EPers...supply question

Accounting Chick

Hi ladies,

My LO is just over 2 weeks old.  I've been pumping from the start as he never wanted to latch (never wanted to work for his food!).  I'm currently pumping at every feed (he eats every 4 oz every 4 hours - I know they say you should feed every 2.5-3 hours, but the hospital started us on 4 hours and he's just kept at it...he's gaining weight like a champ, and definitely pees and poops like he needs to!).

Currently, I'm pumping on average, 7 - 9 oz every pump.  Obviously this is more than he's eating, so I've been freezing (already have over 100 oz in the freezer!).  However, I don't really need that big of a stash - I'm on mat leave for a year.  It just seems like a bit of a waste as I don't know if I will ever use that milk (and we don't have freezer space for much more!).  Am I just an over producer?  Is this type of output normal?  What would you ladies recommend?  The last thing that I want to do is screw with my supply so that I'm not pumping enough. 

Thanks!

tokenhoser

It's normal to have an oversupply in the beginning. That tends to decrease with time... so unfortunately anything you do to decrease your supply now might set you up to not have enough later.

If you happen to be near Vancouver, there's a milk bank there that takes donations. If not, search for "Human Milk 4 Human Babies" + your city on Facebook if you'd consider donating directly to another mother near you.

I'd also urge you to work with an LC or LLL to get the baby on the boob, but that is obviously up to you. It's just so much less complicated later on to be able to feed directly. It's not too late to try to get back on the breast if you so choose.

vintagemommy

I would keep freezing it because you never know when your supply might change, when you may get sick and need antibiotics.  If you have milk that will go bad, then you could give it away before that time. Also, the more you have stored up, the sooner you can quit pumping.  I've been pumping 7.5 months and I have over 1200oz in the freezer. So I can quit pumping over a month before she turns 1.

BeetleLinz1125

vintagemommy:

I would keep freezing it because you never know when your supply might change, when you may get sick and need antibiotics.  If you have milk that will go bad, then you could give it away before that time. Also, the more you have stored up, the sooner you can quit pumping.  I've been pumping 7.5 months and I have over 1200oz in the freezer. So I can quit pumping over a month before she turns 1.

Agree!!! Just keep stashing it.  I started with an amazing supply, and now I am struggling because I first got mastitis, then had to get an MRI for my migraines and they didn't tell me I couldn't nurse beforehand after they injected the dye, and I ended up pumping & dumping for 24 hours.  I was so sad.  Your supply will regulate soon and you will possibly see a drop...which is Ok considering how you are producing.  But I agree, finding a place to donate is a good idea.  You might even consider dropping a pumping session.   

MesmrEwe

Keep pumping and storing as within a few months your LO will drink that much at each feeding.  I know it's hard to imagine, but it will happen soon!