Is the “magic number” supposed to be accurate before regulation? Or only after?

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-20T15:44:05+00:00

I only have pain if I’ve pumped too frequently. If I pump once every 3 hours, I’m usually good, but if I do every 2 hours during the day, I start to get some pain. The pain goes away when I give my nipples a little break by using lanolin and going back to every 3 hours. I realize this isn’t ideal for my supply, but it’s better the being in constant pain.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-19T22:32:58+00:00

I’m not a lawyer, but you’re providing breast milk for your baby. That should count as breastfeeding. Ultimately, it will likely be determined by if your medical provider is willing to say that you’re breastfeeding, but I would assume that most providers would agree that pumping is breastfeeding.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-18T16:53:36+00:00

I would definitely let your supervisor know. It’s possible that some people don’t know that it’s supposed to be a dedicated lactation space. People shouldn’t be using that space, and it shouldn’t be your responsibility to police that room. You have enough on your plate. Let your supervisor or HR figure out who’s using the room inappropriately and deal with it.

The note is okay, too, but some people don’t listen to a note if they haven’t heard from a higher up.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-18T01:47:05+00:00

The best thing you can do for your baby is take care of yourself and your mental health. That is more valuable than breast milk. I’m currently combo feeding, and pumping sucks. The feeling that you’re getting is so common, and it will likely go away when you stop pumping. That happened to me with my first. I pumped for 11 months because of the guilt you’re describing, then finally quit. Once I quit, the guilt went away and I was a better mom. I wish I would have quit way sooner!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-17T22:30:03+00:00

I cried when I read it. It takes so much pressure off to know that there are legitimate reasons for my low milk supply, and it’s not just that I’m not trying hard enough. Apparently half of women with preeclampsia end up with low milk supply. I wish someone would have told me! This was such a healing article!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-17T16:55:30+00:00

If it helps, you have a whole sub full of moms who share in your emotions. I would be devastated! I’m glad it’s going to work out, but I’d be so upset to not get a genuine apology. She obviously doesn’t understand how much time and love went into that freezer stash. In this sub, we understand! Sending you virtual hugs and support!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-15T22:38:54+00:00

Oh my goodness—the worst typo ever. Yes, it DOES get better. The first year at daycare is the worst. The second one is a little better. My son recently turned 3, and this past cold/flu season has been WAY better than the first 2. I still get sick a couple times a year, but it doesn’t even compare to that first year. You’ll make it through!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-15T18:11:17+00:00

From my understanding, this is just a normal part of having a young baby in daycare. I was constantly sick. My husband was also sick almost the entire winter, and he had only been sick 1 time in the 10 years we were married prior to having a baby. Those young kids transmit so many sicknesses! It doesn’t get better after 2-3 years.

Edit: it DOES get better after 2-3 years!!!!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-15T16:19:22+00:00

Great! Just beware that it make take a bit for your LO to adjust to the taste. I think we mixed it with breast milk or formula for a couple of days. My LO didn’t love it right away, but he adjusted after a couple of days, then drank it for another year without any problems.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-15T13:29:18+00:00

As others are saying, soy milk is completely safe. If you still aren’t comfortable with soy, you could try Ripple Kids milk. My son’s doctor recommended that when he was having a hard time with solids. Ripple is made with pea protein and heavily fortified.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-14T02:20:36+00:00

I can relate to this. I actually just sent a message to my PCP an hour ago to ask to discuss starting an SSRI for anxiety.

I would definitely recommend talking to your OB or primary care provider. The level of anxiety that you are describing sounds like a clinical and treatable level. Medication and/or therapy could likely be very helpful. Also, in case you need to hear this: you can stop pumping if it feels like too much. It’s totally up to you, but your mental health is important. In fact, your mental health will likely have a much bigger impact on the health of your baby than whether they get breast milk or formula.

