(XP) Pumping at Work/LO daycare intake question

lady dixneuf · May 2013

(XP to breastfeeding too) Pumping at Work/LO daycare intake question

hi all,

I work full time and my son is EBF. We've begun solids now and even though he's not eating much at daycare he's refusing bottles. There is a significant dip in what he takes every day- he went from 18-20 oz during the day to now more like 10 -12 oz.

A few questions:

1. is this the normal thing as he gets distracted, more interested in solids, etc.?

2. should I drop a pumping session? I am dumping out unused milk left and right, it's a bummer. I already have like 200 oz in my freezer so I really would rather not freeze more.

I have been considering switching to formula because pumping is becoming increasingly burdensome at work

thanks!

QueSrah · May 2013

My kid has always been milk-focused, and I always had issues meeting her demand while BFing, so I've never quite been in your situation. But if you have all kinds of extra milk to the point that you're dumping it and pumping is becoming truly burdensome, I'd drop a pumping session in a heartbeat. Could you still manage to pump once or twice at work just to get the 10-12 oz. he seems to want?

lady dixneuf · May 2013

PrivacyWanted:
It's normal for intake to drop a bit after solids. 18oz is a lot, and 1215 is more typical. He may just be recognizing he doesn't need as much. With the size of your stash I'd drop a session of pumping

thanks. It's very possible we started daycare during a growth spurt and what I assumed was normal intake was actually way more than he really needs.

QueSrah · May 2013

Or maybe he was comfort eating when he first started daycare and now dropped down to his new normal?

It would be so much easier if these babies could just use their words and tell us what their deal is

aglenn · May 2013

My kids didn't start dropping bottles for solids until closer to 10 months, but my DD hated bottles in the first place and 12 oz was a good day for her. DS usually took 16 oz when he was your LO's age. He could also be teething, which can mess with eating patterns for a while.

As far as dropping pumping sessions, that is up to you. If you are ready to start cutting back and possibly switching to formula, sure. You might be able to still pump the same amount with one less session anyway; some do. Good luck!

DallasLonghorn97 · May 2013

3 kids and 50 months of BF under my belt and my experience is yes...it is normal and no do not drop a pumping session yet. I would freeze any extra milk and add it to your stash. Continue to nurse on demand when you are together.