encouragement needed

J234

Hi There,

I am so tired of pumping at work and am seriously considering quitting, except that I love nursing LO at home.  It's been 3 months and it's not easier.  

LO takes 12-16 oz at daycare and I only pump 6-8 per day.  I'm working on increasing my supply still, but I feel like it's pointless some days.   Please tell me it's worth it...  What keeps you going?  Thanks for the support.   

 

downtown80

It is worth it!!!!  You can absolutely do it.  Hang in there!  I am sure that we all have good days and bad days - at least I do.

For me, I hit my low point around the five month mark.  DD was taking about 20oz at daycare; I couldn't keep up and was using up my freezer stash like it was going out of style!  I introduced solids right before she was 6 months, and once they became a regular part of her day she dropped down to 16oz, and now she's down to 12oz.  As DDs intake of solids is increasing, her bottle intake is more in line with what I can pump on a daily basis.

I still don't like pumping, but I don't feel as stressed about it like I once did.  DD will be 9 months old this week.  I know that I have made it a long way, and that I am just a few short months away from making it to my goal (1 year). 

I am looking forward to having my body be "mine" again, but I have to admit that I really love the one on one time that I have had (and continue to have) with my daughter while nursing.  Every time that I nurse her, I am amazed at how much she has grown....and I cannot help be be proud of myself for contributing to that!

PunkyBooster

Try to increase your pump time.

DS self weaned a couple of weeks ago. To say it was a very sad time for me was an understatement. I never expected to go more than a year. Hang in there. Hopefully you'll get through this bump soon!

kmm2150

I am in the exact same boat as you - DD is 3 months this week, takes 12-16 oz unless I pick her up really early or she takes a really long nap, and I am lucky if I can pump 8 oz total at work plus in the morning. I was super stressed about it for awhile and hated that she was getting some formula, and if I knew there was a way to keep nursing at home and not pump at work I would have given up. I guess I've continued in order to keep up my supply. I am fortunate to have my own office so pumping isn't too inconvenient at work.My only advice is to think about what makes you unhappy and figure out what you can do to make that better. Make your peace with some formula and cut back on pumping, whatever it is you need to do so you can enjoy your baby and not be miserable.

FutureMrsWittig

J234:

Hi There,

I am so tired of pumping at work and am seriously considering quitting, except that I love nursing LO at home.  It's been 3 months and it's not easier.  

LO takes 12-16 oz at daycare and I only pump 6-8 per day.  I'm working on increasing my supply still, but I feel like it's pointless some days.   Please tell me it's worth it...  What keeps you going?  Thanks for the support.   

 

You could cut out the pumping at work if you really wanted to and just nurse in the morning and at night.  I've had those thoughts a time or two. 

For me, I'm glad I stuck it out.  I ate lactation cookies, tried fenugreek pills, and started pumping after every nursing session in addition to at work.  It was hard work... but I wouldn't go back for anything.  But this is a personal thing.  If it's just constantly a source of stress and sadness, that's not good for you or baby.

Only you know the best choice for you.  And you'll make the right one.  Have faith in yourself.

J234

Thanks!  I'm trying all that I can... does anyone know of a list of BF benefits?  MAybe I can post that and keep myself motivated...