A Day in the Life of an Exclusive Pumper // Frustrated, In Pain & Ready to Quit

[@jasmineoden6423]

This is an old video but I started exclusively pumping for my 3 week old from day 1 and you have no idea how much I needed this video bc this is how I'm feeling today. It's good to see the real and raw side bc I know how I feel is normal!

[@MommaAlia]

You got this momma!!💕💕

[@Megan1887]

Girl you deserve a round of applause 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 I nursed both of my kids and was always amazed by exclusive pumpers. That requires so much dedication! I totally get your frustrations with pain and such but can't even fathom how stressed you must feel with how much extra time it requires. You're doing an amazing job, Mama!

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you soo much!! I think motherhood in general requires dedication and lots of energy so it's tempting to give up something like EPing that requires it too. Fighting this crappy feeling though! Thank you for all the sweet words :-*

[@JessicaNicoleFaust]

Ugh I know the feeling of being frustrated and not getting a let down from it!! And then you get even more frustrated because you can't get a let down! I love these Day in the Life's!

[@MommaAlia]

Yessss! That's why I had to get on my phone because I was stressing out super hard. It's so difficult to keep calm when everything refuses to work right. Yay! I love making them for you guys

[@oursimplemidwestlife6038]

You are a rockstar! I admire your strength and honesty. I hope you're feeling better today! Sending lots of positive thoughts.

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much, Crystal

[@cierramazingo4537]

Thank you for being so honest and real! You make me feel not alone! You're the real MVP I hate these youtubers that have it all together and perfect like girl we know that's not how it is lol

[@MommaAlia]

You can always count on me to be honest with you guys because I don't have any extra time or energy to sugar coat it lol! You're definitely not alone

[@lisachalmers7078]

Exactly makes me think they are paid.

[@MelissasFamBam]

You are so strong! When I got frustrated I could not push through. I would walk away from the pump.

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you!!

[@meyouandmina5081]

Thank you for sharing, it means a lot that I'm not the only one who feels like this sometimes.

[@MommaAlia]

You're definitely not alone momma

[@shaylapalmer6037]

Thank you so much for being so real!! It makes me feel not so alone being an EP too!! I understand how you feel so much!! The frustration is so real!

[@MommaAlia]

Never alone momma! Happy to help where I can and I’m sure you’re doing an awesome job💕

[@SMT91]

love your EP series from the reviews to the advice. I am 2.5 months into my E.P'ing journey and so far so good. I've stashed over 1,000 oz and i just keep up on your videos for motivation. Best of luck in either continuing or ending your journey.You'll make the best decision

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you for the sweet words momma! Wow it sounds like you're doing super awesome!! I hope everything continues to go well for you(:

[@californiamom4913]

Hey momma how are you feeling today?.. Thank you for showing a REAL day in the life. I'm still nursing my almost 2 year old (will be 2 this Saturday) and I think I'm ready to wean. I feel selfish for saying this but I want more sleep and I feel all touched out. You are such a rockstar momma I really mean that! 💞

[@MommaAlia]

Selfish?! Nooooo! You've dedicated your mind and body to nourishing your baby for two whole years. You deserve a medal, so if you settle for weaning that's more than deserved! I totally get the touched out feeling. You're always lifting me up, thank you

[@Momsheesh]

California Mom wow 2 years! Congrats. My plan is just 1 yr

[@amandajones8514]

Also id love to see your view on the haakaa silicone pump. Ive seen other views but i just feel like you give the best and honest reviews 💓💓 love your channel

[@MommaAlia]

I think I'm going to review it when I start to wean (:

[@amandajones8514]

Yay!! I love all your videos. I have no momma friends near me so this helps me not feel alone as a toddler mom

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you! I'm the same way, I have like no mom friends around me so my channel is a great place to connect with mommy friends on here

[@thekurvycousin9247]

Not sure if you will see this 2 years later but I saved this video so when I do get pregnant and I want to give up I'll have this video to watch to give me encouragement 🤗

[@MommaAlia]

☺️ love hearing that!

[@carolynharmon7074]

Awwww I feel bad that your having a bad day. I hope today was a lot better for you. And I wouldn't have even noticed what was in the back ground if you hadn't pointed it out and hey everybody's house looks like that most of the time unless they aren't living in it. And you looked very cute in this video! Cheers! to better days cause as you know they will get better.

