Top 10 Misconceptions About Exclusively Pumping // Momma Alia

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[@crysalvarado]

Thank you for making the exclusively pumping videos! You helped me get through the first few weeks of pumping. I didn’t even know that exclusively pumping was a thing, I feel like it needs to be talked about more often and encouraged.

[@MommaAlia]

So happy to hear that momma, no problem at all! You're comment is exactly why I make them!!

[@briezy211]

Thank you for making this video! After being separated from my daughter at birth she soon developed a nipple preference and has not changed her mind since. When ever I tried to breastfeed her she would latch and soon realize that the milk was not coming as fast as a bottle. Then she would cry and scream her lungs out. Somehow I fell into EPing and have never looked back. My main goal is to give my daughter as much breastmilk as possible. Thank you so much for keeping us moms uplifted during the hard times!

[@MommaAlia]

What a journey momma! Keep up the hard work! I’m happy to help!!💕💕

[@Lilrose1989]

thank you for saying that exclusively pumping is breast feeding. I live in the UK and I have been exclusively pumping for 12 weeks now. I have had comments from my health visitor that breast milk that has been pumped isn't as good and that a pump isn't as good as a baby. Also we have a red book that is basically your child's health record I took it to the nurse when my son was getting his 6 week health check and she asked me how I fed him and I said exclusively pumping and there's a check box with breast fed.. exclusively, somewhat or not at all and she ticked not at all.. I was so angry my son is getting milk from me I am nourishing him and in the NHS opinion it's not good enough. And that's how it made me feel that I not doing a good enough job because my son isn't feeding exclusively from my breast. So thank you, you have made me feel like I am doing a good job your'e videos are great.

[@MommaAlia]

I am so sorry you’ve had to deal with ignorant people like that. People, healthcare professionals especially, should be supportive of breast milk consumption. Of course in a perfect, text book world we would all nurse until our kids were 5 but you know, that doesn’t fit everyone. They should have rooted you on, encouraged you and helped you feel like the badass you are. Don’t let them get you down. You’re doing amazing momma!💕

[@Lilrose1989]

aww thank you!! so nice to be told that. The world needs more women like you. Maybe we should start a movement because things seriously need to change! you do not get any support here when it comes to expressing in the UK. So sad!

[@malloryhoward4855]

Hats off to the exclusive pumpers! For me pumping is such a pain but I do it when away from baby, I know people cast judgement sometimes but I don’t get it. You ladies work to get the nourishment your baby needs! I applaud your efforts! way to go, keep up the fantastic work!

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you!!💕

[@raisingthemsimply]

Love what you said about your definition of breast feeding. We didn’t know until he was 7 months old my son had a tongue and lip tie. We noticed when I stayed home more with him and didn’t pump (because I was with him and I would always feed him from my breast if I was with him). My supply tanked and power pumping or pumping more often left my nipples purple it was so painful. Thankfully because of some AWESOME mommas my son got breast milk until he was 1 year old! We all are making milk (no matter how small) but it was stressful. I would still comfort nurse until we was 9 months old but I felt such sadness when he “forgot” how to breastfeed and wouldn’t comfort nurse anymore. But I stressed so much and it affected my mental health and my marriage. I am so thankful for those moms that donated and I wish there was more support out there.

[@MommaAlia]

You’re a badass momma!💕

[@amandajones8514]

Also i worship pumping moms cause they do all those psrt changes and making sure the pump bag is stocked for the day and actually sitting down and pumping. And thats on top of looking after a baby/toddler. Its not easy, neither is nursing, so i think they have their own challenges that come with them. Pump moms "took it easy" nursing moms get the "omg whynis she nursing in my presence"

[@MommaAlia]

I definitely agree! No matter what kind of journey a mom may have breastfeeding, it's all difficult in one way or another!

