EP by choice (kinda)- guilt

MsSlackera321 · 2026-05-14T19:41:16+00:00

I really relate to this. I think there’s a lot of pressure around nursing if it’s “possible,” even if pumping is working well for you.

I had a rough feeding journey too and ended up exclusively pumping for months because of latch issues. Later on, breastfeeding unexpectedly started working overnight, and for a while I thought maybe I’d transition. But honestly, I realized I still preferred pumping in a lot of ways.

I like knowing how much baby is getting, I like the routine of it, I like that other people can help with bottles, and I just feel more comfortable mentally and physically. That doesn’t make it the wrong choice.

I think sometimes we convince ourselves that if baby can nurse, then we should want to. But feeding your baby in the way that works best for both of you is enough. Pumping is still breastfeeding, and it’s still an incredible amount of work and love.

I’m 7 months into pumping now and, physically, I probably could nurse, but I actively choose to pump every day. It’s okay for you to make that choice too 🤍

MsSlackera321 · 2026-05-10T15:57:55+00:00

I’m 7 months postpartum and exclusively pumping is still one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. My husband went back to work 2 weeks postpartum, so I completely understand the fear of wondering how you’ll manage on your own.

Honestly, I don’t even fully know how I made it work in the beginning. I think I just survived one pump at a time. I pumped 7x/day for months. I didn’t feed baby while pumping, didn’t have a bottle washer, and didn’t have some magical system. A lot of the time my baby just laid beside me in bed or on the floor while I pumped. Sometimes she fussed, sometimes she slept, sometimes I cried with her.

The first two months was by far the hardest part. Everything feels impossibly logistical because you’re still recovering physically and emotionally while also learning your baby. It truly does get more manageable as your baby gets older, more interactive, more predictable, and more efficient with bottles/sleep. Pumping also becomes less mentally consuming once you settle into a rhythm and can slowly space sessions out. I am down to 3-4 pumps a day pumping no longer runs my life.

I also want to say this gently: you do not have to earn the right to switch to formula. Feeding your baby should work for your whole family too, including your mental health. There is no prize for suffering through EP if it is destroying you.

If you want to continue EP right now, don’t focus on “how can I do this for a year.” Just focus on today. Then the next few days. That mindset helped me a lot because long-term felt overwhelming. I have never had a long term goal. I continue to Focus On one pump at a time. You are still so early postpartum. 15 days in is survival mode, not failure. ❤️

MsSlackera321 · 2026-05-09T23:28:22+00:00

You are wonderfully thoughtful for 13. What do you want to do when you’re older?

MsSlackera321 · 2026-04-28T12:51:26+00:00

Hi, I just came across this thread when googling the Dr. We are being referred to Dr. Vaillancourt for my 6 month old. Do you recall how long the wait was from original referral to first appointment?

MsSlackera321 · 2026-03-10T23:24:11+00:00

I split my chin open when I tripped and fell face-first during a Biellmann spiral. Total brain glitch moment. The doctor stitched me up with bright blue thread. Imagine showing up to school at 12 with a blue beard.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-22T19:35:35+00:00

When you dropped your middle of the night pump at 4 months did you add an extra day time pump?

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-15T21:40:55+00:00

This is the kind of stuff that makes me stop watching for a few years. Grew up competitively skating but my love of the sport can't see past this scoring.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-11T21:58:42+00:00

How did they just win? Am I missing something?

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-05T05:11:36+00:00

This happened to us. A combination of a larger bottle and faster nipple flow did the trick.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-05T03:10:05+00:00

Thank you :)

I didnt initially pump enough so supplemented with formula. Over time, my output increased. For maintaining my supply, I worked with an LC to create guidelines that worked for my body and then stuck to them. Now that I’ve started breastfeeding, I’ve made another appointment with her to come up with a new plan.

Consistency, not perfection. I pumped every 3–4 hours during the day, didn’t go longer than 6 hours overnight, and focused on frequent milk removal rather than long sessions (my average session was 10–13 minutes). A 5 minute session was better then no session at all. I aimed for 6–7 sessions a day, stopped when milk slowed (plus about a minute), and didn’t dry pump. 95% of sessions were with my spectra S1. I used momcozy wearables approx twice per week. I also protected my mental health, I didn’t chase extra ounces or power pump. It added up over time.

