The Pump Life : Real, Raw and Worth it

By: Pallavi Sasidharan: A story of a Super-mom, who will inspire you with her pumping journey and story of her courage and resilience.

I was so proud when my life was all settled. We were doing financially well, my son was 7, happy and healthy and thats when we decided to have a second child. The pregnancy was a cake walk and I thought to myself that nothing can bring sorrow in my life now. We welcomed our little one and my whole world came down. He was underweight and his latch was always shallow leading to poor weight gain and I was in constant pain physically and emotionally. I was hoping the latch would improve. The idea of not nursing the baby was heartbreaking as I nursed my elder child for 2 years.I tried many things(positions, paladai, skin to skin) for a month and went into depression when nothing worked out. I considered formula as a poison.

I started pumping with a manual pump, but had no idea on schedules, flange sizes etc and inconsistent pumping caused more pain due to engorgements and nipple trauma. I hand expressed for almost a month.The manual pumps lasted for only a week and I started spenting money trying to buy different pumps online. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I was making enough for the baby.

I was from a place where we had no Lactation consultants, the term itself was alien to my family.A random google search led me to Maina Sheth and I gave her a call, I broke down immediately after she picked up the call. She understood what was going on and she gave me my saviour's contact.I was skeptical whether to call her as I was almost done witg my breastfeeding journey. I connected with Rashmi and was the best thing I did for me and my child. She heard me, never forced me with her expectations and she always ask to continue what works for me. 

I did a lot of self study about pumping and started a proper pumping journey with Rashmi's help.The lack of knowledge about LCs and pumping wasted 3 months. Once I found a suitable pump, flanges/ inserts, I found a rhythm in my life.The pumped milk was always enough for my child.. I was an oversupplier and made 40oz with 7ppd, 34oz with 6ppd, 30oz with 5ppd,30oz with 4ppd.

There were times when I felt that I could not continue it further when I faced and I immediately message Rashmi. She always supported my decisions and I always come back stronger with my pumping journey.

 Its been 8 months of pumping and I am so proud that I did the best I could for my child. I am down to 3 pumps now and still make enough for the baby.I am planning to cut down to 2 pumps as I need to give more time to both my children, to my husband, to my parents and to myself. They have sacrificed enough till now. Yes, I might have to top feed with Formula, but I am perfectly okay with it..My child never latched properly and I am not sad, I did the maximum I could and I am proud of myself!!!

Few things I learned

- Be it breastmilk or formula, you will be the most favourite person of your baby

-Formula is not poison, feed your child proudly with no shame

-Spread the word about Lactation Consultants and what they do to help moms.

-Spent some good money on best breast pumps available if you are planning to pump and be consistent with your schedules.

-You decide when to wean and never give ears to what society considers normal.

-Exclusive pumping is super hard. Eat well, drink well and take rest and believe in yourself