In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I rented a pump from the hospital and the pumping feels great. It helped with engorgement and I had zero nipple pain. I have been trying to EBF but my nipples hurt so much. I know that it should feel better if I have a better latch but i am at a point where they hurt even if you slighly touch them. DS tends to suck well and then get a lazy suck at the end, which causes a lot of pain for me.

I'm considering pumping exclusively and bottlefeeding DS my breastmilk. That would still be considered EBF, right? He'd still be getting all the benefits of my breastmilk and mommy won't have to constantly be in pain. I thought it may be a good medium. DH is adamant about breastmilk. He made me feel soooooooooo guilty when we fed DS formula. We fed DS formula 3x since he was born last week.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Until DH can give breastmilk himself, tell him to stop you from feeling guilty! You can't get through this with a negative husband! (B!tch slap to him!)

That being said, you can absolutely pump exclusively. Many women on here have done that. Although I don't know when they started doing this, not sure if it affected supply this early. I'm sure those that pumped exclusively can shed some more light on this.

I began pumping when DS was 6 days old. I had planned on not giving him a bottle until he was at least 6 WEEKS old. Well, life changed. And thankfully my DH was very supportive. I was sent back into the hospital, just after being released. But he brought DS to me for me to BF him and collected all the bottles I pumped to bring home. (BTW: don't be intimidated by the amount you pump in the beginning. I was completely intimidated by the 2oz bottles. I couldn't fill those!!!! Then I was intimidated by the 5oz bottles. I laugh in their direction now!)

With all this going on: we did give some bottles of formula in those first few weeks. I felt like a failure having to do this. I gave birth to an 11 1/2 pound baby and I felt like I should be able to provide for him. I was very ill. We did what we could. (I realize now that I was NOT a failure.)

As for the nipple pain: It will go away. I remember suffering horrible pain when I got back out of the hospital the second time because I was pumping so much in there and not used to his latch. I wanted to die!!!!! Again, DH was very supportive. I remember crying and screaming when DS would latch those first few weeks. I was ready to totally give up BF.

Well, I BF for a year. So that shows you it does get better!

If you'd like to send DH my way, I'll kick him for you! Some saviors to me were the La Leche League! Just calling some of the girls in my area for advice and support really made the difference. Never feel like you can't call them! I left messages and they called me back, if they didn't answer in the first place. Also, they directed me toward some of the girls that were BTDT with pumping. It made all the difference in the world!

ETA: Have you tried Lansinoh cream? It was great! (Although I wanted to kill off people at times with the nipple pain. This cream helped me not to want to kill people ALL the time!)

Message edited 3/28/2009 2:25:53 AM.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Posted by waterspout4

Until DH can give breastmilk himself, tell him to stop you from feeling guilty! You can't get through this with a negative husband! (B!tch slap to him!)

That being said, you can absolutely pump exclusively. Many women on here have done that. Although I don't know when they started doing this, not sure if it affected supply this early. I'm sure those that pumped exclusively can shed some more light on this.

I began pumping when DS was 6 days old. I had planned on not giving him a bottle until he was at least 6 WEEKS old. Well, life changed. And thankfully my DH was very supportive. I was sent back into the hospital, just after being released. But he brought DS to me for me to BF him and collected all the bottles I pumped to bring home. (BTW: don't be intimidated by the amount you pump in the beginning. I was completely intimidated by the 2oz bottles. I couldn't fill those!!!! Then I was intimidated by the 5oz bottles. I laugh in their direction now!)

With all this going on: we did give some bottles of formula in those first few weeks. I felt like a failure having to do this. I gave birth to an 11 1/2 pound baby and I felt like I should be able to provide for him. I was very ill. We did what we could. (I realize now that I was NOT a failure.)

As for the nipple pain: It will go away. I remember suffering horrible pain when I got back out of the hospital the second time because I was pumping so much in there and not used to his latch. I wanted to die!!!!! Again, DH was very supportive. I remember crying and screaming when DS would latch those first few weeks. I was ready to totally give up BF.

Well, I BF for a year. So that shows you it does get better!

If you'd like to send DH my way, I'll kick him for you! Some saviors to me were the La Leche League! Just calling some of the girls in my area for advice and support really made the difference. Never feel like you can't call them! I left messages and they called me back, if they didn't answer in the first place. Also, they directed me toward some of the girls that were BTDT with pumping. It made all the difference in the world!

ETA: Have you tried Lansinoh cream? It was great! (Although I wanted to kill off people at times with the nipple pain. This cream helped me not to want to kill people ALL the time!)

