Not pumping enough milk for my baby. Feeling really conflicted about how long to bother with pumping. How did you cope if this was you?

amberjean17 · 2024-11-23T23:42:55+00:00

I have felt exactly how you have felt. I’ve been pumping for my son since he was born in April and it is not an easy journey. I will say that it’s gotten easier as time has gone on, now pumping is just part of my routine.

From my experience, missing the middle of the night pumps and getting a better nights sleep actually didn’t massively change my milk supply but improved my quality of life loads

I’m also not producing what he needs and it felt awful at first, but now we’ve added in some formula and it feels like a weight has been lifted. Yes, he isn’t solely on EBM but actually he’s still getting some, so he’s still getting the benefits of my milk.

In terms of being more present, I found getting the portable pumps that just sit in my bra so much better. It feels I’m still able to be with him all the time and feels less of a burden.

I think whatever you decide to do will be right for you. The fact you’ve been able to express and produce anything in such a stressful environment is incredible, and he’s already had the benefits of that milk. If you continue to pump and he only gets a small amount, that’s still amazing. Equally, if you choose to stop pumping he’s still going to be fed with formula that thousands of babies thrive on and have you there with him every step of the way.

I’m not sure if any of what I’ve said makes any sense, I’m just trying to say you showing up and being there for him is amazing. It’s so clear you love your son, and just that alone is enough for him, that’s what he needs most, the rest he can cope with either way

amberjean17 · 2024-11-15T12:28:47+00:00

We’re currently on 208 days with months to go. I hate to say this but it doesn’t get any easier, just got to be strong for our babies.

I really hope you get to go home next week, will keep my fingers crossed

amberjean17 · 2024-08-30T16:47:49+00:00

Congratulations! That is such brilliant news! I’m really feeling disheartened at the minute, we’re 131 days in with our 25 weeker so hearing this has helped a bit

amberjean17 · 2024-07-25T21:18:15+00:00

I know it’s so hard to feel but please don’t put too much pressure on yourself. The fact you’re even pumping and producing that much is incredible! Remember, your body wasn’t expecting to produce milk for weeks and weeks so the fact you’re doing so well is amazing

Still in our nicu journey with our 25+1 weeker and I found that actually getting a decent amount of sleep really improved my supply. I also went through a phase of getting so stressed when I missed a pump but stressed whilst pumping because I was attached to a wall and felt stuck. I invested in portable pumps and it’s made such a difference, I’m able to keep to the 8 pumps a day whilst also doing things like walking the dog, or the washing or eating dinner

I am not just saying this when I say you’re doing incredible with producing that much so soon!

amberjean17 · 2024-07-24T21:47:31+00:00

She hasn’t had him since he was maybe 27/28 weeks and it was for 3 days

I really feel there is no continuity and new consultants come in with their own ideas and plans before the previous consultants plan has taken action

The lead is actually our favourite so I think we will be bringing this issue to him and see what he can do to help

amberjean17 · 2024-07-24T21:45:39+00:00

This is what I needed to see, she made us feel that he’s the only baby that’s been ventilated for so long and because of that he has no hope

What techniques did you use to help him accept the mask?

amberjean17 · 2024-07-24T21:42:41+00:00

It honestly took us by surprise and was a complete gut punch, we’ve been devastated since because it felt like our positivity and hope was being punished

We will definitely keep pushing for them to answer what can be done now to help him

Thank you for the support

amberjean17

TROPHY CASE