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How long did you breast feed and/or pump?

katek
5 Recommendations

For those of you who breast fed your babies and/or gave your little one expressed breast milk, how long did you continue doing so? What factors went into your decision to stop? Just wondering.

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63 replies

momofpreemie

I devoted myself to pumping through my daughter's first year. It was a lot of hard work but I knew every bit of mommy's milk was keeping my angel healthy.
My daughter was born st 28 wks and had to have a tracheostomy. Due to this, it was very difficult for her to nurse. So I would pump, then bottle feed her. She unfortunately developed an oral adversion because of her severe reflux and did not want to take anything by mouth. Still I continued to pump and my milk was fed through her NG tube, now her G-tube.
It was very important to me to do this for Mia her first year. I understand it is very difficult for all moms of preemies. Besides my strong will, the support I had from Mia's dad made this all possible. He knew how benificial it was for Mia to have breastmilk vs. formula. He would help with our toddler while mommy would disappear for 25 minutes. I recommend all mommies to try their best to provide your precious milk to your babies.

anniem222

Hi! I have a former 30 weeker, who's now almost 8 months old... almost 6 months adjusted. Jaxson was in the NICU until his due date and I pumped 8x a day the whole time he was there. We "practiced" breastfeeding once a day while he was in the NICU and through a lot of hard work (and lots of tears) we finally are exclusively breastfeeding... it took over three months after we were home to get to that point. I still pump 3x a day to get extra milk to give him his vitamins twice a day. (we do still give him 2 small bottles a day of EBM+ polyvisol ) I am also able to donate what we don't use to the Mother's Milk Bank of Austin... (I've been blessed with an ample supply!) I plan on breastfeeding until he's at least a year adjusted... ideally I'd like to BF until he's 18 months adjusted.... who knows, maybe longer??? (that would get us through the next flu season) I always wanted to breastfeed my baby, even if he wasn't a preemie... it is something very dear to me, and I feel VERY lucky that I am able to!

mommy2kylee

I only was able to for about 3 months. my supply didnt come in all that great.but i would have for at least 9 mths or so.- tht was the goal.

scottj

I made it pumping/breastfeeding for about 4 1/2 months. My goal was for my son's 1st year. He was born at 25 weeks and I basically ended up pumping. When he came home, he had meds at almost every feeding, I had to watch how much he ate so he was gaining enough, and my milk never came in good. I only got about 2-3 ounces total per pumping. I couldn't take it once my son came home from the hospital, it was all too overhelming. I tried but eventually made the decision to switch to Neosure completely and it was the right decision for me. Nate remained healthy and I did the best I could. It's a personal decision and you have to do what's best for you in your situation. Good luck and God bless.

Mommyof30wkr

My daughter was born this past July at 30 weeks and I too wanted to breastfeed my child. From the get go it was one struggle after another. Beacuse of feeding issues I pumped while she was in the NICU every 3-4 hours. After MANY attempts, she never was successful at taking to my breast and was bottle fed my breast milk. It came to a point that we just wanted her to eat her minimums and gain weight no matter how she received her nutrients.

Once discharged (71 days in NICU), I continued to pump at home for 2 more months. My daughter was thriving and eating well, however, to have to feed her from a bottle then express for another 15-20 min was completely exhausting for me. It was different in the NICU as I wasn't burning the midnight oil with her. I also found being tied 24/7 to the pump made leaving the house impossible. I contemplated long and hard. Her ped even compared it to feeding twins. Needless to say, after much thought, by the end of Nov. I decided to call it quits and formula feed her. She suffered no complications from the switch and seemed just as content with Enfamil Enfacare as my breast milk. While I totally realized breastmilk was the best I could give my daughter, I also had to think about the practicality of the whole pumping issue.
One set back, breastmilk is ALOT cheaper than formula. A can of Enfacare in FL costs around $15. And there is NO bulk size can and Costco/Sams/& BJS does not carry it.