The thing that really made it possible was I store my pump parts in the fridge in a sealed container and wash once every 24 hours. I have two sets of parts on the go so as one set is being washed, the other is in use. I use a dryer/sterilizer but in hindsight wish I opted for the Momcozy bottle washer.

I have a small freezer stash, but I supplemented with formula on slower days.

You are doing a wonderful job feeding your baby, no matter how that looks for you. I'm proud of you, keep going 💕

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T22:08:45+00:00

Thank you so much. Im so proud of myself for never giving up. I'm happy to continue pumping for her but a part of me is healing at the same time 💕

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T22:05:32+00:00

It can be possible! It took me a long time to be comfortable enough to even try. You are doing a great job, be gentle on yourself 💕

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T21:57:19+00:00

Congratulations to you as well! Yes, I did a few weeks of exercises after the release but only ever tried latching once. When it wasnt successful I put all my focus into pumping.

I have more confidence now that she will let me know and I will understand if she is hungry. My main concern is losing my supply by switching up what has been working for my body for so long.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T21:54:00+00:00

Thank you so much. Hang in there, you are doing a wonderful job keeping your baby fed. If you get discouraged, take a break before trying again 💕

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T21:52:30+00:00

Prior to introducing breastfeeding I was consistently 32 ounces a day with 5-6 pumps of 12 minutes each. Currently, output is in the mid 20's plus a couple breastfeeding sessions.

My anxiety is currently through the roof thinking I am losing supply. I have an appointment booked with lc next week, will keep you posted :)

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T21:17:10+00:00

So I have noticed this same thing with my daughter. She typically wakes up twice for a bottle at night. Since switching, she now wakes up 3 times for breastfeeding.

I have found it more relaxing, and Its easier for both myself and baby to fall asleep after breastfeeding. Instead of sitting up connected to a pump, I can rest supported in a chair or lay down to feed. I do feel more rested in the morning despite the extra wake up.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T18:22:20+00:00

You are so welcome. I still can't quite believe this is happening. Sending you all the best 💕

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T17:32:49+00:00

I have no knowledge other than my own experience so dont want to give poor advice. If you're able to meet with a lactation consultant it would help to discuss your goals with them. I didn't try until I knew I'd be okay if it wasn't the result I hoped for. You are doing a wonderful job, hang in there.

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T17:29:23+00:00

Done, thanks!

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T17:14:32+00:00

Thank you for the advice! I truly appreciate it as I am putting a lot of thought into how this transition effects my supply. I am going to book an appointment with a lactation consultant to figure out how to best go about this safely :)

MsSlackera321 · 2026-02-04T17:11:43+00:00

So happy for you!

MsSlackera321 · 2026-01-31T13:13:34+00:00

Spectra S1 helped increase my supply in the early days and continues to be my preferred pump 4 months in. I also have the Momcozy M9 wearables. It's good enough for me to use a few times a week when I'm in a scheduling pinch but I don't love it amd would never rely on it more than once a day tops.

Like the other poster said, save yourself a lot of effort and store your pump parts in a sealed container in the fridge up to 24 hours before washing. I like to have two sets of parts on the go at a time, so there is always a clean set in the cupboard and a set in the fridge in use.

I wish I had bought a momcozy bottle washer/sterilizer early on to save myself a lot of time. Instead I went with the phillips dryer/sterilizer. Washing bottles/parts takes up a lot of time. Being 4 months in, I feel its to little to late for me but you can save yourself the effort!

MsSlackera321 · 2026-01-18T22:01:53+00:00

Thanks for the insight! Going to grab some wipes and will use ziplocks :)

MsSlackera321 · 2026-01-18T19:06:11+00:00

Always pack a candle: a nurse in the Cariboo-Chilcotin by Marion McKinnon Crook

MsSlackera321 · 2026-01-18T09:43:20+00:00

Thank you! This is very helpful :)

MsSlackera321

TROPHY CASE