While I agree that breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for your child, I know that it is not the easiest way to feed one. Many pro-breastfeeders will turn their noses down at pumping breastmilk and feeding your baby bottles of it. However, as a pro-breastmilker, let me tell you that HOW you feed your baby is not more important than what you feed your child. Don't get me wrong, some women chose to go with formula, and that is totally OK seeing as how today's formula is better than the formula we were raised on. However, I think if more women knew about exclusively pumping as an option, they would opt to go this route.

I knew early on that I was going to EP. there were several reasons that I chose this method. Before Mya was born, the main reason was so that my husband could share in the feeding duties of our daughter. He works nights and I work days so he would have to be able to feed her when I was not home. EP provided a way for this to happen. Once Mya was born, it became more apparent that EP was for me. She was born 4 weeks early and had to spend her first 8 days in the NICU. I had to have an emergency c-section so my body needed to heal. Trying to breastfeed was almost impossible for two days after her birth. She needed to stay in the isolette and her breathing needed to be regulated. I pumped to bring my milk in and once it did come in, she had to be fed with a tube because her sucking reflex was underdeveloped.

But there are many other reasons to chose EP. Maybe you have to go back to work right away. Or, maybe your baby was labeled "Failure to Thrive" after breastfeeding for several weeks. Maybe the idea of having your baby on your breast makes you feel uneasy. Whatever your reason, if you make the decision to EP, know that you are doing a great thing. Breastfeeding is hard, but EP takes really discipline and a solid commitment. And, it takes time.

What do I need to get started?

(1) A hospital grade electric breast pump. These pumps are designed for marathon pumping. Their motors are strong and they will help you maintain your milk supply. You can rent these pumps from a hospital or a pharmacy. You can buy them, but be forewarned, they are expensive. These are the following types of hospital grade pumps:

Medela (I recommend this brand).

* Classic (very industrial looking and I found that it hurt my nipples)
* Lactina (easy to use, quiet, not too harsh on breast)
* Symphony (my favorite- quite, easy to use, automatic

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