I shall share my experience, Janice, regarding let-down etc. while pumping 
as opposed to breastfeeding.  I do not believe there is any difference in 
the hormonal reactions between the two- I exclusively pumped from the 
birth of my son due to his prematurity and now I'm breastfeeding my 3 
month old so I have both to compare.

The release of oxytocin is largely a conditioned response and I used to 
joke that the cruelty of my situation pumping for my preemie was that I 
did not let down at the sight or sound of my son, but instead at the sight 
and sound of my pump!  Perhaps though this contributed in part to some of 
the difficulties we had when he was able to start breastfeeding attempts.

I would get agitated prior to pumping, knowing that I needed to pump.  And 
I did experience a state of relaxation while pumping (some of the only 
relaxation I experienced that year).  The effects of the hormones are the 
same regardless of what triggered their release.  Some might say that this 
interferes with the bonding experience between mom and babe, but I was 
certainly able to bond in other ways.  

I do think however that for women who come to EPing after efforts to 
breastfeed, the hormone play can be disrupted due to the conditioned 
response set up and this can make EPing difficult for some if they can not 
find a way to "reset" their response.

Sincerely,
Stephanie Casemore

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