[@mackinseyrussell7271]

Currently tearing up in the NICU. I planned to breastfeed my entire pregnancy no doubt about it. I had no idea that when I had a c section at 30 weeks due to pre eclampsia that it entailed having to breast pump in order for him to get my milk/keep my supply. We’re going on week 5 in the NICU and the more he gains the less I can keep up. All I can say is I’m extremely grateful for women who donate milk as he was on human milk for his first month of life when my body just wasn’t quite ready to make it. I ended up needing blood transfusions and needing blood pressure meds and I’ve had countless doctors tell me not to be so hard on myself that my body isn’t producing but I keep on pumping damn it every two to three hours with the hopes of increasing so that I’m able to exclusively pump when he comes home or potentially breastfeed if I’m able to get my supply up. Thanks for all these supportive videos!

[@MommaAlia]

You’re doing awesome momma!! Pre-eclampsia can actually delay the onset of your milk production. Meaning from the start you’ve had an uphill battle to no fault of your own! It sounds like you’re giving your all and that all any of us can do. I hope everything turns around for you soon! You got this momma💕💕

[@christinahughes7393]

I just found your channel and have binged several videos! I love all of your pumping advice. I'm a working mom and pump several times a day. I also have a baby that was born 4 weeks early with a birth Down Syndrome diagnosis and she spent 14 days in the NICU. Pumping was the only way I could provide for her for 3 months! I couldn't get her to latch until she was about that old. I finally got her to and was thrilled because PUMPING ISN'T EASY!! It's so, so hard!! I had clogged ducts ever 3 days or so and my 8-10 pumps a day ran my life! I commend you for being able to exclusively pump for both girls for so long. I continue to wake up in the middle of the night to pump for my 7 month old girl since she sleeps through the night and I pump 3-4 times at work. She nurses twice a day M-F and exclusively on the weekends. So, I've experienced both sides and totally agree with all of your statements! Thanks for sharing so much for mommas going through the trenches! Again, it isn't easy, but your advice can certainly help ease anxiety.

[@MommaAlia]

Way to go momma!! 7 months is so amazing! Keep up the hard work🎉💕

[@victoria.galvin]

This is so helpful and encouraging. I’m a month in with my son. He wouldn’t latch and I have a low supply, so I’ve been pumping. I’ve felt judged for my decision, which was not an easy one. Fortunately there are resources like your channel that are so helpful. 💚

[@emmap1458]

I’m in UK and exclusively pumping is not a common thing here at all ! I’m only person I know who’s even tried it and I get a lot of these ! Even my GP and health visitor told me it wasn’t possible to do it - I’m 3 months in and it’s getting much easier now than at the start. Wish more UK mums realised this was an option - I’ve had to come to USA videos for any kind of advice as there is literally none here at all ! Just wanted to say thank you because your videos have given me the info to allow me to breast feed my child.

[@nawalbintiyusuf42]

Thank you for saying that exclusively pumping is not an easy decision 🥺👍👍👍there's a lot of misconception about it

[@MommaAlia]

So many momma! You’re not alone!💕

[@bobbiutley2525]

Thanks for making this video! I EP for a year and it was so hard to find resources and support. I heard all these misconceptions and since I was so new to pumping it was really discouraging, especially being made to feel like I wasn't really breastfeeding since I was pumping.

[@MommaAlia]

You definitely are breastfeeding momma! It's a shame that we have to go through hearing these things but I feel like it does make us stronger to help other new EP mommas get through it a little easier and with more support!