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I did pump exclusively from day 2 until DD was 5 months old. I tried BFing in the hospital but DD was a lazy latcher and I was in so much pain that I was crying every time I tried to feed her. DH was yelling at me telling me it was not good for her if I was crying when I was trying to feed her. So I asked for a pump and never looked back. Yes, my supply was low in the beginning but I don't think it was any lower than it would have been if DD was taking the breast. And my supply increased very quickly. I always pumped more than DD could take in a day. I started out pumping every 2-3 hours then went to every 4 then to every 6 then to every 8. Even with that, I was till able to build a freezer stock so that I had enough for another whole month after I stopped pumping. I had to stop because I was returning to work and can't pump at work. This time around I plan to pump again and I AM planning to continue pumping even after I return to work. I will just have to figure out how to make it work.

One thing I can tell you about pumping, it is more work, because you still have to wash bottles in addition to washing all of your pumping equipment. But I was also adamant about giving DD BM and felt this was the sacrifice I was going to make for her since the BFing didn't work for us.

And I did hit some bumps in the road even with pumping. I got very sore nipples about a month into it. It was so bad that I couldn't even hold my DD against me. I was about to give up the pumping when I contacted a lactation consultant who saw me the same day and told me that all I needed was bigger breastshields. Apparently there are different sizes based on the circumference of your areola. So once I got the right size for me, all got better in a matter of days. I even traveled with my breastpump and never gave up.

You can definately do it if that is what you want to do. If you have any questions I can help with please feel free to ask or FM me. I'd love to help somebody as much as I've been helped with this stuff too.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I pumped exclusively and here is my advice, if your baby is latching on, just work on that until it gets easier, which it will. Pumping imo is 100x more difficult, and you can really become a slave to that pump. Worrying if you have enough pumped milk to feed your baby is not fun. I say get through this difficult time, you can do it, and keep on BF'ing.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

My BF gave me great advice and it was SO true for me! She said give it 2 full weeks before you give up. I swear on the 14th day I had minimal pain and DD was latching like a champ!

Don't give up!

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

In the beginning I couldn't get DD to latch on so I was pumping right from the hospital. I had no problem w/ her latching after my milk came in & we were both more comfortable w/ what to expect & I was at home where I felt more comfortable.

There was no nipple confusion w/ DD, thankfully. I pumped for a year until she went on whole milk.

The lansolin cream was great though b/c my nipples were still quite tender.

For the first 6 weeks I did try to have her nurse when I can, but found I personally liked the pumping better b/c I knew how much she was getting & others could feed her.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

DH never had any nipple confusions. i pumped in the beginning so DH could feed him and i pumped when i went back to work. DS actually preferred the breast over a bottle!

good luck and i agree with kelly - you need to tell your DH that until he can BF that he needs to be supportive and shut his trap

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

your DH needs to stop! My DH was the same way and He is normally not like that ( I think it was from his parents) anyway, DS did not latch so I had to exclusively pump. I did it till he was 3.5 months old. It's do able, but I would never do it again. it was very time consuming, I was a slave to that thing 7-8 times a day, the most frustrating part for me was that I sill couldn't pump enough milk his night bottles were formula.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty!! I felt very guilty and now I regret doing it for so long. Try it out and see if it's working out for you and your DC

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I had some nipple pain in the beginning. They hurt a lot at times and i was always putting that nipple cream on. but in about 2 weeks, i had absolutely no pain. the first week was pretty rough, and i dealt with engorgement and had some problems with her latching. i had a lacation consultant make a home visit. after i made it through the first 1-2 weeks, breastfeeding has honestly been a breeze. it's so easy and she and i both love it. i was really worried about nipple confusion and only gave her one bottle when my boobs were so engorged that she couldnt latch at all. when they were really engorged i mostly did cup feeding for about 2 days and then the engorgement went away and she could latch again. i didnt give her any pacifiers or other bottles for at least a month, and then she refused pacifiers (and still does) and bottles, which was a real problem. It was really tough to get her to take a bottle and I had to go back to work when she was 15 weeks. Now she finally does, but still prefers me by far. I still nurse her about 4-5 times a day during the week and all day on the weekends. I pump at work and am able to pump enough so that her bottles during the day are all breastmilk.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

To soothe that nipple pain (I'm wincing just remembering it) I would slather on the Lansinoh balm, or just rub some BM on them and sit around with my big ole naked boobs hanging out. Yeah- it looked all National Geographic, but at least it helped them to heal.

