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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
I hate nursing, I really do. I try to do it 3-4x a day but I would love to just drop it all together. I don't mind pumping at all and want to be an EP mom, but I put all of this pressure on myself to nurse thinking that fresh milk is better for her and it's what I'm "supposed to do".
I've told myself I have 2 more months of maternity leave, to keep going at least until January, but it makes me want to pull my hair out  <ok, I'm being a drama queen!>
When did you decide to pull the plug on nursing and what made you do it? Tell me it's ok and DD will get all of the benefits of a directly BF baby 
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Posted 11/1/10 2:02 PM  |
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sleepie76
enjoying every minute
Member since 12/07 3881 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
direct from the tap or the bottle, I think it's the same. 
Don't pressure yourself.
I plan on mostly pumping with my second child, I think it will be easier.
I Bf for 8 months but I never really liked it. Just liked the convenience of it. I never felt that special bond everyone speaks of about BF. I preferred holding the bottle and seeing their entire face and watching them drink it.
Do what feels right. 
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:14 PM |
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Porrruss
Nya nya nya
Member since 5/05 11618 total posts
Name:
Amy
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Pumped milk IS fresh milk...... the only difference is usually it's easier on the mom to just nurse. If you find it more difficult to have her latched onto you- then EP.
I will say that freezing the milk kills off some of the antibacterial properties, but all the nutrients are still there.
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:18 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Other than one quick remark from my ped. (who is like 80yo LOL) I haven't heard any difference between nursing and pumping. OTHER THAN the whole bonding experience.
But I know what you mean, I am the same way and was forcing myself to nurse once a day. However, a few days ago - DD clamped down SO hard, I stuck my finger in her mouth to break suction and my nail went into her gum - she did that "no sound cry" for a few minute. . . I was frantic and hysterical myself as well. Now, I haven't nursed since then b/c I am traumatized from hurting her AND from how much pain I was in when she clamped down on me. I am not giving up on nursing BUT I go back to work on Thursday and I just dont have the time to sit there for hours and get her to nurse.
My compromise is that I have been giving her "fresh milk" meaning I rarely refrigerate her milk. I pump and make bottles and leave them out on the counter. I only refrigerate if I won't be able to use the milk within the next five hours or so. The milk stays fine (I have even left it out 12+ hours)
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:18 PM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Tilde
Other than one quick remark from my ped. (who is like 80yo LOL) I haven't heard any difference between nursing and pumping. OTHER THAN the whole bonding experience.
But I know what you mean, I am the same way and was forcing myself to nurse once a day. However, a few days ago - DD clamped down SO hard, I stuck my finger in her mouth to break suction and my nail went into her gum - she did that "no sound cry" for a few minute. . . I was frantic and hysterical myself as well. Now, I haven't nursed since then b/c I am traumatized from hurting her AND from how much pain I was in when she clamped down on me. I am not giving up on nursing BUT I go back to work on Thursday and I just dont have the time to sit there for hours and get her to nurse.
My compromise is that I have been giving her "fresh milk" meaning I rarely refrigerate her milk. I pump and make bottles and leave them out on the counter. I only refrigerate if I won't be able to use the milk within the next five hours or so. The milk stays fine (I have even left it out 12+ hours)
I do the same thing with keeping the milk out!! I thought I was a nut for that! 
Your clamping down story broke my heart and your description of the "no sound cry" is spot on, I hate that cry!
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:21 PM |
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MrsC614
My little angel is here <3
Member since 7/09 2851 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
from the beginning i had latching problems, so i pumped my first day home from the hospital. then i found a breast shield that makes latching a heck of a lot easier. But, I still mainly pump because it takes less time honestly. the milk is the same whether it's pumped or straight from the boob! Sometimes i will sit on the couch and nurse if I'm in the mood, but most times i pump. I was finding that i would be breast feeding for 40 to 50 minutes every hour and a half overnight, and i was getting ZERO sleep!
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:22 PM |
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Katie111806
Team Pink!
Member since 12/06 5349 total posts
Name:
Katie
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
I started EPing when DD was just over 4 months. Her weight gain (not gaining enough) has been an issue since birth and BFing was stressing me out not knowing how much she was getting exactly. After a not great 4 month checkup I made the decision to solely pump to make sure she is getting what my ped recommends she gets in terms of ounces. I had the same stresses with DS and wound up putting him on formula earlier than I would have liked at 7 months. With #3 I think I will go straight to EPing.
The benefits of the BM are great no matter what! If anything, EPing is a major commitment with finding time to pump, clean parts, make bottles, etc and you should be very proud of that commitment. Best of luck. Happy mommy = happy baby.