[@MommaAlia]

I'm finally feeling better today, just fighting off this stupid urge to quit! You're right! I think it's just being on KZbin I see all these homes that are so well kept and I'm over here dodging megabloks that are all over the place LOL. Thank you and your sweet words meant so much, especially on days like the today

[@V3nomousVixen]

I hope you're feeling better! Oh my goodness I've been totally feeling like this lately and I think my boobs have caught on. For some reason I have lost ounces lately and had to start using my freezer stash. I seriously only have 4 more months left and would love to get to my goal but right now I'm so tired of having to deal with what you were a talking about. I'm tired of cleaning bottles, taking an hour to fully empty, not being able to get things done around the house, having to plan around pumping. I'm still pumping at least 4 times a day. I love that I get to feed my daughter breast milk. That was what I planned on doing this whole time but I really can't wait for January to come. I think I might go somewhere for a long weekend with my hubby or something to celebrate. Lol (my birthday is also in January) The most irritating part about losing ounces at this time in my journey is that I ended up having to end my breastfeeding journey with my first at 9 months. So its like my body just say ok that's enough. Just feeling frustrated too. I'm right there with you and hope tomorrow is a better day for both of us 💜

[@MommaAlia]

I'm finally feeling better today! And I hope you are too

[@marelycastro1930]

Thank you for showing us the struggles. I feel like I was the only one struggling. Let's remember the easier days not the hard ones.

[@MommaAlia]

+Marely Castro You can always count on realness from me. Good thinking momma💕

[@CherishLove]

Do what you feel is best! Thanks for the video. I have been there, emotionally distraught! You can do this!

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much momma

[@amandajones8514]

I also like ypu show the good the bad and the ugly. Very raw video lets us see life isnt always perfect

[@MommaAlia]

Exactly

[@kylakakerz5427]

Ok so I’m gonna be a new mom and I have a lot of questions, there probably stupid and you probably covered it. sorry... When you pump, do you put it in the freezer/ fridge right away afterwards? Or do you use it right away to feed your baby? Do you feed your baby all the milk that you pumped in the bottle if not what do you do with the extra milk? When you leave the house for a long period of time do you put the milk in a cooler with an ice pack? How do you warm your milk up? Or do you just pump and feed your baby from that?

[@MommaAlia]

There’s no stupid questions momma! It’s good you’re asking about things you don’t know! After pumping I would use that milk to make one fresh bottle for baby and freeze the right. I was an overproducer (pumped more than my baby ate) so no, she didn’t drink everything I ate in one setting. Like I said I would freeze whatever was left from making her a fresh bottle. When we would leave for awhile I would pump before we left so she would have a fresh bottle and then also bring a bag of frozen that I would warm up if needed. You can use a cup of warm/hot water which is what I did. Whether at family houses or out somewhere you can always typically get some hot water somewhere.

[@StephanieCZ]

You're inspiring and I thank you so much for posting this! You're a great mom, and your man is a lucky one! ❤️ I pump myself so I related SO MUCH when your spoke about the crack in your nipple. It sucks. 😩

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you so much for the sweet words

[@eliasangie2838]

YOUR SO STRONG. THE THINGS WE DO AND GO THROUGH FOR OUR KID/KIDS. I SALUTE YOU HUN!! 👌🏽🙏🏽👸 BECAUSE I KNOW ITS NOT EASY!! KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK! YOUR A CHAMP, REAL MVP.

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much!! Seriously it means so much with where my heads been lately

[@eliasangie2838]

Hey also have a lansinoh pump that I have used a few times here and there. It's practically almost new, because I have the symphony and some other pumps that I use. I can give it to you because I have no need for it. I know how it feels when u only love that one pump. That's how I feel about the symphony. Let me know.

[@nikkiescobar2201]

My boobs get so sore before and during my period, maybe your having some small hormone imbalances? I'm sorry your not well mama, I love you , you've given me so much knowledge and also introduced me to the best group I have ever been in (bbb) your amazing, and videos like this just remind all us mamas that we all get stressed and we all have bad days ! Even on your bad day you are still so motivating, I've been feeling so unmotivated for a long time , haven't been pumping often at all and my supply is suffering because of it, but you always motivate me ! Feel better mama !

