Exclusively Pumping

hi ladies,

my name is jo-ann. i was a member of this board about a year ago when i was pumping for my DS, Ian. i made it for 20 months.

we have a new baby now, Ashelia, born on Oct. 7th. i was really hoping she'd be a natural, but nursing has been all but impossible. she doesn't latch right at all, not even to the bottle oftentimes! i was heartbroken at first, given how hopeful i was that things would go better this time, but i think i have a better attitude now. i promised myself that this time around i'd put less pressure on myself to pump for so long. just giving myself more permission to stop makes things easier. also, i now have all the tricks i've learned from this board, and that makes it easier too!

the good news is that Ashe is gaining weight like a champ, and my supply is better than it was before. with Ian i had to supplement with formula until he was 10 months old; with Ashe we've been able to give her breast milk only since she was a week old.

it's good to be back! this board was a lifesaver for me last time around.

Mommy to Ian Taiwai (born 4/26/07) and new baby sister Ashelia Ngaimei (10/07/09).  

  

A big CONGRATS to you and your family on the newest addition...love the new pic!!  How is Ian doing with a new sister in the house?

It's awesome to have you back on the board...you've been a wonderful resource and I just know our newest members will find great support and friendship in you, plus, us old timers missed you!!!  :o)

Welcome back to the world of EP'ing, I'm back too for round 2...kinda exciting!! :o)  Good to hear your supply to doing really well too!!  I find this time around less stressful...how about you?

this time around is definitely less stressful. these days if i'm interrupted, i stop pumping, and just come back when i can and count it as a "power pump". i  actually think it helps my supply to do it that way. and now i know from the beginning about the fridge trick, so that help immensely. i also pump when i can rather than sticking to a rigid schedule, even if that means pumping an hour after i just did if i have the time. that helps too.

it also doesn't hurt that DH is much more supportive and knows what's going on this time around.

Mommy to Ian Taiwai (born 4/26/07) and new baby sister Ashelia Ngaimei (10/07/09).  

  

That's great!  I feel less concerned about a rigid schedule this time around as well, though I still fit in the same # of sessions each day it may change based on how Parker is behaving that day! ;o)  I tend to wonder if the lack of stress this time also helps to keep supply at a good level!?

Great to have you back!