No freezer stash - -is this a problem?

SigmundsGirl

My LO is a bit high maintenence and must be held almost constantly. This doesn't allow me to pump during the day. I have 5 bottles in the fridge and DS gets one bottle a day from DH and I pump to replace it. The others are used if I actually get to go out somewhere. I only get to pump to replace these bottles in the morning.

My supply isn't very good, so I worry about pumping too soon to when I feed DS and when is always awake after his feedings (weird I know).

I will go back to work June 1st and I will pump 3 times a day at work. My goal is to breastfeed until DS is 6 months. After that we will start to supplement with formula.

So my question is, do I need a freezer stash?

PAGAS

I would try to build up some stash.  Are you pumping first thing in the morning?  That is the best time to get the most milk, so have your DH give the bottle then and hopefully you will pump more than he eats the next day.

horn_jm@hotmail.com

I think it's probably really helpful to have a freezer stash as back up when you are working full time.  Ideally, you would be able to pump for the next day and keep up with demand, but a lot of moms struggle with this.  Can you pump off one side during the first morning feeding or maybe add a pumping session in between feedings?  Your body should adjust pretty quickly and hopefully make more than he actually needs, so you can build a small stash.

sad5781

Do you have a pump bra so that you can pump hands free? You can't really cuddle LO and pump but you can hold him in your Lap and play with him. I've only been at this for a couple of weeks so no other real advice than what the PP have said.

darva

I don't have an abundant freezer stash.  Like maybe 3/4 bags with 5oz each in them.  That's all.  lol  I hate pumping, so I could never force myself to do it when I was home.  Now everything I pump goes toward the next day and I pump once on the weekend to have some 'extra.'   Some days it's enough, some days it's not (and on those days she gets a bottle of formula).  I just have too much going on to be as diligent as I was with Kaitlyn and giving her only BM.  She's happy, I'm happy... that's all that matters to me. 

readyforbaby

I never had a huge freezer stash but what I did have ran out pretty quickly once I went back to work.  I was able to make it to 5 months before any supplementing though and BF until he was 11 months.  I never had an abundant supply either.  The first 2 feedings of the day I would pump from one side while I fed DS.  It took a little bit of skill but it did help to build up a freezer stash.

SigmundsGirl

I've noticed a dip in my supply over the last two days, so now I am getting worried. I am increasing my water intake and will try to pump at least after two feedings. After the first morning feeding at 7:00, i couldn't even pump an ounce from both breasts combined.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I am going to try them out and see if I can at least have a small stash.