[@MommaAlia]

I was wondering since my period took so long to come if my hormones might be all over the place. If it persists, I'm definitely seeing my doctor though! Aw thank you so much!! I'm happy I could help momma and hang in there! I'm right there with you! Your sweet words mean so much on days like today

[@narcgoggles77]

I know the frustration all too well but please don't give up. I know it's hard some days but it's worth it mama! Everyone of us pumping/breastfeeding have days of lack of motivation so just use it as an opportunity to get a bit of rest and mental space away from pumping just a bit. Not every day obviously but long enough to get the stress off your mind. You've come really far so just think on it some more and do what's best for your mind, body and babies. No one will fault you for not being able to do quite as much. If your mind and body are tired you can't help that *at all* :)

[@MommaAlia]

I wish I could love this comment a 1000x's over!! Thank you so much momma

[@irishsummer1]

Way to keep it real, momma!

[@MommaAlia]

Always!

[@evelincameron5988]

Why pump from one side and then the other? Just wondering why... trying to learn and figure it all out

[@MommaAlia]

+Evelin Gonzalez It’s more efficient for me. I was an extreme over supplier and pumping both at the same time didn’t empty me well enough. Single pumping did, so I stuck to that.

[@angelicaperezbernal7278]

Is it easier to just start out pumping or should I try to breastfeed first?? Not sure which is best. First time

[@nattalieocallaghan8361]

Angelica Perezbernal Try breastfeeding. Exclusively pumping is hard hard work. And very time consuming. I have exclusively pumped since my son was 2 weeks old. I had a hard time breastfeeding because of the pain. But it gets easier after 2 weeks!!! I wish I would have tried harder to breastfeed.

[@angelicaperezbernal7278]

Nattalie Ocallaghan thank you. I'll give it a try.

[@amberlilly1899]

Definitely try breastfeeding first it's hard tho my daughter didn't even latch at all untill she was about 4 days old And I had to pump to get my supply in she was getting syringe fed with formula and then pumped milk but now she's only nursing (with a nipple shield)

[@cr123-cn]

I exclusivly nursed until 3 months and had to switch to exclusively pumping because my daughter wasn't gaining weight so I had to track what she was actually taking. She is now 10 months and I'm so over pumping. Its sooo much work, I wouldn't want to do it again. The feeling of boobs just in general make me sick to my stomach all the time

[@kriistiinbabii]

Nattalie Ocallaghan pumping is breastfeeding, did you mean nursing?

[@kramos1216]

At the beginning my son ripped my nipple so I had to use a nipple shield. Eventually my nipple got better but after 2 months my son had acid reflux. so I have been pumping it's so hard and frustrating I just want to quit

[@MommaAlia]

Hang in there momma!! You're doing so awesome & 2 months is amazing!! I'm sorry you're dealing with reflux, I know it's awful ): Hopefully you guys feel better soon!

[@HalinaMY]

Whenever I feel tired and frustrated pumping, I would watch your videos!! You are so real and relatable. I watched most of your videos, never realized you pump one side at a time. Any reason why you do that?

[@MommaAlia]

Aw I'm happy I could be there for you momma! I have such an oversupply, I empty better with single pumping. Double pumping is typically more efficient and can help give optimal output, however for me that's not the case. It takes me less time and empties me better (in turn maintains my supply) so it's what I do(:

[@KristinOliver93]

What’s your reason for single pumping??

[@MommaAlia]

It’s more efficient for me to and actually saves me time opposed to double pumping.

[@pjbabiesvlogs4376]

Omg I had a bleb before and I was miserable 😭 and my body was fighting off beginnings of mastitis

[@MommaAlia]

Aren't they the freaking worsttttt! I'm so sorry you have all that going on ):

[@CelesteBecker777]

I'm just curious, why do you single pump?

[@CelesteBecker777]

why *did* you

[@MommaAlia]

I had a huge oversupply that made double pumping less efficient. Single pumping I can use both hands to massage and help milk flow quickly and completely out. When I would double pump I would end up single pumping afterwards because milk would still be left over and I'd still have some hard spots that I didn't get when trying to massage both at the same time. Single pumping was wayyy more efficient for me!