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:26 PM |
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Katie111806
Team Pink!
Member since 12/06 5349 total posts
Name:
Katie
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:30 PM |
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shelby34
Love being a twin mommy!
Member since 5/07 2934 total posts
Name:
Michele
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
Huh, I never thought of leaving it out...I think I may start doing that!
The twins had latching problems in the hospital and they were also small, so we needed to supplement with formula from the beginning. With BF'ing and supplementing, feeding times were taking forever!
So, from my first day home, I started EP'ing. I have gotten in a pretty good routine with it and will try to keep it up as long as possible...we'll see!
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:35 PM |
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MrsC614
My little angel is here <3
Member since 7/09 2851 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
how long can you leave it out?
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:39 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
how long can you leave it out?
I pump at 9PM and make a bottle in case DD wakes up during the night. She never really does and sleeps until 8AM -- I give it to her then with no issues (I know that most people don't agree with me about this stretch of time but it never smells!)
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| Posted 11/1/10 2:46 PM |
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MrsC614
My little angel is here <3
Member since 7/09 2851 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Tilde
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
how long can you leave it out?
I pump at 9PM and make a bottle in case DD wakes up during the night. She never really does and sleeps until 8AM -- I give it to her then with no issues (I know that most people don't agree with me about this stretch of time but it never smells!)
how about if i take it out of the fridge? how long can it be out? what a pain in the neck in the middle of the night to have to warm it up!!! maybe i will take a bottle out before i go to bed and leave it on the counter?
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| Posted 11/1/10 3:13 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Tilde
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
how long can you leave it out?
I pump at 9PM and make a bottle in case DD wakes up during the night. She never really does and sleeps until 8AM -- I give it to her then with no issues (I know that most people don't agree with me about this stretch of time but it never smells!)
how about if i take it out of the fridge? how long can it be out? what a pain in the neck in the middle of the night to have to warm it up!!! maybe i will take a bottle out before i go to bed and leave it on the counter?
I've done that too!
Give it a shot. Smell it, taste it, whatever you have to do to feel confident about it but I do it every night and have never had a problem!
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| Posted 11/1/10 3:17 PM |
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MrsC614
My little angel is here <3
Member since 7/09 2851 total posts
Name:
Gina
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Tilde
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Tilde
Posted by MrsC614
Posted by Katie111806
I also leave the milk out until I absolutely have to put it in the fridge. Not nutty at all!
how long can you leave it out?
I pump at 9PM and make a bottle in case DD wakes up during the night. She never really does and sleeps until 8AM -- I give it to her then with no issues (I know that most people don't agree with me about this stretch of time but it never smells!)
how about if i take it out of the fridge? how long can it be out? what a pain in the neck in the middle of the night to have to warm it up!!! maybe i will take a bottle out before i go to bed and leave it on the counter?
I've done that too!
Give it a shot. Smell it, taste it, whatever you have to do to feel confident about it but I do it every night and have never had a problem!
awesome!!! thanks!
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| Posted 11/1/10 3:20 PM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Love the EP pep rally! keep it coming!
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| Posted 11/1/10 4:42 PM |
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SecretTTCer
LIF Adult
Member since 6/08 2284 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
I have been EPing since day one. I have been doing it for seven months now. I have had to supplement with formula since 5.5 months because my supply decreased then. I really think it is easier than BFing.
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| Posted 11/1/10 5:17 PM |
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DomesticDeeva
Tiebreaker on deck!!!
Member since 11/08 2088 total posts
Name:
Dee
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
With DS I started EPing @ 2 months. I hated BFing directly (latch issues), and I found EPing so much easier. I EP'd until he turned 1.
With DD, I swore I would BF, no matter what. Well, she was worse than DS and never really latched. So one week in, there I was, back to EPing. Going 2 months strong and I plan on continuing til she turns 1, God willing.
I really see no difference other than the skin to skin contact, which you could do anytime. Plus, other people can help feed them, and I don't have to worry about nursing in public.
