2.5 Month Old and Pumping

[Veals_Family]

I pumped for the whole first yr for my DD. <She has reflux and with my killer let down she would choke> I pumped when I took my DD4 to Disneyland....DDinfant was only 9 months old....I was STILL having to pump every 3-4 hrs. UGH! But it really was ok. I went to the Baby station, and was able to plug in my MPIS. They were wonderful. I was even able to store my pump at the first aid station....I just had to take my little cooler and milk with me.

I really wish I was able to BF her....but it just wasn't the best....if you are able to....do it. It's WONDERFUL....and oh so convenient!

 

[Cassander]

I both nursed my 7 month old and pumped when I was in my conference last October. The pumping was easy at that point because I had being doing it for a while since I was back to work when my son was only 2 months, but it was still easier just to nurse. I have a Medela double-electric pump, and it would still take me 20 minutes or so to complete one "session" once all was said and done (set-up, clean-up). Don't get me wrong - the pump has been a life-saver when I couldn't nurse my son when I was working, but I found nursing about a billion times more convenient, especially when traveling. I was really lucky that he took to nursing easily though. If he hadn't, pumping would've been the best option, and if it was all that I did, I know it would be easier just because it becomes routine.

I know it must seem confusing now since it is all unknown, but by that time you will be a pro and know exactly what to do. Good luck!

 

[NotUrsula]

Just FYI, pumping exclusively tends to be quite difficult, so I feel that I have to warn you that your plans are going to set you up for quite a challenge at a time when you are going to be very tired and hormonal anyway.

Your body depends on skin-to-skin stimulation to start up and effectively maintain the production process, and the mechanical pressure of the pump isn't nearly as effective. As a general rule, a baby can extract 3X the amount of milk as a pump can in the same amount of time. Most people who do exclusive pumping for convenience reasons (as opposed to medical necessity) give up on it fairly quickly, because it's just exhausting. Getting your supply up and going using only a pump usually requires hooking yourself up to it no less often than every 90 minutes for the first month or so, whereas if you both nurse AND pump, pumping 3X daily will usually maintain enough add'l supply to allow you to get out and about without baby quite often after the first four weeks. (It takes that long to get your supply up and steady, and once you do, for the next 2 months or so after that, you will need to either nurse or pump no less often than about once every four hours, or you will become engorged and very uncomfortable.)

I pumped extensively with both my kids because I travel for work, and I have overactive letdown, so I had to "pre-pump" a few times daily for the first few months to prevent them gagging on too much milk. (Also there are nutrition issues with foremilk and hindmilk, but I'll let you look that part up if you're curious.) I'm good at pumping, but I still don't do it in situations where I don't have to, because it's a PITA. I certainly wouldn't do it at WDW unless the baby were not with me.

Also, just FYI, though freshly expressed milk generally does keep for several hours at room temperature as previously mentioned, room temperature should be understood as no more than about 78F. Excessive heat WILL spoil it very quickly. Leaving a bottle exposed to Florida summer heat would speed up spoilage quite a lot. IME (and it's considerable, because of the business travel), that kind of heat will spoil EBM in something around 90 minutes.

Just to be sure that I answer your original question, there are outlets in the baby station nursing rooms in the parks, so it is possible to pump there with no problems.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I pumped for about 2 mo when my DS was too sick as a new born to eat and it was very difficult. I agree to at least try nursing but if that does not work for you ,two thumbs up for getting you child brest milk however you can!!!

 

[Get me to Disney!]

I nursed all four of my kids for one year. I just introduced water down juice at around six months. I loved the convenience. I mean I did it because I knew it was best for baby but it was also really easy. My first child, I would go into a room seperate from everyone else to nurse or evena toilet stall. It was not convenient to have to hide but I was not comfortable enough at that point to do it any other way. I never was able to pump. I don't know why. I just never really made enough milk to pump. It was more painful than anything. When I was on an antibiotic for my last child that I could not nurse while being on, I had to pump out my milk and throw it away. I was basically dried up when the antibiotic was gone but with patience from baby number four, I was able to get her back nursing again. Anyway, if you can pump and it works, give that to your baby - maybe you aren't wanting to actually nurse the baby but do want the baby to have the best, which is your milk. Either way, give it a try and do what's best for you. By the time I had my third child, I was comfortable enough that I would put a light blanket over the baby and myself and feed the baby. So far, no one ever had the gall to say anything to me - boy would they have been sorry lol - and I look at things this way - if you nurse at Disney and someone sees you, you are never going to see any of those people again in your lifetime lol. Good luck. PM me if you have anymore questions and good luck

 

[Bugsmom73]

I would try nursing first. It is going to be hot, breastmilk is going to need to be kept chilled and it would not be worth it to me to have my trip totally dictated by needing to pump. DD never took a bottle. DS did. I also would not try formula new on a trip to disney.

 

[Charitycase20]

I pumped for the whole first yr for my DD. <She has reflux and with my killer let down she would choke> I pumped when I took my DD4 to Disneyland....DDinfant was only 9 months old....I was STILL having to pump every 3-4 hrs. UGH! But it really was ok. I went to the Baby station, and was able to plug in my MPIS. They were wonderful. I was even able to store my pump at the first aid station....I just had to take my little cooler and milk with me.

