Thursday, December 13, 2012

Exclusive Pumping

I've been meaning to write this post for weeks now, but after just spilling breast milk all over my computer to the point that my mouse barely works...now's the time.

There are some things that the pregnant and not yet pregnant ladies need to know about milk and pumping.  Here are a few that I've learned.

1) Don't stop using the stretch mark cream on your boobs after you give birth!  My breasts went up one cup size during pregnancy from a C to a large D, but they are ginormous now - to the point that everyone comments on them.  I was looking at the sports bras at Target since mine are too small (and are size small - or maybe medium).  I held up the large...no way.  XL, maybe.  I got it home and the XL was perfect.  I know understand some of the gripes of the large chested.  My clothes (that still fit) just don't look the same since my whole body shape is different.  I know this might be short-lived, but it's here now.

You are going to need some new bras for your new size and new need for comfort.  I LOVE these:

Bravado Nursing Bra

They're on the pricier side for a nursing bra, but they are extremely comfortable.  I bought a medium before my milk truly came in (it takes a few weeks for it to pick up volume) but it's still comfortable.

2) You're going to get milk everywhere.  So much so, that you'll stop caring.  I had a bitch of a day today (worthy of another post) and ended up going 5 hours between pumps.  My large bottles are still dirty from using them overnight (when you make more milk) so I'm using 2 1/2 ounce bottles.  When they get full, they overflow.  This has happened to me a few times now.  I think I'm watching and paying attention; the next thing I know I'm sitting in a puddle of breast milk.  Fun.  I'm not sure exactly how breastfeeding compares, but most people who breastfeed pump at times anyway.

The best place I've spilled milk?  In my lap.  In bed. In the middle of the night.  A whole bottle overturned.  And it's so sad because it's a product of so much effort!  This must be where the phrase "Don't cry over spilt milk" originally came from.

3) You need a lot of supplies.  I mentioned the need for a hands-free bra in an earlier post, but it's a MUST.  Get it now.  I'm sure you're planning on exclusively breastfeeding, but when it doesn't work, or if your baby has to go to the NICU, you're going to want this handy (the hospital will supply you with a pump and pump parts).  When you get home, you're going to need lots more pump parts.  I have 5 full sets plus a bunch of odds and ends.  I was washing twice a day.  Now I wash everything once and just one at a time in the middle of the day.  You'll want a bottle brush for the bottles and horns, but otherwise there are no specialty tools to clean pump parts...it's just a pain in the butt.

You'll also want Lansinoh lanolin for your nipples.  You want to keep them moist so that they don't crack (so you don't get mastitis or thrush).  You can lubricate the flanges with lanolin also, but I prefer olive oil.  I just keep it in a little tupperware container and use a paper towel to apply it.

I also have Medela quick clean wipes for times when I'm not around a sink, but they're expensive so I use them sparingly.

Oh and breast milk bags.  I've used Target Up & Up and Lansinoh (everyone's favorite).  I haven't defrosted any yet, but I've heard you should do it in a bowl in case the bag leaks.  I'm going to try Honeysuckle brand next since you can get them in a larger quantity.

ETA: an electric sterilizer.  Mine still hasn't come from Amazon, but I am completely over using microwaveable bags 6 times in a row to sterilize all of the parts.

*     *     *     *     *

Pumping is hard.  I know that breastfeeding is hard too, but they are different hards.  You'll want to quit.  You'll feel like your entire life is chained to the pump, but it does get better.

There is so much more to say, but I'll save it for another post.  If anyone has pumping questions, please feel free to ask!

Also check out the Exclusive Pumping boards on BabyCenter or iVillage and Kellymom or LaLecheLeague.


14 comments:

  1. Kudos on your pumping efforts. It is not easy to pump exclusively, you're a rockstar.

    I have those same bras and also love them.

    With our first, I used Medela and Lanisoh bags (hundreds of them) and never had one leak. How devestating that would be!! :-(

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  2. I pumped my life away the entire time my twins were in the NICU and when they came home. I pumped through mastitis in both breasts until I couldn't get a single drop :( It's hard but worth it, I wish I could still provide this for my boys. What are your thoughts on a hospital grade pump versus a regular one?

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    1. I think it's key although I've only used a hospital grade. I had a Medela Symphony in my room at the hospital. It has a two-phase system. It goes really fast for about a minute, then a bit slower and stronger - which is more like what a baby would do. The lactation consult raved about it. My insurance covered the Lactina model which uses a piston and has one speed. I rented a Symphony instead. I'm doing really well supply-wise (about 35 ounces in 7 pumps) and the lactation consult really thinks it's due to the pump and that I pumped always for 30 minutes (I just cut down to 20 so I don't keep making more).

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  3. Thanks for the info, I'm hoping to breastfeed until I have to go back to work, key word is hoping.

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  4. I have the medela wipes and I also bought a bravado bra its so comfy. Can I ask which microwaveable bags you got? Brand? Where'd you get it? I've seen some from Munchkin, Medela, Dr. Browns I wasn't sure if one is better than the other. Great tips!!!

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    1. I've just used the Medela. I got a few at the hospital. They work well - they just aren't big enough to be convenient which is why I'm getting an electric sterilizer.

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  5. ugh! pumping is a bitch! I was sad to end nursing, but I wasn't even remotely sad about stashing the pump away.

    I wish there was an easier way.

    Just wait until little boy gets home and you are nursing. You will end of with dried milk droplets everywhere and on everything: the floor, the bed, the wall(huh?), the cabinets, well, you get it. I don't know how I squirt everywhere and not evern notice!

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  6. Those are the same nursing bras I have too! I have them in fun colors like purple and teal so that when I'm breastfeeding in public and my bra is completely hanging out everyone just thinks it's a pretty tank top =)

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    1. I've never seen the pretty colored ones! Must find.

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  7. I had to exclusively pump for a few months with my first baby. His reflux was sooooo bad that we had to thicken the milk. Like you, I invested in several sets of horns and bottles so that I only had to wash once a day at the most. But it does totally suck. But...I also founs that nursing tank tops from either Target or Motherhood are super compfy and very easy to feed baby. And the bonus is that it hides your tummy if you lift your shirt and also offers some support there due to the spandex in them. I have not nursed for over a year...but I still wear some of those.... eek. I'm so glad you have a good supply. I was lucky in that regard too. I know Dylan is benefitting from all your hard work.
    kd

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  8. I have been exclusively pumping since my daughter (now almost a year) was 4 months old. It has just become a way of life, with my daily schedule tending to revolve around when I can pump next. The good news is that over time you can usually cut back on the number of times a day you pump and still have enough breastmilk. At this point I am down to three times a day (every 8 hours), and I'm at the first point where my supply is actually dropping (partly from the schedule and partly just because my daughter doesn't require as much at this point). Overall it is fine though, and I find that occasionally supplementing with formula allows me to continue with this lighter pumping schedule and have a little of my life back a the same time.

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  9. Thanks for the info. Keep it coming! I have only bought the Medela In Style, but no extras yet. I am sure I will need some more supplies but everything adds up!

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  10. You can put your breast pump parts in the dishwasher...if you have one. Top rack only, but perfectly fine.

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  11. Thank you for this post. With twins on the way and wanting to BF as much as possible, I know pumping is in my future. Luckily, there's a BFing center near me connected to the pediatrician's office that I want to use, so I have a great resource and source of support nearby. Kudos to you for pumping!

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