[@mama2four105]

This is why you are such an amazing resource to breastfeeding/exclusive pumping mom's. I've never had an easy nursing (those moms who can nurse on each side for 7 minutes and their babies gain like crazy). My oldest had trouble with her latch, and the lactation consultant at the hospital was so anti bottle, I didn't feel comfortable going to her meetings after I was discharged. I had a baby, who when hungry, would scream her head off. I tried to nurse and supplement with formula (I hadn't learned about supplementing with pumped breastmilk). I exclusively pumped for my second because she had a latch problem (in hindsight I think she had a lip tie), so she didn't gain (or lose) any weight during her first month. I wanted to succeed with giving her breastmilk, so I researched until I found exclusive pumping, and I did that until she was just about a year old. I was hoping things would be easy with my third (she's about a month younger than Remi), and I could just nurse (pumping only on the rare occasion my husband and I went out). Well, my third was born at 36 weeks via repeat c section because of my preeclampsia. She had to go on cpap right away because of her breathing, I didn't even get to hold her for the first 36 hours because of it. By that point, I'd been subscribed to your channel for a while and I had brought all of my exclusive pumping supplies to the hospital (just in case). I've never been more grateful to be prepared. I had the nurse bring me the medela symphony to recovery, and I pumped within an hour or so of getting out of surgery. Those first few days were hard, working so hard for milk that hadn't come in yet, but it was so worth it. Even once my daughter came off cpap, she couldn't nurse right away. It was during that time, I made the decision (with my husband) that I was going to exclusively pump again. He was my biggest cheering section & bottle/pump part washer 😊. My daughter had to stay for a few days after me, and I was thankful I could exclusively pump so she could have breast milk during her hospital stay. I'm pregnant with our 4th baby, and I honestly don't know whether to exclusively pump again or try exclusive nursing. For me, I know I can't really make that decision until the baby is here.

[@MommaAlia]

What a badass you are momma! Seriously! I'm sorry you had that bad run-in during your first journey, unfortunately that happens too often. It's not helpful to anyone to pretend that they're aren't problems and other options available. In the courses I took, thankfully they were very pro-momma/baby with the first goal always being to take care of them first and secondary to have the baby recieve breast milk (no matter what way). You've grown so much and come so far all by teaching yourself. That's something to have a ton of pride in! I know every pregnancy, birth, and baby are all different along with breastfeeding journeys but it sounds to me like you'll be able to handle whatever. There's definitely gonna be rough patches (no matter how easily breastfeeding may or may not come) but you'll find what works best for your family! Have faith in that and your abilities as mothers. You've done so amazing and I hope this time around, it goes smoothly for you!

[@amandatran2879]

I really love what you said about Baby bonding. I totally agree with you! Thanks for ur video!

[@MommaAlia]

Of course!!💕

[@dauzen3]

This video was SUCH A BLESSING to me as an exclusively pumping momma! Xoxoxo

[@MommaAlia]

So happy to hear that

[@mommamakes2105]

Thank you so much for these videos! I’ve been EP for my 3 week old son since birth as I have a low supply. Your videos have really helped me!

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help momma!💕

[@homeschoolwithnanay6839]

I have a 2month old baby that i used to exclusively breastfeed, however I needed to get back to work so I introduced him to the bottle. Had I not seen your videos, I wouldn't have thought that exclusive pumping would work. However right now, I am struggling with breastmilk output. I pump 8 times a day sometimes round the clock but I only get less than 2oz per pump BOTH BOOB. I tried oatmeal, fenugreek, moringa capsules, pink stork tea and I drink at least 2 liters of water but my boobs still feel empty 😥 your videos keep me going, I know it's a struggle but you are an inspiration!

[@MommaAlia]

Aw hang in there momma! It sounds like you’re trying your hardest! Maybe look into flange size, pump for 10-15 minutes past empty, make sure your suction is strong enough to draw out milk but not painful and even power pump occasionally. I’m sorry you’re struggling with your supply, I know it can’t be easy! Keep up the hard work momma💕💕

[@Cookah14]

I’ve been exclusively pumping for a little over 4 months now!

[@MommaAlia]

Congrats momma, that's amazing!!

[@jadastoyscorner2867]

Congratulations makes two of us!

