WWPALD?: Pumping/Food Supply Question.

attyalice

So as most of you know, I have spent most of my exclusive pumping breastfeeding life as the Super Boob.  As of today, I have 4230 ounces of frozen milk... I accomplished this by renting a hospital grade pump and only using my Medela PIS when we travel/at work.  For the last month I have been pumping 2 times a day... 7a and 8 p... getting about 30 ounces of milk.  This JUST gives me enough to feed Harper (she eats between 25 and 30 ounces a day depending on her mood).

I had always planned to return the hospital grade pump this week... as I have accomplished 6 months of EBF and the expense IS a bit crazy....

Well, this weekend was family vacation in Indianapolis with my sister and her kids, etc. During that time pumping with my PIS my supply dropped and I had to supplement with 2 ::gasp:: cows milk bottles because we were out and I didnt' have any of my frozen stash.

I came home yesterday.  Pumped with my hospital pump and in 24 hours have made over 35 ounces.....

SOOO.  My fear is that using my regular pump I'm going to completely dry up... which I don't want to do (dont mind to give her some frozen, obviously, but am afraid i will lose it and not get it back).... but is paying 60 bucks a month for a hospital pump worth it when I have that much frozen milk.

Gahhhhh.....

MrsPatterson

Um, holyshit first of all.  I am spectacularly jealous that you have been able to get 30 oz from TWO PUMPING SESSIONS.  I had to pump all day with my Medela when I was EPing to get that much.  Girl, if you are planning on having more kids, I say screw renting and just buy a hospital grade pump.  Seriously.  I don't know if that's in your financial reach right now, but damn.  I don't know if my answer is even making sense right now because I'm in total awe of your boobs and pumping capability.  

ETA:  I just looked up how much hospital grade pumps are and they are freaking expensive.  But depending on how long you're planning on BFing your DD, I would say for sure keep renting it.  Your milk won't dry up if you stop renting it and downgrade to your PIS full time, but you will probably have to pump more than twice a day to keep up what you're currently getting from the hospital grade pump.   

Kel&Jay

I agree with Mrs. P.  I don't think you'll dry up.  But you will have to increase the number of pumping sessions you do per day.  And if you hate pumping as much as I do, I'd stick with the hospital grade pump for another few months. 

I'm not sure how long you plan to keep her away from cow's milk, but I did the math and you have almost 5 months worth of frozen BM if she keeps using 30oz a day.  You could rent the pump for 2 more months and start using the frozen stuff and it would carry you through her 1st birthday.

KelleyBean

I just got a Medela PIS and I've noticed my ridiculous supply (8-10 oz per pump) is tanking with the new pump. I think I'm going to have to hook back up to my hospital grade to keep storing milk. I've got about 250oz frozen now and I'd really like to make it a year but good lord I hate the pump! Hang in there mama....you're doing great!