclusively Pumping could be a good alternative before you try switching to formula.

Here are few tips for your exclusively pumping journey:

1. A Hands-Free Pumping Bra is a Must

If you want to multi-task at all while pumping, you have to have a Hands-Free Pumping Bra. These bras are typically built with slits in them to allow you to pump without holding the flanges to your breasts. I recommend this one. It is very comfortable and affordable compared to some of the other options out there.

2. Breast Milk is “Supply and Demand”

The way our bodies produce milk is based on the amount that we are using. So if you are pumping 4 oz in a 15 minute pumping session every 3 hours, your body is going to adjust to making just enough for that. However, if you decided to pump longer, your body will start making more milk. If you are having issues with supply, make sure that you pump until you are empty and then about 5 or 10 minutes more so that your body will know you need more milk.

3. Get a Wireless Pump

You will be so glad you did! A wireless pump will give you the freedom to pump anywhere, on the couch, in the bed, at work or even in the car! It just makes pumping a lot easier. Some people even put their pump on a cart that they can roll around their house! Wireless pumps are typically more expensive, but it is well worth it.

4. Pump on a Schedule

Consistency is the key to maintaining a good milk supply. Most experts recommend pumping as often as your baby feeds. Obviously, you probably won’t be pumping and feeding your baby at the same time (Props to you if you can do them both at the same time), but if your baby feeds every three hours you should pump every three hours.

5. Connect With Other EP Moms

No one can give you support and answer your questions like other moms that have been in your shoes. A great way to connect with other EP moms is to join a Facebook group on the topic. Facebook groups are like the new chat rooms of the internet. A couple of good Facebook groups I would recommend are Exclusively Pumping Mamas and Breast, Bottle, and Beyond. There are some awesome ladies in these groups that are happy to answer your questions. I also would be happy to answer any questions you have in the comments below!

As you can see, exclusively pumping is a good option for feeding your baby and there is a lot of support out there if you look for it. I wish you the best on your exclusively pumping journey.