My advice, breastfeeding is a personal choice.... do whatever you are personally comfortable with.

happybunny202

I was determined to breastfeed, but a number of factors went into the fact that I only pumped for 4 months...

At first, I had ample supply (I gave birth to twins; sadly, my firstborn passed away shortly after). I really understand the psychological factor everyone says goes into breastfeeding now, though: no matter what I tried (drinking water constantly, pumping every few hours, etc.), my milk just dwindled.

I'm sure part of it was post-partum/post-traumatic, but I get angry when I think of how things were done in our Intermediate Nursery... We were at a hospital that does "everything by the book," and while I believe they did everything *medically* right for my son, they sure as heck set him up for feeding problems, and I was not "allowed" to try to breastfeed until the day he came home-- despite the fact that he had a good sucking motion from day one! (The hospital didn't "believe" in Kangaroo care; had bright lights, radio on at all hours, etc... very frustrating!)

In any case, when it came down to having to take medication to "boost" my supply, I decided for both of us that it was too much stress to continue. I wish it could've been longer, but I'm content with the decision, and I'm pleased I was able to give him the first four months at least. I think that's what it comes down to!

JillyBeans

I managed to express for 6 months, my son was in NICU for 3 of those 6 months and I found that much easier expressing there than being at home. As one of the mommies said, I wasn't up all night with him, so got my rest. My milk supply wasn't the best so I was trying all sorts of meds to increase the supply, also drinking enough water and eating the right foods etc. Once we got home it was very difficult having to express every 3 hours and also bottle feed every 3 hours plus making time for everything else. I just found it too much being on the medicine and constantly being attached to my breast pump. I am glad that I managed 6 months cause I feel that brest milk is best for baby. I was also worried that my milk wasn't nutritious enough due to all the stress of everything. Go with your gut feelings and if you feel that your son has had enough, there is nothing wrong with changing to a formula.

amydiane

My son spent 3 1/2 months in the NICU and I pumped that entire time. When he was about 2 months old, we started breastfeeding once a day. That of course increased until he was discharged, but it was extremely stressful....he was never much for their schedule and often either wasn't interested in eating when I got there (so they would give him a bottle to make sure he ate his minimum), or he had gotten hungry before I got there (so they would give him a bottle to calm him down). Don't get me wrong, I didn't want him to go hungry, but I was staying at the RMH next door, they could have called me and I could have been there in 5 minutes. It was so frustrating that the only time they were flexible with his schedule was giving him a bottle before I got there. Anyway, I think all that contributed to our problems getting started. There were several times I almost quit. When he was released, I thought we would have to do a combo of breast and bottle and I was worried about keeping up, but as soon as we were out and he was allowed to nurse on demand, he never needed another bottle. He still gets one occasionally, but it's not because he won't nurse. He's almost 11 months old now and I'm hoping to go to 2 years adjusted, although the later part of that will probably be from the freezer stash, depending on when I get pregnant again.

twinsmama

Hi. I pumped/breastfed my 27 week twins for 6 months and they received breastmilk for about 7 months because I had so much extra I had stored in the freezer. I really wanted to go longer, but I couldn't eat enough calories in the day to keep up my supply once all the family was gone. (we have no one in our town to help us). I pumped every 3 hrs for the first 4 months and bottle fed both my son and daughter. My son was never able to get the hang of nursing so I pumped and used the bottle for him the whole time. My daughter was able to nurse for about 3 months before I lost my milk. I would feed her then pump inbetween for Hayden. Breastfeeding is such a personal experience - my sister is still nursing her 16 mo old. Do what feels right for you and baby and you will be fine. Best of luck!

SierraGA25

I am a mother of a 25 weeker born in Aug 2007. I have been pumping since she was born despite the fact that she is still in the NICU for 236 days so far, my milk supply is extremely low (barely cover the bottom of the bottle) but I have not given up. My daughter has many complications, CLD, bowel obstruction (2 bowel surgeries so far), NEC, infections, ROP Stage 3. I always told myself that I would keep pumping until she was able to feed, because of her bowel problems she has not had any milk since Sep 2007, but every little tiny bit that I save does add up. As long as my daughter if fighting to stay alive, I will pump, it will only help her in the long run when she does start to eat. She is not giving up and neither am I.

