One scenario in which exclusive pumping may be the only option for breastfeeding is when a woman has been sexually assaulted. This is the case for me, unfortunately. My thoughts of the breast being sexual arent caused by our media’s/society’s obsession with sex, but more or less my own inability to see them otherwise. When I was pregnant I decided early on that I wanted to breastfeed my daughter, but after learning that the sensation can be uncomfortable and almost sexual for some women, I decided that I would try to exclusively pump as an alternative. This way I can cope with the psychological issues I have without worrying about resenting my child or resorting to formula-feeding.

“Evidence suggests that breastfeeding is less stressful to preterm babies than bottle-feeding, and that temperature and oxygen levels also remain more stable throughout breastfeeding. This is partly because a baby who breastfeeds can pace his own feeding, in time and quantity, whereas with bottle-feeding, it is the person giving the feed who may influence the pace, in a number of direct ways (e.g. gently shaking the bottle when the baby stops sucking, or making the hole in the teat bigger). A breastfed baby is held close to his mother’s breast , with its familiar scents, taste and sounds. All of these factors are an advantage for a baby compromised by respiratory or heart problems, and who needs to conserve his energy.”

Since babies aren’t as well oxygenated with bottle-feeding, the baby with a cardiac problem won’t do as well with a bottle. Yes, the milk pours in freely, but there’s considerable stress – and oxygen desaturation – involved in trying to handle it. I’d certainly *start* at breast and see what happened. Start with normal and adjust only as needed.

One baby with a rather serious heart defect was *carried continuously and had continuous access to the breast*, where he could eat small, frequent meals to tolerance. His doctors said they’d never seen a baby with that defect do that well.

I got lucky because there was a close friend of the family who happens to be a lactation consultant came and helped me. She provided the SNS to me for free and helped us through until my son was feeding properly and here I am at 10 monthes still breastfeeding (though he eats other foods now and breast feeds a lot less then at the begginning).

I’m not posting this to make a point or try to make anyone feel bad.

Really the point is is that, I got lucky is all. I never could have afforded the advice of a lactation consultant nor did I know who to ask for help. If our friend hadn’t come in and helped us, I never would have breastfed. I would have pumped and fed my son through a bottle and that’s just how it would have had to be.

I don’t understand the debate and why people attack each other. Some people chose to breastfeed and it works out. Some people choose not to breastfeed and use formula. Some people want to breastfeed and try and for one reason or another it doesn’t work and they either pump or use formula.

The fact is is that we all do what’s best for our own children. There are many different ways to feed a baby and somehow we’ve all survived.

Believe me, I’ve had loads of fun with my 34B’s, but I was so glad to be able to use my breasts for what they were intended – to breastfeed my daughter for one year. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.