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| Posted 11/1/10 5:42 PM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
im an EPing mom as well!
ds had latching issues & was in the nicu for a week... i tried to bf him a couple of times when he came home, but i would get very frustrated & frazzled bc he wakes up screaming for food
i actually just said to dh tonight that i was thinking about starting to supplement with formula.... i get stressed out sometimes thinking about how much milk i have in the fridge, how much i need for the day, will i have enough if i dont pump as much as i usually do, etc etc...
idk what im going to do yet -- but i only plan on eping till i go back to work in feb
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| Posted 11/1/10 8:10 PM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by MeeshMosh
im an EPing mom as well!
ds had latching issues & was in the nicu for a week... i tried to bf him a couple of times when he came home, but i would get very frustrated & frazzled bc he wakes up screaming for food
i actually just said to dh tonight that i was thinking about starting to supplement with formula.... i get stressed out sometimes thinking about how much milk i have in the fridge, how much i need for the day, will i have enough if i dont pump as much as i usually do, etc etc...
idk what im going to do yet -- but i only plan on eping till i go back to work in feb
DD has gotten at least 4oz of formula a day, I wouldn't sweat it and put so much pressure on yourself! Formula is not the devil!
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| Posted 11/1/10 8:57 PM |
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GioiaMia
Let's Go Rangers!
Member since 1/07 14818 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by melbalalala
Posted by MeeshMosh
im an EPing mom as well!
ds had latching issues & was in the nicu for a week... i tried to bf him a couple of times when he came home, but i would get very frustrated & frazzled bc he wakes up screaming for food
i actually just said to dh tonight that i was thinking about starting to supplement with formula.... i get stressed out sometimes thinking about how much milk i have in the fridge, how much i need for the day, will i have enough if i dont pump as much as i usually do, etc etc...
idk what im going to do yet -- but i only plan on eping till i go back to work in feb
DD has gotten at least 4oz of formula a day, I wouldn't sweat it and put so much pressure on yourself! Formula is not the devil!
I agree! I randomly give DD formula when I remember. She drinks it just fine and has never reacted differently to it!
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| Posted 11/1/10 8:59 PM |
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carissa1643
I LOVE my sons! :)
Member since 5/09 5283 total posts
Name:
Carissa
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
I had to stop after a month  I did feel that bond, and I absolutely loved it, but DS did not lol. He never latched correctly so I had to pump more to keep my supply up.
Then I couldnt keep up, he wanted 4oz by 2-3 weeks old then I wasnt making enough bc he wouldnt latch again, then I had to supplement, then my supply dropped.
I decided to stop altogether when he was getting more formula than BM. It was extremely upsetting to me but DS just wanted to eat so I had to do what I had to do.
Do what you feel is right for you and your DC
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| Posted 11/1/10 10:07 PM |
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MeeshMosh
last month on leave!
Member since 6/08 4551 total posts
Name:
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by Tilde
Posted by melbalalala
Posted by MeeshMosh
im an EPing mom as well!
ds had latching issues & was in the nicu for a week... i tried to bf him a couple of times when he came home, but i would get very frustrated & frazzled bc he wakes up screaming for food
i actually just said to dh tonight that i was thinking about starting to supplement with formula.... i get stressed out sometimes thinking about how much milk i have in the fridge, how much i need for the day, will i have enough if i dont pump as much as i usually do, etc etc...
idk what im going to do yet -- but i only plan on eping till i go back to work in feb
DD has gotten at least 4oz of formula a day, I wouldn't sweat it and put so much pressure on yourself! Formula is not the devil!
I agree! I randomly give DD formula when I remember. She drinks it just fine and has never reacted differently to it!
thanks ladies... im going to talk to our ped at ds's next well visit & see what formula he recommends... how did you choose formula?
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| Posted 11/2/10 4:29 AM |
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melbalalala
Little Lady
Member since 5/07 5014 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: EPing Moms... when did bite the bullet and give up on nursing?
Posted by MeeshMosh
Posted by Tilde
Posted by melbalalala
Posted by MeeshMosh
im an EPing mom as well!
ds had latching issues & was in the nicu for a week... i tried to bf him a couple of times when he came home, but i would get very frustrated & frazzled bc he wakes up screaming for food
i actually just said to dh tonight that i was thinking about starting to supplement with formula.... i get stressed out sometimes thinking about how much milk i have in the fridge, how much i need for the day, will i have enough if i dont pump as much as i usually do, etc etc...
idk what im going to do yet -- but i only plan on eping till i go back to work in feb
DD has gotten at least 4oz of formula a day, I wouldn't sweat it and put so much pressure on yourself! Formula is not the devil!
I agree! I randomly give DD formula when I remember. She drinks it just fine and has never reacted differently to it!
thanks ladies... im going to talk to our ped at ds's next well visit & see what formula he recommends... how did you choose formula?
I've given her every brand under the moon and so far, so good. We got a ton of samples from the hospitals, the ped, and in the mail and I just use those. If you sign up on Similac and Enfamil's websites they send you free cans 
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| Posted 11/2/10 6:44 AM |
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