Is that 8oz on top of BF? If so that's not bad at all! I'm happy if I average 6oz a day when I don't give bottles and that's been enough to build a decent emergency freezer stash.
I'm unable to pump more due to a very demanding career. I have had supply issues since the beginning. Even when I was pumping 8 times a day, I was only getting about 15 oz. I have tried everything possible to increase supply. I'm not really looking for ways to increase. Just trying to decide if it's worth it for the baby to get those 8 oz. Is it really making a difference?
I'm currently pumping twice a day and only getting 8 oz. Is it worth it to continue?
It's absolutely worth it! Any amount of breastmilk is better than none!
Are you able to nurse LO at all when you're together? How old is your baby? You might seek help from an IBCLC for recommendations to help increase your supply and for help bringing baby back to the breast, if you'd like to nurse him.
5 cycles of "TTC" - 3 intentional, 2 not so intentional. 5 BFPs. My rainbow arrived 10/15/14. TFMC 08.02.13 at 19+ weeks. Everyday I grieve for my little Olive.
As others have said 8 ounces is a lot if you are breastfeeding at the same time. We are EBF and I can pump only one, maybe two ounces in a day in addition to feeding her. So it would take me about a week to pump what you pump in a day! And I still think it's work it.
I EFF and I think 8oz of breast milk a day is worth it if it isn't causing issues for you such as you can't fit it into your work schedule at all, it's too painful, etc. From a nutritional stand point it is good for baby to get some and from a financial stand point it saves you about $8 a day (approximate cost of 8oz of formula). If you find that you can't or don't want to pump, your baby will be fine. It won't make your baby less healthy to exclusively have formula. My boys have formula and they are healthy strong boys.
I think maybe you are hoping everyone will say it's okay to stop. You have to decide what is best for you. With DD1 I decided I was going to provide as much BM as I could for a year while still keeping my sanity. I EPed and did have to supplement some after six months. I definitely think 8 oz provides a decent benefit to you LO, but I also think FF is fine too.
Re: Help! BF advice
If I could I would. But my kid has to have 100% formula.
Are you able to nurse LO at all when you're together? How old is your baby? You might seek help from an IBCLC for recommendations to help increase your supply and for help bringing baby back to the breast, if you'd like to nurse him.
What do you do for a living?
FFS
TFMC 08.02.13 at 19+ weeks. Everyday I grieve for my little Olive.
Incidentally - if my screen name doesn't mean anything to you, it refers to an especially hilarious SNL skit. It will enrich your life. Go watch: