Has anyone had any success exclusively pumping...I really don't know if breastfeeding is for me I…

I did with my last baby its really exhausting but it works

following for any advice! This is what I plan on doing due to returning to work so soon after delivering

I'm sorry your having trouble momma, I'm only 5 days in and started pumping only on Sunday afternoon till this afternoon when I seen a lactation specialist. Pumping was so hard to do all the time but less painful than breastfeeding. After seeing and speaking with the lactation specialist today I feel confident in going back to breast and I hope you can get the help and encouragement that you need. Hang in there momma!

I do! What are your questions/concerns?

Don't pump the more you pump the more milk will come out and hurt you. Its was one of my mistake I learn after having my daughter. my experience breast feeding didn't like it and didn't have the best help so I switch. but don't worry just take a warm shower rub some of the milk off your breast if it hurts.

@theredheadchic, I'm just worried about how much to give him at each feeding and how often? What kind of bottles do you use? Did your milk supply stay established or did it decrease when you started pumping? Also if you don't mind me asking why did you decide to pump only..I feel guilty but I think it may be best for us

Oh you'll know ur baby, trust me. I tried to exclusively breastfeed, but babies get so comfortable that they fall asleep before they are full so they constantly wake up to eat, every hour. & in the beginning ur baby will only drink about an ounce every hour, but eventually you'll know when to increase his/her intake. For me, I started with 3 ounces, every 3 hours & now he's 3 months & he drinks 3.5 ounces every 3 hours. Babies are different though, I kno some babies are taking like 4-5 ounces at this age but not my baby. I decided to pump & feed bc for one, I produced way too much milk & it hurt soooo bad so I had to pump it out, secondly, I started pumping bc I wanted to have a supply to freeze (I have about a months supply in my freezer for him to drink 3.5 oz every 3 hours) & lastly, I wanted to let my fam get involved & his dad b able to feed him. I use Latch bottles & i love them! Also, I nurse as well! My son looves my nipple lol, he uses it as a pacifier & it soothes him so I still breastfeed from the breast as well but I primarily pump & feed. This way works out for me bc I want to have a supply so my milk supply is great! I pump about 14 oz in the morning when I first wake up & I pump anywhere from 7pz-10.5 oz through out the day. Ur gna do great, dnt worry!! As long as ur giving ur baby breastmilk u r doing GREAT, no matter how ur baby gets it!

Thank you so much for your advice! I'm going to try both as well...did some bottle feeding today it was such a relief. Thank you thank you thank you @theredheadchic

Yes I was just like u at first, I felt so bad tht I was gna bottle feed but my pediatrician told me to just try it & it's what has been best for me every since. The best advice I've gotten so far is "Do what's best for you bc if mommy isn't happy, baby won't be happy" & that is soooooo true! 😘😘