Anna5

I pumped for my daughter for 6 months total(2 in the NICU and 3 at home).Finally she started to breastfeed all the time but I used to spend hours trying because I breastfed my other kids and knew how beneficial and important it is.I consider myself very blessed that it worked with a preemie.It takes a lot of patience and time(i was lucky to have my mom help me with other kids especially after a c-section).For all the moms who are still trying-dont give up,its so worth it.
My daughter is going to be 10 months on april 30(7 adjusted) and still nursing.I am planning to do it as long as she needs it.

MommyMelissa

My son was born at 34½ weeks and is now almost 16 months old. I had low-supply issues, my milk never came in, I never experienced let-down, etc. and we went through every single thing that was recommended from a lactation consultant to boost my supply, from pumping every two hours with a hospital-grade pump, using an SNS system, using every galactagogue out there (almonds, oatmeal, fenugreek, blessed thistle, reglan, domperidone, etc.).

In the beginning, he would nurse briefly before falling asleep, so he was fed on a finger feeder and when he was eventually given a bottle, he stopped latching on, so we spent the next six weeks giving him pumped milk trying to get him back to the breast and eventually did. He was supplemented with formula during the first few weeks, as he lost 13% of his bodyweight in the first week and was jaundiced from both being a preemie, not having enough breastmilk and a blood-incompatibility issue.

When I returned to work three months after he was born, I pumped at work and fed him at the breast when we were together. I'm very glad (and rather proud) to report that with all of the hard work, support of a great lactation consultant and my very supportive husband, we overcame the issues and my son will soon be 16 months and we are still breastfeeding. We don't plan to stop anytime soon, but rather assess how I feel about it after he turns 2.

My DS hasn't had one drop of formula since he was less than one month old. Overcoming the issues and continuing to BF successfully has truly been my proudest (and hardest) accomplishment in life, as breastmilk is best, especially for a preemie.

That being said, I understand that some women can't continue and some choose not to, which is fine, since every woman can decide what is best for her child and her family without the judgment of others. Do what is right for you!

erikar

5 months. Then the supply just dried up. It was a GOOD thing too. My baby has bad reflux and once she was put on formula, her reflux is 100 times better! I still have about 1 month supply in the freezer that I might mix in with the formula every once and a while so she gets the "momma juice" too.

woody126

i have a 27 weeker who is now 16 months (13 months adjusted) and i'm still nursing 1-3 times a day. We're in the process of weening just because with the teeth and everything, it's not feeling too good lately. Also, he only really does it when he needs to sleep and i'm afraid i've associated sleeping with nursing so we're trying to break that habit. (although, when my husband puts him down, he does just fine with a sippy cup and cow's milk). Anyway, i pumped the whole time he was in the hospital (2.5 months) and then once in awhile when he came home to keep my milk supply up and for reserves. Then, eventually i could stop the pumping and he would take what was previously frozen, until that ran out and we gave him formula. When he came home from the hospital, they gave us higher calorie formula to give to him, but it gave him terrible gas so i never really gave it to him. Anyway, it was a little difficult at first but i'm really glad i kept up with it. He has only been sick with a cold once since we've had him home and i firmly believe that it's because of the breastfeeding.

socsmurf

We had a hard start my pregancy stunk and the one goal I had was to BF. Jude had a very hard time at the breast (the NICU was great medically but messed us up when it came to feeding. Long story short after finally getting Jude's tougne tie fixed and a total of 6 months of exclusive pumping Jude got it and he as been BFing ever since. Jude is going to be 22 months next week. It has been a lot of work and I am so glad as a team with lots of help from daddy we are still on my goal for 2 years. I am considering self weaning. My best advice has been to keep trying and getting the help you need even if it takes more then 1 LLC.

careyfaith

My twin boys were born at 28 weeks in August 2007. They spent 81 days in the NICU, but are healthy happy boys now. At 5 1/2 months adjusted they are 17 and 19 pounds and already into 6-9 month clothes!!!

