pumping breast milk and bottle feeding

[honeybunny65]

My DD is 3 weeks old & I have been exclusivly breastfeeding the entire time w/ her. I have had 2 LC appt. in the hospital and yesterday I paid for a one hour one on one LC as well to help deal w/ my nipple pain issues. I have still been in tears over the pain, cracking, frustration, etc.

I have not found bfing to be enjoyable or relaxing. I find myself dreading w/ anxiety for over 2 hrs until the next feeding is upon us. I am then in pain the entire feeding. This is not good for me physically or emotionally, or my daughter.

I have decided to pump my milk and feed by bottle. I started last night and so far its been awesome! She is finally having uniterrupted feedings, is eating about 3 oz. (avg.) each feeding and resting MUCH better. I was going to have to start pumping anyways b/c of work.

My plan is to pump on both sides every 3 hrs for 10+ min on each breast. I want to make sure that this will keep my supply up? I think it will, but I'm not sure? Also, other than bonding is there anything else that she is missing out on by not taking milk directly from my breast?

TIA~HB

[YummyYarnAddict]

Congrats on your new baby! Here's an article I found on exclusive pumping: http://parenting.ivillage.com/newbor...,,98xx,00.html

I found it through www.kellymom.com by putting "exclusive pumping" into the search engine on the lefthand side. There were a number of articles that came up there that you may want to check out.

I personally was not an EP'er, so hopefully one will chime in with some BTDT experience, but I wanted to get you started with some info.

[Youngfrankenstein]

I haven't done that but I know that at 3 weeks, you're both still learning. I'd hate to see your supply dwindle! It will get better and easier day by day. I know that babies are the best at getting the milk from the breast and I don't know anyone personally who was able to pump, long-term, all of their milk. Maybe other moms will have some advice.