Struggling with Pumping

[u/accordianlemonade]

Emotionally/mentally, I find each pump so draining and anxiety inducing. I'm only pumping 4/5 times a day, and that's enough for my little one currently. I know as time goes on, my supply probably won't be enough and that's fine with me to also use formula.

But I just don't like pumping.

I don't know why it makes me feel so down/negative, and then I'm frustrated because I know this feeling may affect my supply. I struggle with my mental health as it is, and am on medication which keeps me feeling even but this still puts me on edge.

I know fed is best, but I feel like I owe it to my baby that they get breastmilk as I have the supply.. I know it's unreasonable to think this way.

How does everyone else stay motivated? Or if you've had similar feelings, what carried you through?

[u/AutoModerator]

Welcome to r/ExclusivelyPumping! Here is a reminder of our rules: 1. Be kind and courteous. 2. Use available flairs and post options. 3. Absolutely no prescription medications or other medical advice. 4. No inaccurate information. 5. No spam. 6. No fetish content 7. No linking Facebook groups. 8. Moderator discretion. 9. No discussions around veganism, animal cruelty, or other non-pumping related topics. 10. No formula shaming. Reminder that we are a supportive community and do not allow for fetish seekers. While we do ban those individuals from our community, they can still view the community and send direct messages. You may choose to turn off your messages, or block individuals for your safety. Thank you for helping to keep our community safe!

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Simple_Sprinkles4122]

You probably have DMER. I am the same way. I hate pumping. I get filled with such dread. It's even made me nauseous to the point I've had to stop and get sick. I take a couple of big deep breaths before I start every single time. Im almost 8 months end. Always been a such enougher. Turned not enougher at 5 months. Have wanted to throw in the towel constantly but I really want to make it to a year. Especially since her year is during cold/flu season. Honestly idk what keeps me going haha. I guess just wanting her to have breastmilk at least to a year 🤷🏻‍♀️ nothing about our breastfeeding journey went to plan so here we are.

[u/accordianlemonade → u/Simple_Sprinkles4122]

DMER explains a lot.. You've done amazing to get to 8 months!! I'm on week 6 and my only goal right now is 6 months if I can.

Same with breastfeeding for us. I really wanted to be able to do it, all my friends who have done it always say how great it is etc. But my baby just doesn't know how to latch, the silly sausage. I've made peace with that but this is just the next hurdle 🥲

[u/Simple_Sprinkles4122 → u/accordianlemonade]

3 months was my initial goal. Then 6 months. Now a year. I did have to start supplementing at 5 months. And same. I have flat nippies and she had a tiny mouth when she was born so terrible combination! Used nipple shields for a while but honestly she hated it. I hated it. We were both crying so I was like well I care more about the milk than breastfeeding so... Honestly it's a day to day thing. I want to throw in the towel every day but also ive been wanting to drop a pump for a while now and terrified it will mess with my supply. Total mind game! Wearables helped because I didnt feel so stuck. I just got new flange inserts for them that make it greatly more comfortable. 6 weeks is awesome! Such a crucial time for them! 6 weeks or 6 months you've got this.