I really wish I was able to BF her....but it just wasn't the best....if you are able to....do it. It's WONDERFUL....and oh so convenient!

OP - Give it a shot. You'll never know how convenient and relaxing nursing is until you try it. The quoted post above is my best friend and I am in awe of her for pumping over a year for her youngest DD. I hated pumping at work even though I am still nursing my big guy of 2!!

 

[dzorn]

Give it a shot! You may find you like it. I found it much easier to just nurse. It may be difficult at first if you have trouble with the latch on (see a lactation consultant if you do) but once you get the routine down pat it is so much easier than washing bottles. Baby is the ultimate breast pump and you will not get as much milk from pumping as the baby would, so you would have to pump more often than you would normally feed to keep your supply up to actual demand.

Breast milk will stay for quite awhile at room temperature. Our doors in the florida heat is not room temperature. If you are going to introduce formula do it well ahead of the trip to assure baby not have a reaction to it for allergies or constipation. Drink plenty of fluid if it is hot out.

Another plus for breast milk it will not stain the baby clothes or yours when baby spits up like formula.


Congradulations on your upcomming bundle of joy.

Denise in MI

 

[ekatiel]

Another vote for trying nursing. I had to exclusively pump for DS#1 b/c he refused to nurse. I pumped for a year. It was a TOTAL PITA!!!! Like other PP have said, some people can make it work, but pumps are not as efficient as a baby nursing. I was pumping about every two hours in the beginning, and I usually had to pump for between 25-30 minutes . So, that means, pump for 30 minutes, spend 5-10 minutes filling bottles and washing pump parts, spend 10-15 minutes feeding baby, rest for about an hour, and start all over again. I finally started feeding DS while I was pumping to cut down on some of the time.

DS#2 was great nurser, and my experience was SO MUCH easier just nursing. The kid gets hungry, you just whip it out and give him a drink (descretly, of course ). Anyhow, PLEASE try nursing. Pumping exclusively SUCKS (no pun intended )! --Katie

 

[Lily & Giny's Mom]

I know your question was about pumping, and I commend you for providing human milk to your human baby. But if you are not totally adverse to the nursing I agree with the others about how much easier it is to travel with a breast feeding child. Pumping makes thinks harder for you, but breast feeding would actually make your life easier if the child is going to be with you. Also someone else mentioned trying the formula prior to the trip if you really feel you have to use it. Definitely a good idea as you don't know if the child will have an adverse reaction to the formula. Not to push you as I am aware that some people really just aren't comfortable w/ nursing but it is what they are there for. I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

 

[kcmickey]

Lots of good support on breastfeeding from the source and I totally agree! Just wanted to throw out there that on DS's first trip (and other trips after that) at 5 mo. old he nursed on lots of rides and anywhere in the park. It doesn't get any more convenient than that. Plus, since it was hot, I knew that way he was staying hydrated by nursing a little more frequently. It was perfect and I would do it again for sure! Enjoy!

 

[annette20071]

I haven't read all of the posts. I was also unclear whether you nurse or are pumping full time. I think the biggest concern is pumping or nursing regularly to keep your supply up while you are on vacation. Any formula you use will hurt your supply (the whole supply/demand thing!).

The disney parks have family areas. I forget what they are called. I know the one at Magic Kingdom is on mainstreet (towards the castle). So it is not hard to get there from most parts of the park. They have areas for pumping which are private, chairs for nursing, and a diaper changing area and small kitchen area. So, you might want to make use of this if you are not comfortable nursing in public. But, you might also start trying to nurse in public beforehand. It will get easier the more you do it. Babies usually cover everything or, if you are more comfy, there are nursing covers and nursing slings. Nursing is a lot easier than pumping and taking care of all the bottles (I know from experience - I did not like to nurse in public so pumped frequently ). You might check out kellymom.com which has a lot of useful info on nursing and pumping. Also, like one of the other posters said, bm lasts for several hours without refrigeration. Kellymom has all that info too. Have fun.

 

[Syrreal]

Took DS for the 1st time to Disney just before he hit 3 months old. I did a mix of nursing, pumping, and formula feeding. I had to start supplementing when he was about a month and a half old due to supply issues (he didn't even get back up to birth weight until after he was a month old and it was not for lack of trying). Mine are apparently just meant for fun


Anyway, it was all actually really easy. I also used the Medela pump in style. I cannot say enough great things about that pump! I didn't use it at all in the parks though. I just either nursed or he got a bottle. I used the powder formula. If you heat up the bottles, you can just ask any food service location for hot water (will be very hot) and just mix it with room temperature or cold water. You say that you will be going in Sept, it will still be really hot, so you could conceivably just leave a water bottle in the stroller (in the shady part of the stroller since I think that direct sunlight will make it too hot) and let nature warm up the water too. I would pump in the morning and then when we returned to the hotel.
If you do decide to pump at the parks, the baby stations are the most comfortable place to do so. Otherwise I think you'll mainly be left with restrooms IIRC. Nursing you can do pretty much anywhere but there is a lot less hiding to the sucking noice of the pump and, at least for me, a lot more manual manipulation.