I HIGHLY recommend contacting a Lactation Consultant. The support from my LC was unbelieveable. Plus, if you're having any issues with a shallow latch (which will cause excruciating pain and bleeding) she'll help fix that.

I PROMISE you. Those first few weeks are the worst. It DOES get better- the pain subsides, the baby gets more efficient (so MUCH shorter nursing sessions), and you'll get more rest. Exclusively pumping IS an option, but it is VERY time consuming. I pump only 2x a day (while I'm at work and in the morning) and I HATE it. BFing is SO much easier/quicker......

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Posted by headoverheels

DH never had any nipple confusions.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

My DD didn't have nipple confusion, but rather nipple preference as I like to call it. I had to pump in the very beginning, and was not allowed to BF until she was 10 days old. I was instructed by my ped to only give her formula at that time due to her severe jaundice to flush it all out. Once I was given the go ahead to BF, we cut out all the bottles except for 2 at night, since the formula helped her to sleep better at night. I had a lactation consultant come and help me and for 2.5 weeks had no problems BFing.

DD started having mini temper tantrums at the breast and they escalated day after day. She had no trouble latching and when she was calm did really well, but somewhere along the way I believe she decided that she preferred the bottle because she didn't have to work so hard for the food. It got to the point where we were both hystercal at BFing time, and I would cry in between feedings because I was stressing about the next one. For my own sanity I stopped BFing and am pumping and giving her a bottle instead. We are BOTH so much happier at meal times. I still supplement with formula at night, because I can get a 4-5 hour stretch of sleep out of her rather than a 2.5-3 hour stretch.

Right now I have about a 2.5 day supply of BM in the fridge and a decent stash in the freezer.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

For me pumping was 100x times easier and more efficient..

With exception of the hospital, I pumped for DS#2 exclusively. quickly into it, I was getting 60 oz a day. I was able to stop at 6 months and get him to 1 year with BM (I just wanted my body back - to run and exercise and be normal at work, etc)

He started solids early (b/c of size) and at the end of the bowl, I would take the last bite, so I would be able to give him the immunities.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I EP'd for about 7 months. While I enjoyed the benefits of giving DS BM, I'll be honest...I was miserable to be a slave to the pump!

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I never exclusively pumped, so I'm no help there, but I do have some advice. I went through a time too where breastfeeding was so painful that I used to cry & grip the nearest surface until my knuckles were white as soon as DD latched on. My nipples were cracked & bleeding & it was just awful. I'm stubborn though so I refused to give in. Well, like you said, my latch was all wrong. I worked & managed to correct it myself. Let me tell you, the first time she latched properly, it was like a miracle scene with clouds parting & sun coming through

Anway, I would suggest maybe calling an LC to help you if you wish to continue breastfeeding. To help the soreness in the mean time. Lanolin is a life saver. Good luck!

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I remember how bad that pain was in the beginning. DD literally drew blood on both sides the day she was born! You may want to try using a nipple shield. This was literally the only thing that kept me going in the beginning, and it REALLY helped me through that 2-week adjustment period. Definitely something to look into!

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

Posted by MrsRivera

I remember how bad that pain was in the beginning. DD literally drew blood on both sides the day she was born! You may want to try using a nipple shield. This was literally the only thing that kept me going in the beginning, and it REALLY helped me through that 2-week adjustment period. Definitely something to look into!

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

I never had pain really so can't speak to that. I do exclusively pump in the beginning fo rmy twins, but nowo only for Ronan since Declan is allergic to dairy and some other things we can't figure out. Sice I travel for work it is too hard for me to adjust my diet so I have hm on Nutramigen AA.

I pump for my other son and he has easily gone from bottle to breast and was in NICU for 9 days on bottles, On the last day I put him to the breast and he latched and ate like a champ. However feeding both of them was exhausting me, so I started pumping and giving them bottles and then pumping. Its been working fine. As long as you pump regularly to keep your supply up you will be fine. I have also been able to fix dips in supply by pumping more and usinga product called More Milk. Good luck

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO MAKE YOU FEEL GUILTY!!! I know it's easier said than done, but please try

I exclusively pump and feed DD with a bottle. I did reintroduce my breasts last week after a month, DD took it with no problems.. however, every child is different.

Re: In so much pain. Anyone exclusively pump? I can't take the nipple pain.

dont let anyone make you feel guilty... I was in so much pain while bfing, started exclusively pumping, did that for 4 months (although it is so much more work!) but do whatever is right for you, dont listen to other people, your boobies your choice lol