Aversion to Using a Breast Pump--I Need Advice

[KermitII63]

I'm on maternity leave and am going back to work in two weeks. The problem is, I have a huge aversion to pumping. I have a pump, but I have never used it. I'll be working from home for the next few months and eventually spending part of my day in the office and part of my day at home. The longest I could, conceivably be away from home is about 5 hours, so I know I'll have to pump so my husband can feed our son at home. Every time I think about pumping I get really anxious, and I keep thinking, could my husband drive our son in a few times during the day so I don't have to pump? But every scenario I think of (other than pumping) would be a really big inconvenience for my husband and my baby. So I go back to thinking about pumping and get stressed out again. I guess I feel like the pump will replace me, or my love, and I feel totally threatened by it. As a rule, I try and stay away from all these mechanized devices in our society that can replace closeness (mechanical swings, baby monitors, heart beat simulators, etc). I wear my baby, we co-sleep, and I've kept him so close up till this point that it's hard for me to imagine separating something that feels so natural and turning to a machine. But I also see the practicality in it, so ultimately it's something I should probably just get over. Has anyone else had fears/anxiety about pumping? If so, did that feeling ever go away? Any thoughts/advice would be really helpful. Since I go back in two weeks I feel like I should start pumping soon so we have a little supply, I just haven't brought myself to doing it yet. Thanks for your ideas!

[_betsy_]

I'd suggest getting familiar with the pump. Take it for a test drive. Do a practice session or two. Just to get to know it. Whatever milk you get is bonus.

The more familiar you are with it, the more your fears will subside, i think.

I think of my pump as a lifesaver, honestly. I have to work, and baby has to eat. Without the pump, baby would be getting formula while I'm gone. With the pump, baby is getting the next-best-thing-to-me: A loving caregiver (Daddy or Grandma) feeding her my pumped milk.

(I totally know this is corny and would think anyone else typing it in was a loon, but I swear it helps me and others say it has helped them, too.) One thing you can do while you're nursing is to look "lovingly" at your pump. Think good things about the pump. Think about how it brings you closer to the baby even when you're forced to be apart.

Kellymom.com has a great pumping section.

[FaithfulOne]

Hmmm

It may help to think of it this way:

1) lets assume that you have to go back to work and staying home is no option
2)so then, you have now chosen to keep breastfeeding ()
3)all that considered you have to keep a supply for your lo at home AND keep your supply up while your away

So my point is, consider pumping a way to connect with your lo while at work, something you can do and daydream and about him at the same time (which will help your milk succomb to the pump )
You are taking on a significant task to supply for your baby's needs and that is SO special..dont ever doubt that!

*yes, I would start to pump and build a good supply in your freezer, and it may take a week or more to increase your milk so you can skim off enough extra for feedings...and don't forget to pump at work at least as often as your lo would nurse..more if possible)

[Heba]

Have you considered hand expression? It can take a wee while to get the hang of it, but some mums find it is more effective than using a pump and prefer it overall.

[haydn'smommy]

I truly loathe the pump. After 19mos of pumping for my first, I hate this thing. Deep, abiding hatred. BUT...you knew there was a but there, didn't ya.....I treasure the bfing relationship I have with my little one so much that I can get past that deep abiding hate and use that pump diligently 4-5 times/day. Without that little machine, I wouldn't have my milk supply to be able to snuggle him in my bed and nurse him all night long and to snuggle and nurse him all day on my days off. The machine is a necessary evil in my world. The alternative (formula, losing that bfing relationship), to me, is unthinkable.

[Leav97]

I completely hate pumping. But, I love nursing and with out pumping I wouldn't be nursing. It is a daily struggle to force myself to take the time to pump.

[WC_hapamama]

The breast pump is a tool. Try to avoid anthropomorphizing it. Try to think of it the way you would a refrigerator, or any other appliance that you would use to prepare a meal for your family.

It's not any more a replacement for the baby at your breast as a sling would be a replacement for your arms. It's simply a tool to allow you to nuture/provide for your family in more than one way at a time.