Taking bottles and formula really didn't take up much more room. You're already carrying so much stuff! I think I only took 2 bottles with me and cleaned them in between feedings. I may have even just taken one. I also would separate formula for the day into a smaller container (usually one of the bottles that came with the pump) so that I didn't have to take the whole can. I just threw the little scoop in there too).

Whatever you decide to do, you'll be fine. We all just try to do the best we can. Sometimes it goes right along with our plans, but most of the time we end up flying by the seat of our pants. All in all, it's a fun ride

 

[tessa67]

I could not imagine dealing with pumping (and all the related washing of parts, bottles, etc, hauling equipment, finding privacy and outlets) when I could nurse. I did both (dd was a premie and couldn't nurse until she was full term) and nursing was pure joy compared to pumping and bottlefeeding. Especially when I realized I could lay down and sleep while she nursed.

 

[Syrreal]

Especially when I realized I could lay down and sleep while she nursed.

I wish I had been able to do that! Although I will say that there were times I even fell asleep while singing to him in the rocker.

Now, I know that it's probably because of all the issues I had, but I pretty much quit bfing every single night. Even with the help of pumping and the formula, (and LCs, herbs, dark beer, insert supply fixer here) it just wasn't really working overall. Then every morning I would decide to give it another try.

I don't know how convenient it would be to take an electric/battery pump around all day, but it's probably not that difficult.

 

[kittycat9]

I've done all 3 - pumped for a micro preemie 7.5mo until my supply dried up, then formula fed him with much guilt because the formula caused him harm (literally, and he has a feeding tube to this day because of it - he's 6yo). Nursed my second and at 5mo pumped exclusively for him until 15mo due to feeding issues we had w/him. I'd taking nursing over all 3, hands down. It also does wonders for postpartum recovery as well.

Anyway - just another thought on your plan. I don't think it will be realistic to wait 6hrs in between pumping. Especially in FL heat. The heat will increase your need to letdown. You will be miserable. And at 2.5mo, your body will still be in response mode to things like the baby crying. Your going to need to pump every 3hrs. Disney has wonderful family centers where you can set up, and when I was there last year (Spring Break) they were never very busy. They also have park benches positioned for privacy if you'd like to nurse in public, discretely.

 

[piratejill]

I pumped exclusively for my first child and nursed exclusively for my 2nd. Nursing is totally the way to go! Like you, with my first, I really didn't know if I would feel comfortable with nursing. Unfortunately he wouldn't latch at all, so I had to pump and it was really a pain. Its so much easier to nurse especially while travelling. I took my 2 month old to WDW and just nursed him whereever. Get one of those nursing coverups and you would feel very comfortable. Even when I didn't use a coverup (it got so hot, I hated to have him under a blanket), I dont' think really anyone noticed.

 

[callieriggs]

I took my 2nd daughter to Disney when she was 3 mo old. I nursed both my girls for the 1st year and nursing at Disney was the best way to go. There are LOTS of quiet places to sit. You can always find and out of the way spot and just nurse. My 2nd nursed practically every hour and if I had to go to a designated spot evey time I would never have enjoyed disney. You can nurse on some rides and I did but it typically isn't necessary. I would say it was super convienent to nurse and the bond with the baby is the best. We were even at the campground in a pop up with no fridge so even though we were roughing it it worked out great.

 

[MommyBell08]

Lots of good support on breastfeeding from the source and I totally agree! Just wanted to throw out there that on DS's first trip (and other trips after that) at 5 mo. old he nursed on lots of rides and anywhere in the park. It doesn't get any more convenient than that. Plus, since it was hot, I knew that way he was staying hydrated by nursing a little more frequently. It was perfect and I would do it again for sure! Enjoy!

Yep, I was going to say the same thing... there ares so many places to nurse at Disney and for me it was easier than a day out to lunch and to the mall. Almost every ride is dark and perfect for nursing. I took my DS when he was just under a year and was still nursing and it was great. I think that is sooo much easier than messing with bottles and coolers and temperature. It was way easier for me and so much less work...I think pumping is such a pain! Then maybe u dont have to give formula at all. (if you're doing it just because of the trip) I never did! Good luck have a wonderful trip!

 

[Maleficent&Goons]

I didn't read everything either but my daughter is 10 weeks now. Just a little background info: I had a breast reduction about 5 years ago. My supply isn't great and so I have to supplement. I was told to pump every 2-4 hours to keep the my supply up.
She eats about 4oz 8 times a day. To me it would be easier to pump/freeze and bring a long a small hand pump to the parks to keep your supply up and to use. To me pumping makes things speedy. If I give my DD a bottle she drinks and is done in about 5 to 10 minutes. When I give her the breast she tends to take longer to eat almost 20.
I love breastfeeding but I'm still uncomfortable about exposing myself to the public eye even though I'm not doing anything abnormal. Plus I feel like it's our special time and I don't think I could relax and enjoy it in the middle of Magic Kingdom with a ton of people around.