[@curlytopkatherine6618]

Yes!!! A Thousand times over yes!! I was sitting here nodding my head and saying “exactly!” Out loud over and over like I was sitting in the amen corner. 😂😂 thank you so much for making this video! I may be weaned now, but my 5 months straight of exclusive pumping wasn’t for nothing! my boy was breastfed as much as any other exclusively breastfed baby! Even if my ladies did decide that 5 months was all they were doing! 😂

[@MommaAlia]

Hahahah, I had to after my own experiences and reading about so many more! Yes, you're exactly right momma! 5 months is amazing and you should be proud of every second!

[@curlytopkatherine6618]

Momma Alia yessss!! I most definitely am!! And I’d do it all over again! ❤️

[@AmyJackson18]

I've been watching your vidoes for awhile now & just wanted to say I love them all! :)

[@MommaAlia]

Aw thank you so much momma! You're support means so much!(:

[@krystallogan9620]

I love this video. I have 3 kids and I want to exclusively pump and every one give me a hard time. That is why I want to become a LC so I can help women in the same situation

[@MommaAlia]

Do it momma, the more of us helping and raising awareness, the better!!

[@annah4973]

Hey mama! I was just curious really, can you please talk about your experience being an oversupplier then becoming an undersupplier and just how you were able to bounce back to where you were before weaning. I'd really like to make it to 1year with my 1st baby and just want to hear that this does happen and there is a silver lining.

[@MommaAlia]

Absolutely, I can! I'm sitting here wondering why I never talked you guys in depth about this! Definitely long over due!

[@Newflower384]

You are absolutely correct. With each of my kids breastfeeding was different. And I can say, I had never thought I would ever have to exclusively pump for my baby. I went into this wanting to nurse and only pump when needed. But when I realized my baby was never satisfied no matter how long he was on the breast I decided to pump just to see how much I have and I have to say I was devastated. I was only able to pump 1 ounce total and that was when my milk supply came in and after my milk ducts got clogged. After trying time and time again he was still.not satisfied and me and my husband discussed the situation and decided exclusively pumping was the correct way to go. That way we know how much we are giving and I can work on getti g my supply up and eventually if I produce the amount needed if I wanted to relatch him on I can if not it's ok I can just keep pumping for him. He is 8 weeks today and since I been working real hard on my supply, it has gone up and now I can pump 3oz total every 2 hours and sometimes even 4 ounces. People look down on it and I even a lady at wic tell me that he would get double the milk I pump if I nurse. But like I said, if that's true why is he never satisfied and always hungry. So thank you for these videos. It gives us EP moms so much support.

[@MommaAlia]

I’m sorry she was unsupportive momma! Most are just uneducated on the subject and don’t mean harm. But I know how hard it is to hear regardless. I’m happy they could help momma💕💕

[@MommaAlia]

I’m sorry she was unsupportive momma! Most are just uneducated on the subject and don’t mean harm. But I know how hard it is to hear regardless. I’m happy they could help momma💕💕

[@arimota1989]

thank you for your videos ! so much information!

[@MommaAlia]

Happy to help!

[@tommyegirl]

Number 5! Preach it!

[@MommaAlia]

Always!!

[@KimberlyAnn]

I am hoping to pump exclusively after a surrogate pregnancy I am hoping to achieve and help another family.

[@MommaAlia]

That's so amazing of you!!

[@KimberlyAnn]

Momma Alia thank you!

[@comedyLover30]

I LOVE THIS LADY. I PLAN TO PUMP EXCLUSIVELY. I just have a few issues like when the kid tries to get the breast themselves. HATE ME IF YOU WANT.

[@MrMtlor0504]

Hello momma Alia! I had a question for you, I EP'd for my youngest a while back and will be having another one due in July. I plan to EP again but will have to return to work after 6 weeks. I only did it before for 6 months and stopped once I started working. I do think I'd be more successful this time for a longer period of time if it was easier to thaw the milk and have it ready once baby is crying since it's harder on my husband. Will I be able to thaw multiple bags of frozen breastmilk and combine it into a container for the whole day so that when baby is hungry, daddy can just pour however much he needs from the container? Kind of like how you buy a gallon of milk from the store. Of course, I'd discard what's left and start a new container of breastmilk each day. Any suggestion would help! I just found daddy supplemented with formula a lot the last time because we didn't really have a thawing system down and it was a hassle!

