Having exclusively pumped for two children, I’ve come to realize that exclusive pumping (often abbreviated as EPing) is frequently overlooked as a valid form of breastfeeding. However, I believe it is just as legitimate and beneficial, especially for families like mine.
After welcoming my first child, I was ecstatic, but feeding him turned into a challenge. Despite my hopes of breastfeeding, I struggled to get him to latch properly. The constant visits from lactation consultants and nurses, who encouraged me with phrases like, “Just keep trying, mama, we’ll get there,” ultimately added to my exhaustion. I was already worn out from childbirth, and my baby just wanted to eat and cuddle. It became evident that traditional nursing wasn’t the right fit for us.
This experience isn’t a critique of the dedicated nurses who were simply trying to help; it’s about acknowledging that breastfeeding isn’t one-size-fits-all. I also want to emphasize that this isn’t a judgment on parents who successfully nurse their babies — that’s a lovely journey too. My hope is to provide encouragement to other new mothers who might find themselves in similar situations, showing them that exclusive pumping can be a valid choice for breastfeeding.
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In summary, my exclusive pumping journey has taught me that there are many ways to nourish a child, and EPing can be a fulfilling choice for many families. I encourage others to explore what works best for them, even if it diverges from traditional breastfeeding.