BFing Momma Questions

sfshorter

I'm sure you guys have answered these four thousand times, but I'm having a worry wort week, so I need y'all to tell me what you think.

This is DS's first week at daycare, and I've only been pumping twice during the day at work.  How often are you guys that work pumping, and is your supply staying up?  I would like to pump more, but a) its hard to make time in the middle of work, and b) I just don't ever feel overly engorged anymore.  The second time I pump I'm only getting about 3 ounces out of each, but the first pump I'm getting around 5 - 6 out of each.  

DS slept through the night for the first time last night.  I'm hoping this is the new normal, but again, worried about supply.  I fed him around 8 last night and woke him up at 5 to feed him.  Will my supply level out and be enough during the day even though we aren't feeding at night?  I feel like he would have easily slept another hour or two if I had let him.  

Thanks!!!

kimbo1216

Depending on how long you are gone, I would think you'd need to pump at least 3x. If you are pumping enough to cover what he eats at dc, then I guess your fine. But 9oz does not seem like enough if you are fine all day. But it just depends on your kid.

And don't go by engorgement. You should not often feel engorged this late in the game.

sfshorter

Thanks!

@kimbo1216 - I'm pumping 5 - 6 out of each the first time, so I'm getting anywhere from 15-18 ounces in two pumping sessions.  

I try to feed LO shortly before we leave the house, usually around seven.  He normally has two bottles at daycare before DH picks him up at three, then I normally feed him when I get home sometimes around six.  

I just really want to be able to sleep. I'm so sleep deprived at this point, but nursing is important to me.  

sfshorter

@charlie1178

I don't pump the other side in the morning or evening when I feed ds.  I guess if I start dipping too much I will start that.  I like to leave my pump at work during the week so I don't have to lug it with all the parts and everything back and forth, but I can if I have to.  

I'm taking 9 fenugreek a day right now as well.  

SnoopyLuv

I pump 3x at work. I get 6 oz in the AM and then 3 oz each in the next two sessions. LO takes 12 oz at daycare so I'm right on point.

 I notice a huge dip if I'm not eating enough calories or drinking enough. I try to drink a coffee + 8 oz of water before my AM pump and then try to drink 24 oz before the other two pumps.

SnoopyLuv

So reading the thread it sounds like he's being overfed? An ounce an hour is the general rule, however my LO is gone from 7-5 and takes 12. I wouldn't give any more than 15 for a general 9-10 hour day.

sfshorter

SnoopyLuv said:

So reading the thread it sounds like he's being overfed? An ounce an hour is the general rule, however my LO is gone from 7-5 and takes 12. I wouldn't give any more than 15 for a general 9-10 hour day.

@snoopyluv
He is having a 4 ounce bottle every three to four hours. Two at daycare and one from Dh between 7 am and 6 pm. I don't think this is over feeding. I just freeze what I don't use.

finnybooboo

We take 16oz to daycare every day but she usually only takes 12oz from 3 bottles. I pump 3x's a day, around the same time she's getting her bottles. I usually get the most out of the first pump, usually 5-6oz total, then about 4oz each pump after. I've been pumping enough so far to keep up with her needs. If your system is working for you, then stick to it until (if) you notice a dip in supply.

kimbo1216

If you are pumping enough, you will be fine for a time. Don't be surprised though if you eventually start to drop in production.

When I EP'd I did my pump in the motn. I pumped before bed, first thing AM, and 3-4 times during the day. I had an os even thought I went more than 8 hours each night without pumping. So it is certainly possible to keep up. But I do think I'm the exception and not the rule.

So if I were you, I'd let baby sleep. Keep pumping twice a day. But keep a close eye. If you start to drop, I'd try and add one back in.

sfshorter

kimbo1216 said:

If you are pumping enough, you will be fine for a time. Don't be surprised though if you eventually start to drop in production.

When I EP'd I did my pump in the motn. I pumped before bed, first thing AM, and 3-4 times during the day. I had an os even thought I went more than 8 hours each night without pumping. So it is certainly possible to keep up. But I do think I'm the exception and not the rule.

So if I were you, I'd let baby sleep. Keep pumping twice a day. But keep a close eye. If you start to drop, I'd try and add one back in.

Thanks. I may start pumping the side he doesn't feed from right after he eats, just in case.