Pump to formula

NewFTM21

Hi all-

I have been exclusively pumping for 7 months & my DS has never had formula. I am only pumping 3-4 ounces total (sometimes 6 in the morning) so my supply is lowering and I'm quickly running out of my frozen stash.

Any suggestions on how to increas supply?

I'm starting to face the reality that I might have to give my DS formula. How did you introduce it to your BF babies? Any recommendations on what kind to get?

TIA!

NewFTM21

I pump every 4 hours usually for about 10-15 minutes (nothing comes out after that). I drink often (probably at least 6 cups of water a day as that's all I drink). I've been in this slump for quit some time.. Probably a month or two.. It's been a while since I switched out my membranes. Do you find that helps? Thanks for your reply!!

UberBiz

After about 6-7 months is when I stopped pumping at work. I just couldn't work my schedule (plus I got lazy) to pump more, and before that I wasn't able to keep up with his demand, so the first few feedings of the day were the pumped milk from the day before, and then anything else he needed until I got home was formula (we bought the generic Walmart brand until we got formula added to the WIC checks, and after that got Similac), and that eventually went to all-formula during the day while I was at work, and I continued to nurse him when I was home with him.

I nursed and pumped for my daughter 100%, she never had formula and she didn't totally wean until she was 2 1/2. My son was weaned at about 15 months because of impending baby #3 and being way too uncomfortable to keep up the night-time sessions.

I thought I'd feel guilty for supplementing, but I was still nursing him half the time, so I didn't feel too bad. It doesn't have to be all or nothing, and not having to pump at work saved my sanity.

NewFTM21

Thanks for all the suggestions! I just ordered more membranes and will try that pump schedule today! Wish me luck