I am still breastfeeding/pumping for them. I started while they were in the NICU and I was really strict with my pumping schedule. Once they came home it was a little harder to stick to the schedule, but by then my supply was pretty much established and I could drop pumps anyway. They get bottles most of the day and I nurse them if they wake up at night and/or first thing in the morning. I pump enough for their bottles to be 50/50 breastmilk/formula. I am so proud that I have come this far (eight months and counting!!!) and I plan to continue as long as I can, with one year adjusted age being my goal. So, I have six more months. Still, I take it day by day - I think it's easier to face a few rolling hills than a mountain!

I firmly believe that I made it this far in large part because I have a hands-free pumping bra. I can do other things while I'm pumping because I don't have to hold the bottles/horns up. I think I would have become frustrated with the whole pumping process without that bra. The other thing is that I've had a couple of hits to my supply - I travel for work and am not able to keep as good a pumping schedule when I'm traveling. I also have had to pump in airport bathrooms, plane bathrooms, in the car while driving, etc. So far, as long as I work on re-upping my supply when I get home, I still am ok and the boys get a consistent supply of expressed milk.

Through all this, I just keep thinking of my babies - I have not given up yet and they are thriving because of it!!!! It's hard, but I do it because it's what's best for me, my boys, and my family. I realize not everyone is able to do this!

You need to do whatever is best for you and your family - good luck and I hope you can meet whatever your goal is without too much frustration!

NateAndTimsMom

I almost exclusively pumped for over nine months. My twins were in the NICU for 5 weeks and I started breastfeeding them (1-2 times a day max) at two weeks, two days--the same day they started bottles. They came home and I tried to get to breastfeeding exclusivley, but it didn't happen. We had four surgeries (two emergency) within two months of coming home. My supply was below demand when we got home, but I did get it up to 75% through diligent pumping. I moved cross country and had to drive for five days--pumping in the car. I am also a single mom. I did learn to breastfeed one baby, bottle feed the other, and pump at the same time when one of my twins was not effectively sucking. But, when I moved, my attempts at breastfeeding fell to almost nothing and I got into the routine of pumping every three hours. Many times I wanted to quit. I cried. I was angry. I was just plain tired! But, I knew my boys needed all the breastmilk they could get. At nine or ten months old, I was just ready to quit. So, I decided it was time to breastfeed as much as possible. I now do not pump when at home--only at work. The boys breastfeed first thing in the morning, before naps, and then before bed. They also breastfeed as they want through the rest of the day. I give them 14-16 oz of formula or breastmilk in bottles each day (the breastmilk being what I pump at work). So, at almost 13 months (on the 16th), I am still breastfeeding. I plan to go until my boys are at least a year adjusted (14 months). At that point I will follow their cues. If they are ready to wean, we will. If not, we won't. To me the bottom line was getting them every ounce of breastmilk I could--and the bonus came when I finally started breastfeeding because it really is wonderful. It has been so much work, but very, very worth it. If I had it to do over, the only thing I would do differently is try harder to breastfeed more right after getting home from the NICU. But, I would still pump as much as needed for them if that was all I could do.

emorton91

I fed my daughter who was full term but hated nursing or milk and does to this day for 14 months. I plan to do the same for my 31 weeker shawn.

elliephant

I pumped for 12 weeks until my 30 weeker suddenly caught on to taking it straight from the tap. Within a week she was off bottles and now, at almost 9 months, will not take one. I plan to continue until at least 1 year adjusted and them it depends on when I am ready to get pregnant again.
My supply while pumping was never that great (was getting 500ccs/day at the most) but has been fine once I got her to breast.

ashleysmom1

I pumped for exactly one year for Ashley. I wanted to go to her adjusted age, but we got pregnant and my supply took a drastic hit.

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