[@MommaAlia]

You can do that just thaw them in the refrigerator and use it within the 24 hour time frame. You can do milk baths when any you have left over! You would need to be about 2 days ahead with your supply to pull that off, just to let you know. But that's definitely a system that some women use and love!

[@0625harmony]

Hello first let me say you are great and I really love the quality of your videos. I have a 6 yr old that I nursed for 22 months we are trying for number 2 but I had WLS in 2016 and my worry is that I won’t be able to eat enough calories to EBF number 2. The first time around was great after we took care of the tongue tie but I was able to eat 8X more food then I can today I’m lucky to get 700 Cal in on a good day. Do you know anyone who was successful after WLS?

[@MommaAlia]

Thank you so much momma! I will say that while I don't know anyone personally that has had WLS and breastfed, I know that it doesn't automatically rule you out to be able to breastfeed. I would try to meet with a lactation consultant or IBCLC while pregnant and go over your history so you guys can come up with a plan. It's crucial that you maintain the nutritional needs for yourself along with what breastfeeding demands so having an LC that's close to you and able to help you achieve that will be key. I know my courses did recommend to have your vitamin and mineral levels (specifically B12, folate, calcium, vit D, vit A, and iron) tested to make sure there aren't any deficiencies and so you can supplement for them if there are. It's definitely possible though momma!

[@0625harmony]

Momma Alia thank you so much, I get vitamins checks every year and I take supplements my dietitian told me to start taking a pre natal instead of a multi to get the folic acid. My LC from the first time around moved out of state but I’ll go to LL meetings again once I get to 20 weeks.

[@amandajones8514]

Pumping i found harder than nursing, i also wasnt prepared to be a ep mom so i ended uo not pumping for long. It was easy to just pop my daughter on the breast but at 3months she refused to nurse anymore so i tried pumping but i was a young mom who didnt know alot about pumping. Im currently 32 weeks with #2 and ive watched and rewatched your videos in preparation on if hes like his sister and decides not to latch. Also i have sensory processing disorder so i cant aways handle the long nursing times a baby wants to go, my daughter was a lazy 30min eater then would just suckle and that would bring me to tears cause i would be overwhelmed by her stimulating my breast so the pump actually didnt over stimulate me like she would.

[@MommaAlia]

I hope everything works out for you momma! The best decision is always what's best for your family!!

[@LyNguyen-lv8du]

Hi I’m new to exclusivesly pumping with my first child we been having a hard time to heat up the breast milk faster from refrigerated is there any method to heat up faster like leave it out for an hour before feeding time how do you heat up my newborn cry for hunger and I can’t get the milk fast enough for her?

[@MommaAlia]

You can leave out a freshly pumped bottle for around 3-4 hours at room temp. And you try to align your pump times with a half hour before baby feeds typically. Then you can just leave it out and no heating necessary!

[@shamoliafroz7254]

Hi.My baby is 3 weeks old & she can't latch properly as she remains hungry.So I started pumping & feed her with bottle.Is there any chance to reduce my milk production due to pumping at a certain period of time???

[@MommaAlia]

Hey momma! There’s a chance your milk supply would drop if you aren’t keeping the schedule or pumping as you should be but exclusively pumping itself will not cause low supply. I have a whole playlist series about exclusively pumping. I should have linked it in the drop box of this video. There’s a lot of helpful videos!

[@tameralynn7304]

I believe you said that you had recently stopped pumping for the girls. Does that mean they are on something other than breast milk? My baby is two and I'm trying to figure out a good milk that isn't cow's. If you have any advice I'd greatly appreciate it

[@MommaAlia]

Both my girls drink almond milk