Tips on switching to EP’ing

My 9 week old has been slowly gaining weight. This was caused by a missed tongue tie (now cut) and a viral infection. I moved to bottle feeding her breast milk during the day and feeding her myself come the evening and throughout the night. We have been weighing her at home and this way of feeding seems to be helping in her gaining more weight. I’m just looking for some advice on how to begin EP as I think it’s going to be the way to go for us. I currently pump every time she has a bottle which is around every 2 1/2 hours and have got a Spectra S1 ordered after doing my research. I currently switch between Momcozy S12 Pro, Medela freestyle flex and Medela freestyle handsfree. Should I be pumping every 2 hours or is pumping every time she feeds ok? Should I just stick using the Spectra for all pump sessions? I usually get about 4-5 ounces first pump then it dwindles down throughout the day so any tips to keep it consistent would be appreciated! I have a freezer stash from pumping/using the haakaa already but just want to keep on top of it. Thanks in advance ☺️

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Pump every 2 hours even at night time maybe stretching it out to 3 hours over night but definitely every 2 hours. If it works out for you, let the spectra S1 be your main pump and have the other two charged and ready for times that you need to pump on the road or for outings. Or like the drive to the grocery store etc. I was advised by 2 lactating consultants to not heavily rely on the hands free pumps as your main pump Because they don't fully "empty" you out. But I never got the chance to try it out so I feel like it's more of a preference. Maybe some mamas on here can share their experiences with the hands free pumps. You're only 9 weeks postpartum.. your milk will increase by how much you pump and/or baby latches and feed. Which is why you have to pump every 2 hours or right after feedings to "empty " you out. Another advice I was given was to "don't feed the freezer, feed your baby" meaning try not to stress about how much milk you're stashing.

Another advice (and experience) is try not to compare yourself to other breastfeeding/pump journey. This is YOUR journey, be gentle and kind to yourself. there will be times where you are fed up and want to quit but then feel super proud that you're the main food source for your baby 🫶🏻 Have multiple sets of pump gear/equipment (if feasible) so you don't find yourself cleaning the same one every 2 hours 🫠🫠🫠 you'll always have a set dried and ready for your next session.

I had a similar start as you and was forced to start pumping earlier than I wanted due to tongue tie. My only advice is to think really hard before committing to EP. It really is hard work, and double the work of just nursing. It’s also very inconvenient to plan your days around pumping and having to carry your pump and cleaning supplies around with you if you want to leave the house longer than 3 hours at a time. Of course, it’s all possible and so many amazing mums make it work, but if you CAN nurse and have any desire to continue to nurse, the keeping it going will make your life so much easier. The choice is 100% yours though!

I agree with @Tara Shit is f***ing hard work. I did it for 13 months straight every 2-3 hours. It helped that I was SAHM... I've read stories here that they pumped for 2 years. Like what?? That's so good!

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