Strictly pumping?

Question

Hi ladies! I’m sure I’ll get some hate for this, as it’s natural and totally normal-
But i was wondering if any of you guys strictly pump? 
In my first trimester and second trimester i was ALL for breastfeeding and only pumping when needed.  
Now in my third, any skin to skin contact on my nipples makes me cringe and flinch- and i can’t even imagine my babies tiny mouth on it! 
I don’t have an issue with clothes, and I’ve tested with plastic to the touch and there’s no issue there- but for some reason whenever my SO or me touch them it’s like i instantly flinch, cringe, and it feels like static! 
Also, I would like my SO to be able to partake in feedings more since he will be at work all day when I’m home alone with baby.  
Any strictly pumping tips, stories, or advice would be amazing!

Answer

I had the same issue with SO touching me while pregnant, but nursing is something totally different, didn’t give me that feeling at all. I would suggest to at least try, before deciding on excluding pumping, as it’s a lot of more work. There is also the possibility to pump a little so you can have help.

Answer

Hopefully you will have a change of heart after baby is born for your sake. Pumping sucks! It’s a lot of work, you are stuck to a machine 8-10 times a day, day and night, for 15-30 minutes at a time. With that said, if you decide to go that route, be dedicated to sticking with it. 
If you end up being ok with nursing, I suggest pumping on one side while baby nurses on the other side. It will catch the milk that leaks from the side that baby isn’t nursing on. That helps build your freezer supply and there will be plenty for Dad to help feed baby.

Answer

I have no hate for this. I just want to say pumping is a shit ton of work. I would rather be in pain nursing than exclusive pumping. I nursed two so far. One exclusive nursing and never pumped. One I pumped and nursed and lost my supply when I had to start pumping for work...i had to supplement with formula and it was so much work doing nursing and bottles and formula and keeping track of it all.

Answer

Omg. I have had the exact same reaction as you.
I’m three weeks pp now, I started pumping at maybe day five (milk came in at day three) and at about two weeks after my baby arrived, I realized pumping was not for me. I have cut down to pumping down once a day at night. Personally, after some sexual trauma, I cannot stand any form of nipple stimulation. The only reason I’m still pumping at all is because I want my son to have some of the antibodies in my milk. It isn’t easy and I have to continually remind myself it’s worth it, even just to give him a single bottle.
Side note: please don’t feel like my response is pressuring you into pumping if you feel it isn’t for you. I totally get that it hurts and possibly is a little triggering sometimes. I really hate the feeling. Sure, giving baby breast milk is good, but your mental health is seriously what matters most because you’ll be a better mom if you’re feeling better.

Answer

Yup I was all for breastfeeding at first as well. I’m now 37 weeks and had the plan since around 25 weeks to pump. Not because I’m afraid it’ll hurt, but because I’m afraid he won’t latch and I’ll end up getting so stressed out about it, meanwhile stressing him out too.

Answer

Lots of moms do it!! It’s still technically breastfeeding!! 
Fancy Pumpers on Facebook has a lot of moms who only pump and moms who do both.

Answer

I pumped for a month for my son and bottle fed him, unfortunately one breast dried up and the other couldn’t take the load of pumping more so eventually I had to stop. It was sad but I knew I couldn’t breast feed my boy so expressing was the only option be it short, it was hard work! I was hand pumping. But I’d do it again if I couldn’t feed. Good luck!

Strictly pumping?

Let’s Glow

Glow is here for you on your path to pregnancy

25+ million

4.8 stars

20+

Getting Pregnant

Pregnancy

1st Year (Baby & You)

Baby Products