Exclusively pumping

I have never breast fed before, I formula fed my first two. I was just really young and the horror stories scared me but now I kind of want to try. My sister told me about exclusively pumping and I could try that if it makes me more comfortable. Has anyone done this?? I remember with my first two getting extremely engorged, rock hard and painful lol I don’t want any judgment, I’m just looking for some advice! Thanks ladies!