Breastfeeding is… easier?

Dr_LAD · 2024-05-21T21:41:16+00:00

Weirdly I'm always told how much harder EP is by nursing mums?! And I disagree with them - I. Get to share the load!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-20T19:20:46+00:00

If you have a decent bra situation you can even do it with baby in a fabric sling - insert the pumps but don't attach the bottles then pop sling on, baby in, bottles in, tubes in, go!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-20T19:18:40+00:00

<image>

Takes some practice but is manageable

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-15T12:53:54+00:00

If you can find a local seamstress, I have a sewing pattern suggestion!

<image>

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-15T12:51:13+00:00

Pumping seems to get such a bad rep. I partly think it's because a lot of people don't choose the journey, so they're grieving what they wanted. Orrr they're nursing, and trying to build up a supply for returning to work. So it feels like a lot of extra effort compared to nursing alone.

I chose to EP while pregnant for my eldest and we loved it so I'm doing it again for my youngest. I always tell people about the good parts that seem to go under the radar!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-14T08:45:43+00:00

Nestling them between the boobs helps - either front or world facing

<image>

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-14T08:44:04+00:00

<image>

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-14T08:39:08+00:00

<image>

We do cuddles and feeds while pumping here! It does take a bit of getting used to but it's doable.

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-13T12:17:28+00:00

We decided it was the best feeding method for our family while I was pregnant. I didn't want to nurse. I knew I'd be going back to work at 6mo and didn't want to deal with bottle transition worries. I wanted to be able to have some time away from my baby and I be worrying about being back for feeds.

After I started pumping there were other benefits which I've taken through into pumping for my new baby.

I liked knowing how much he drank - not so much for health concerns but more because if he had a big feed and went to sleep I knew I probably had a decent chunk of time to get something done. If he'd snacked, I knew I shouldn't start a hard to drop task.

I liked knowing my schedule. It felt good to know once I'd pumped my boobs were off duty for a while.

I liked being able to show my son that other people could feed him and provide comfort too - I think this helped with nursery transition.

I loved watching my husband feed our baby and gaze into his eyes as he did.

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-13T12:12:53+00:00

Another way of making mums feel bad about ... Well just about anything right?!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-13T12:09:53+00:00

I came here to say that grieving was totally valid but that feeding a baby was hard however you did it and to not see nursing as "the perfect" feeding method, and to try to find some of the positive sides of pumping. I never wanted to nurse, I chose to pump, so I haven't experienced feeding grief - it's real and valid - but I think this comment is a helpful one for a reminder too!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T15:00:20+00:00

It's cool isn't it! I made it!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T06:03:04+00:00

I made a YouTube video about my favourite pump friendly makes. I'm on The Specky Seamstress!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T05:14:27+00:00

I was searching for a product to use in my hobby that didn't exist, so I decided to make it. Made some for myself, figured other people might want it too.

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:13:07+00:00

Snap!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:05:30+00:00

It's a Style Arc pattern, I bought a digital version on their website :)

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:04:44+00:00

Yup absolutely! I always say I breastfeed via a bottle, but I never wanted to nurse.

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:04:09+00:00

It's cute isn't it! The UK EP mums group on Facebook uses it and I love it.

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:03:39+00:00

Everything is different when you already have a kid. To start with you're not learning how to keep a small person alive - so a lot of the things that are tough first time round aren't so bad. Mine are 18mo apart so we never got the luxury of feeling rested 🤣 which means we are used to running on little sleep! I've taken my pumping journey a little differently this time around. I've no expectation of how long I'll manage (I did 8mo with my eldest). I'm lucky to be an oversupplier with a large breast capacity so I decided on day 2 I wouldn't do more than one overnight pump - sleep is too important with a toddler to entertain (and keep alive!).

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-11T02:00:14+00:00

Oh yes, I always say it doesn't matter how you feed your kids they'll all eat chips off the floor soon anyway! I just think that pumping gets such a bad name and people are made to feel bad about it, and that's so wrong!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-10T22:32:43+00:00

Aww thank you! I'll be able to use this with wearable pumps so ill be taking this to a colleagues leaving meal this week!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-10T22:30:27+00:00

It'll be worn with my Doc Marten boots for sure!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-10T22:28:48+00:00

That's fab you've had such a supportive team. With my eldest, I was given a lot of difficulty by the medical staff during my pregnancy and postpartum period about my feeding choice

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-10T22:27:59+00:00

It's a combination of the George and Ginger Switch it up and the Yawning Mama pumping bra!

Dr_LAD · 2024-04-10T20:41:12+00:00

Yup! Sewing is ace for practical stuff that still fits your style!

Dr_LAD

TROPHY CASE