Breast Shields and More

Well the last time I wrote, months ago, (sorry about that!) I promised to tell you all how the new breast shields were working out. They are great! No pain! I wish I would have know about them from the very start. If you are using a Medela pump and you are wondering why you are haveing pain or having an odd problem like I did, I will explain that one in a little bit, then you will definitely want to look into getting bigger shields. They come in several different sizes. You will want to work with a lactation consultant if you have one available. I will tell you that the one in my area wasn't much help but the place that I ordered them from was very friendly and helpful! They couldn't really tell me which size I was but was at least able to give me enough information to know that I wasn't using the correct one. I guessed and only went up one size.

My issue was actually during pumping... I was stretching so much by the end of the session that I was touching the other end of the tube. Not a very good feeling and very painful over a period of several pumping sessions. On that note: it was extremely painful when actually feeding my little one.

My little girl is now almost 8 months old and I stopped pumping and feeding a couple of weeks ago. I was really hoping to go a full year with breast feeding but I also wanted my life back a little bit. After months of pumping at work my little girl started to refuse me. I wasn't producing enough for her to eat all on one sitting any more. I would have to feed and then give her the rest in formula or some breast milk that was stored up. She decided she didn't like that any more and gave me up all together. It was faster for her to eat from the bottle. (and boy does she like to eat!) I have to say it was quicker and easier for me too. But after pumping exclusively for months I wasn't sure it was worth it. Don't get me wrong I want my baby to have the benefits of it and it is MUCH cheaper. But my time is worth quite a bit as well as my emotional balance. I am sure that you understand what I mean if you have ever spent much time pumping. After a few weeks of no longer pumping I do regret it at times. However, the time that I get to spend with my baby and three year old make up for it! Do I wish that I hadn't breast feed or continued pumping after she gave me up?.... HECK NO. I am glad that I pumped as long as I did and wish that I could have done it longer! But I am glad to have back the 2 hours a day that I spent pumping. 20 mins at a time doesn't sound like much till you put it all together.