[@melissafrick3997]

I never pumped for as long as you, but I understand your pain. We (the Dr's and me) couldn't figure out why my nipples were in so much pain even before my baby was born, I knew I would have to pump not nurse but then it was so hard! Because it always hurt! And we tried nursing and that hurt so bad. Like shards of glass being ground into them. After 4 months of not producing enough and struggling with the pain, we found out I had ductal thrush only because my daughter got thrush every time I gave her my milk and nothing would get rid of her thrush....... Till I gave her formula. After 4months and all that pain I was done. I gave up. I'm 10wk pregnant with my 2nd and hoping my next journey will be easier. I feel you though!

[@MommaAlia]

Ugh, you poor thing!! I couldn't imagine going through all that for so long, you're a trooper to say the least!! Thank you for making me feel less alone in this feeling

[@jennlogs92]

I appreciate the shit out of this video! I get so frustrated sometimes. I'm currently going through a major decrease due to my period and it last three weeks so I went three weeks getting barely any milk. I'm finally up to about 18-20 oz ppd now

[@MommaAlia]

Hahaha I'm so glad I'm not alone! Look into a calcium-magnesium supplement for your period, that may help a lot! Especially since you see such a drastic decrease :/ Sorry you have to deal with that momma! Hang in there, you're doing amazing

[@jennlogs92]

Momma Alia my babe was a preemie so I had a decent stash for awhile and then all of a sudden it was gone but we're still hanging in at 8 months ❤️❤️❤️ your videos are always helpful and I'm so glad I found your channel right after I had her. Not a lot of people around where I'm at exclusively pump so it's been hard to find people who get it💜

[@derosanoemi]

Don't feel so down momma! Bad days happen to everybody (sometimes bad weeks) for me it was even bad months as my family has never supported me, but the opposite, they have judged me badly and they even teased me! only thanks to my boyfriend who had always a supportive word I managed keep going! I first did not have the bravery to talk to other moms because I produce just enough for my daughter's needs and I saw all the other moms speaking about 60 ounces a day 90 ounces a day...with my 29 / 30 ounces I was ashamed... you've been a great support to many of us! You can just be proud of yourself!!! just as we all are proud of you!! so if at some point you want to stop then stop and have no second thoughts! but if you do not want to stop, if you just feel down and you know that you just need a supportive word, then look for it and you will find out that you have hundreds of us who just want to support you! you are amazing and you are doing great job! a warm hug x

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you so much mommaa!! Seriously that means so much to me

[@meelliemoe]

Momma you're doing a fantastic job. Can I tell you though that cutting back on breastfeeding actually causes a major crazy shift in your hormones. I felt like I was going to kill someone when I cut back to first morning and evening and then only evening nursing. It. Was. Crazy. No one tells us about that part. Keep going as long as you are comfy Momma you're doing great.

[@MommaAlia]

+meelliemoe Thank you so much momma💕 You’re totally right and I didn’t even think about that. Thank you for the sweet words!

[@Coffeeandcat]

Why do you only pump one breast at a time?? I am an exclusive pumper too. I pump both my breast, so I'm just wondering why? If it's okay to ask (:

[@amberlilly1899]

Lesly Josie I was wondering this too cause she does have a double pump cause she has reviews of one

[@jennlogs92]

She talked about it once I believe she empties better this way

[@MommaAlia]

I have such an oversupply, I empty better with single pumping. Double pumping is typically more efficient and can help give optimal output, however for me that's not the case. It takes me less time and empties me better (in turn maintains my supply) so it's what I do(:

[@todaywithtahzae]

If I could pump 3 times a day and still make enough for my baby, I’d be so happy right now 😭😭🫠

[@amandasantiago6617]

Ive always loved how real you are! You are amazing and strong! I gave up on pumping so I think you are amazing! My baby is 13 months and we nurse and she gets my frozen milk sometimes but we might be weaning... I bet she isn't even getting milk anymore just likes to suck lol! I'm letting her wean, but I don't think she wants to ever! :)

[@MommaAlia]

+amanda Santiago You can always count on me to be painfully honest lol! 13 months of nursing is outstanding momma🎉 😍

[@anniegillespie7829]

I feel like your body wanted you to quite....you made it as far as you wanted to listen to your body girl :*

[@MommaAlia]

I've been thinking the same thing :/