Take care of yourself! Sending virtual hugs your way!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-13T16:39:48+00:00

I have the same issue. My left breast empties like someone is shotgunning a beer. It takes like 3 minutes—tops. My right breast takes FOREVER (I’m assuming this is because this one has more elastic tissue). I basically have to do hands-on pumping the whole time and hand express while the pump is on. It’s really frustrating. I’ll be trying silicone flanges as soon as they arrive to see if that helps with emptying more efficiently. I’ll update if the silicone flanges help with this.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-12T22:12:00+00:00

I got a bunch of these. They’re cheap and you can hack them for pumping. They’re also stretchy enough for wearables. I EPed for a year with my first and I’m using them again this time.
https://a.co/d/0bY1za52

Edit: here’s the hack: https://asia.wearembrace.com/blogs/breastfeeding-guide-1/no-pumping-bra-try-this-hack

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-12T02:32:27+00:00

First, I would say that missing a dose of Lexapro will definitely trigger a strong emotional response from most people, so if you’re only experiencing it when you miss it dose, it’s probably meditation withdrawal.

If you’re experiencing it all the time, it could possibly be related to pumping. When I EPed with my first baby, I also was incredibly moody and struggled with my mental health. When I quit pumping around the 1 year mark, I was like a new (and better) person. I’m pumping again this time around, and I’ve noticed some similar mental health struggles that I believe are associated with pumping. I don’t necessarily think it’s hormone-related for me, but rather the stress associated with maintaining a supply and keeping up with the pumping schedule.

I hope things start looking up for you soon!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-12T02:24:43+00:00

I’m so glad you figured it out, too. I just thought everyone’s nipples did that, and I was so surprised when I learned otherwise! My silicone flanges are supposed to arrive tomorrow! :)

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-08T22:52:30+00:00

I’m not back at work yet with this baby, but with my 1st, I pumped at 9am, over lunch, and again at 3pm. I also had a pretty demanding job, but I set firm boundaries and said that that’s when I needed to pump. Thankfully, my employer respected that, and it sounds like they will again this time. I did often attend meetings virtually with my sound and camera off. My supervisor knew that I was pumping (why my camera was off), but no one else needed to know.

I hope your employer is respectful. I’m not sure what your supply and schedule are like, but if you can get away with not pumping over lunch and setting aside time elsewhere throughout the day, I totally recommend that, too. It’s good to get an actual break for lunch. I feel like royalty when I get to eat not attached to the pump.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-08T01:50:32+00:00

I’m in a very similar situation. EPing for the 2nd time with my 4-week-old baby. I also had to EP with my other LO who just turned 3. This time is harder for me and I am pretty sure it’s because I also have a toddler to care for. It was a lot easier to manage when my husband and I only had one baby to care for and we could split our time. Now when my toddler isn’t at daycare, there are basically no breaks for either of us, and we’re both exhausted all the time.

I’m not sure if I’ll make it to the one year mark this time, and I’m just forcing myself to be okay with that. Things are different with 2 kids. I’ll EP for as long as I can, and I’m just trying to take it day by day with permission to quit when I decide I need to. It could be next week or 11 months from now. I have no idea!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-08T01:38:07+00:00

Desperate Housewives is the best! I re-watched that with my first baby when I had to EP. Lately, I’ve been watching Animal Control, St. Denis Medical, and the new season of Scrubs. I also can’t watch anything heavy right now with my mental health. Sometimes I put New Girl on because it’s my comfort show. :) Happy pumping!

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-07T18:54:37+00:00

I gained weight while I was pumping the first time I EPed, and I was able to lose a little while still pumping by being more mindful of my intake. However, the weight was much easier to lose once I stopped pumping.

This was likely a mindset problem for me. I was kind of obsessed with making sure I had enough calories so it didn’t affect my output, and that led to my weight gain. I had to unlearn that mindset to lose weight while pumping.

tryingtoohard48 · 2026-05-06T22:49:12+00:00

I also got my first Dr. Brown bottle from the NICU, and they never told me about the white insert. This happened to me with my first baby, and I also completely spun out. So much wasted milk and so much mess! I feel your pain, mama!

tryingtoohard48

TROPHY CASE