Exclusively Pumping

Hello everyone, I just found out about this board and am SO excited! I'm EP, although not by my choice but at least DS's getting what he needs even if I can't provide completely.

I've been EP since DS was 2 weeks old. After a rocky start weight wise we think that my milk just doesn't have enough calories in it for DS to gain weight. He maintains his weight but doesn't gain like the Dr wants him to. So we've been  fortifying my bm with formula since he was 4 weeks old. 
At his 2 month appt he had gained weight but not at the rate the Dr wants. So we're currently fortifying still but added 3 full feedings of straight formula to pack on the pounds.
 I never in a million years would have thought that I couldn't nurse, and quite frankly haven't ever heard of not having enough calories. But after 3 months I'm still going and don't have any plans of quitting anytime soon unless I have to.

I can't wait to chat with other EPers!

Hi Renee

Welcome to the group. Sorry you have had struggles. We all have...:-(

BM can have anywhere from 14-25 calories per ounce. Every woman is different. The average is 20 cal/oz.

Try to eat servings of healthy fats throughout the day(avocado, walnuts or other nuts, cottage cheese). That may help bulk up your milk. Also, make sure you are getting at least 2000-2500 cal/day. Take you prenatals as well

Also, make sure you are draining completely at each pump. All that high calorie hindmilk comes at the end. If your pump is not emptying you (it probably isn't) then you can learn how to hand express after each pump. Dangle yourself over a bowl on the kitchen counter, wet your nip/areola with water or BM, and gently slide you thumb and forefinger down the areola to the nip until you find that magic spot that compresses the milk sinuses and makes them spray. Empty one side, then the other. Then go back and do each side again.

I get lots of milk out this way after I pump. This is all hindmilk and important for baby's growth.

Since we are pumping it is harder to drain the way nursing does. It may take a little practice but once you figure it out you may find its quite easy and a great way to add to your production.

HTH

Liz

Hi Renee and welcome!

Many of us here never thought we'd be EP'ing, but here we are making it work and pretty well I might add, so you're in the perfect spot!

Be sure to ask any questions you may have in these early weeks to ensure you are well on track by 12 weeks!  The women here are wonderful and full o fgreat advice, so don't be shy! :o)

*See* you around!!