I went back to work three weeks ago. I have noticed a steasy decrease in my supply. As I have ruled out everything else I believe it might be the pump. What pumps are other moms using and how often do you pump?
I have the madela freestyle and it sucks! I have been renting a symphony for the last 3 months as I exclusively pump. I have been lugging the big ol thing to work! It's so worth it to me to get the milk out and not be engourged all day
This is my first day back to work but I've been using the Medela PIS advanced which helped kept my supply going until LO could latch properly at 6 weeks.
I use the Medela Freestyle and pump 3 times a day. Actually, though, that is not enough to keep up with the milk I need to send to daycare. I have to pump at least once on the weekend and use some of my freezer stash. It might not be your pump, it's just the reality of working and pumping.
The same thing happened to me when my first was a baby, and I ended up having to supplement with formula starting at 9 months. It will probably be even earlier this time because I just don't have the time to pump extra with 2 kids now.
Sometimes I get more if I pump one side at a time instead of both together. Maybe try that and see how it goes.
I used the Medela Symphony for the first 8 weeks and then bought the Spectra S1. It is better than the Symphony. Check out the ratings on baby gear lab and Amazon...
Re: Best pump for full time work
I also have the Medela PISA and dislike it.